Nepal, Bhutan citizens can avail Indian SIM cards: Centre issues new KYC rules

The Centre has introduced amendments to the Know Your Customer (KYC) rules, simplifying the process for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan to acquire SIM cards while visiting India.

The Ministry of Communications, in a statement issued on Monday, said that citizens of Nepal and Bhutan visiting India would be permitted to access SIM cards in the country, given that the individuals provide valid proof of their identity.

“A Citizenship certificate, voter identification card or a limited validity photo-identity certificate issued by the embassy of the respective countries will be accepted as valid proof to avail an Indian SIM,” the ministry statement added.

Following are the documents needed by citizens of Nepal and Bhutan to avail a SIM card in India:

• Nepalese/Bhutanese Citizenship Certificate
• Voter Identification Card issued by the Election Commission of Nepal/Bhutan, or
• Limited validity photo-identity certificate issued by the Nepalese Mission/Royal Bhutanese Mission in India.

However, if a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan enters India from a location other than their origin country, they must provide a copy of their passport along with a valid visa stamp.

“In case of a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan entering into India from a place other than their respective origin countries, then he/she shall have to provide the copy of Passport along with valid visa stamp,” the statement read further.

The government has also specified that the validity of mobile connections issued to citizens of Nepal and Bhutan should not exceed the maximum time permitted for their stay in India or the validity of the visa, whichever is applicable.

Additionally, the validity of such connections will not exceed three months at a time, even if the allowed duration of stay in India or the visa validity extends beyond three months.

International roaming is not permitted on these mobile connections.