Kathmandu Requests New Protocol for Nepali National IDs in Cross-Border Air Travel
Nepal has formally approached New Delhi to permit the use of its biometric National Identity Card as a valid travel document for flights to India. The move seeks to streamline transit for Nepali citizens currently required to carry passports or physical citizenship certificates.
Modernizing Identification Standards for Regional Transit
Nepal has initiated diplomatic discussions with India to expand the list of acceptable identification for citizens crossing the border via air. The central focus of these talks involves the biometric National Identity Card (NID), which Kathmandu hopes will eventually replace or supplement traditional documentation for travel to its southern neighbor.
Current Documentation Obstacles
Under the existing regulatory framework, Nepali nationals flying to India encounter specific identification mandates. The following documents are currently the only recognized forms of ID for air travel:
- A valid national passport.
- An original version of the government-issued citizenship certificate.
By integrating the NID into current travel protocols, the Nepali government aims to leverage its new digital identification infrastructure to provide its citizens with more flexible transit options. The proposal now awaits a response from Indian authorities to determine if the newer biometric card meets the security and verification standards required for international border processing.
Source: NDTV — World
