Nepal Seeks India's Approval for National Identity Card as Travel Document

Nepal's Request for NID Recognition

Nepal has formally approached India to accept its National Identity Card (NID) as a legitimate travel document for its citizens entering India. If this request is granted, the NID would complement the existing citizenship certificate and passport for cross-border travel, according to a senior official's statement on Sunday.

The Department of Immigration in Nepal has submitted this proposal to the Indian government through diplomatic channels. Tika Ram Dhakal, a spokesperson, mentioned, "We have already sent the proposal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Home Ministry, and it has been forwarded to the relevant authorities in India." He also noted that discussions are ongoing with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and they are awaiting a formal reply from India.

Implications of Approval

Should the proposal receive approval, the National Identity Card would become the third valid identification for Nepali citizens traveling to India, whether by air or land, in addition to the citizenship certificate and passport. Dhakal expressed optimism that India would respond favorably to Nepal's request soon.

Currently, Nepali citizens traveling to India, especially by air, must present either a citizenship certificate or a passport. Conversely, Indian travelers heading to Nepal by air need to carry a passport or a voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India.

Nepal introduced the National Identity Card nationwide in 2018 as part of its initiative to modernize public administration, making it mandatory for accessing services in government offices and the banking sector.