Nepal has requested India to recognise its National Identity Card (NID) as a valid travel document for Nepali citizens. If approved, the biometric National Identity Card will become the third accepted travel document, along with the passport and citizenship certificate, for travel between the two countries.

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• Nepal has requested India to recognise the National Identity Card (NID) as a valid travel document.
• The proposal has been sent to the Government of India through diplomatic channels.
• If approved, the NID will become the third valid travel document for Nepali citizens.
• Currently, Nepali citizens can travel to India using a passport or citizenship certificate.
• The proposed NID is a biometric identity card.
• The Department of Immigration, Nepal initiated the proposal.
• Nepal is awaiting a formal response from the Government of India.
• The NID would be valid for travel to India by both air and land routes.
• India currently requires Nepali citizens travelling by air to carry either a passport or citizenship certificate.
• Indian citizens travelling to Nepal by air must carry either a passport or an Election Commission of India Voter ID.
• Nepal introduced the National Identity Card nationwide in 2018.
• The NID has been made mandatory for accessing government services and banking services in Nepal.
• Nepal plans to gradually replace the traditional citizenship certificate with the biometric National Identity Card.
• India and Nepal share an open border under the 1950 India–Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, allowing visa-free movement of citizens.