Nepal, Sept. 4 -- Crossing the open border into India has long been part of everyday life for thousands of Nepalis. From students heading to Indian universities, to families visiting relatives, to traders transporting goods, the movement across the frontier is seamless and deeply woven into the social and economic fabric of the two nations.

Now, the Indian government has moved to formalise this unique cross-border arrangement. Under the newly introduced Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, Nepali and Bhutanese citizens can continue to enter India by simply presenting a valid national identity card-without the need for a passport. In a reciprocal arrangement, Indian citizens can also enter Nepal and Bhutan under the same provision.

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