Planning a Nepal ride from Bihar/UP? Here is the 2026 Guide to getting the Nepal Bhansar (Customs Permit) for Indian bikes. Updated fees, documents, and the “Yatayat” rule explained.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Imagine this: You have ridden 200 km from Patna, your bags are packed for Kathmandu, and you are standing at the Raxaul border. The sun is beating down, and the Nepali customs officer shakes his head. “Original RC kahan hai? DigiLocker nahi chalega.” (Where is the original RC? DigiLocker won’t work).
Your trip ends right there.
For bikers in East India (Bihar, Jharkhand, WB), Nepal is the ultimate international road trip. But crossing the border isn’t as simple as just riding through the gate. You need a Temporary Import Permit, locally known as Bhansar.
In 2026, the rules have become stricter. With new digital scanning at major borders like Birgunj and the crackdown on Indian number plates, you cannot afford to be unprepared. This guide covers the exact process, the latest fees, and the “secret” second permit most YouTubers forget to tell you about.
Pre-Ride Checklist: Documents You MUST Carry Nepal Bhansar Guide
Before you even start your bike, ensure you have this physical folder ready. Relying on your phone is a gamble at the border.
| Document | Requirement | Nakli Life Tip |
| Registration Certificate (RC) | ORIGINAL Smart Card | Essential. While Birgunj now has digital scanners, smaller borders (like Bhitthamore) still demand the physical card. |
| Driving License | Original Smart Card | International Driving Permit (IDP) is NOT needed. Your Indian DL is valid. |
| Citizenship Proof | Voter ID or Passport | Avoid Aadhar Card for the vehicle permit. It works for humans, but customs officers often reject it for the bike entry. |
| Pollution (PUC) & Insurance | Valid Printed Copies | Ensure your insurance policy doesn’t explicitly exclude “Geographical Area Extension” (though standard policies work for Bhansar). |
The Process: Step-by-Step at the Border (Raxaul-Birgunj) Nepal Bhansar Guide
This walkthrough is based on the Raxaul-Birgunj border, but the process is similar for Sonauli and Panitanki.
Step 1: The Indian Exit
Ride past the Indian customs post. They rarely stop bikes, but if they do, just show your ID. Cross the “Friendship Bridge” and enter Nepal.
Step 2: Parking (The Chaos Zone)
As soon as you cross the bridge, look for the Customs Office (Bhansar Karyalaya) on your left (in Birgunj).
- Warning: Do not park your bike randomly on the road. Agents will swarm you. Ignore them. Park inside the designated Bhansar parking area or where you see other Indian bikes.
Step 3: The Form (Pragyapan Patra)
Go to the counter and ask for the “Green Form” (or sometimes Pink/Yellow depending on the border).
- Fill it Carefully: You must write your Engine Number and Chassis Number exactly as they appear on your RC. One wrong digit can get your bike seized by police in Kathmandu.
Step 4: Payment (Cash Only)
The officer will verify your Original RC and DL.
- Currency Rule: They accept Nepali Rupees (NPR).
- Pro Tip: Exchange INR to NPR at the Raxaul market before entering Nepal. The exchange rate at the Bhansar counter is often terrible.
The Costs: 2026 Fee Structure Nepal Bhansar Guide
Fees have seen a slight hike in the last fiscal year. Here is what you will pay:
| Vehicle Type | Cost Per Day (NPR) | Cost Per Day (INR Approx) |
| Motorcycle / Scooter | NPR 150 – 200 | ₹95 – ₹125 |
| Car / Jeep / SUV | NPR 500 – 600 | ₹315 – ₹375 |
The “Extra Day” Rule:
If you plan to stay for 4 days, buy the pass for 5 or 6 days.
- Why? If your bike breaks down or you get sick, and your pass expires, the fine is massive (often double the daily rate + police harassment). You cannot extend the Bhansar from inside Nepal easily (except at Kathmandu Airport customs).
The “Secret” Second Permit: Yatayat (Transport Dept)
Most bikers get the Bhansar and ride off to Kathmandu. This is illegal.
The Bhansar only clears you through Customs. To ride on Nepali roads, you theoretically need a Yatayat Anumati (Transport Permit).
- Where to get it: The Transport Management Office (Yatayat Karyalaya) in the nearest town (e.g., inside Birgunj city, 3-4 km from the border).
- Do you really need it?
- Strict Rule: Yes.
- Reality: Traffic police in Kathmandu checks for this often. If you are just riding to the nearest town (like Birgunj market), you can skip it. For long trips (Pokhara/Mustang), get it. It costs minimal (approx NPR 100-200).
Nepal Bhansar Guide Exclusive Tips (2026 Edition)
- The “Green Plate” (EV) Confusion:
- Riding an Ola or Ather to Nepal? As of early 2026, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are not free. You still have to pay the daily Bhansar fee. The “Green Number Plate” helps you skip some pollution checks, but not the customs fee.
- High Security Plates (HSRP):
- Nepal Police is cracking down on fancy/stylish number plates. Ensure your bike has the standard HSRP (High Security Registration Plate). If you have a “stylish” font, you will get fined.
- Timing Matters:
- The Bhansar office is 24×7 in theory, but the Yatayat office closes by 5:00 PM. Plan your entry in the morning (around 9:00 AM) to clear all paperwork by lunch.
Essential Gear List (Affiliate Ready)
1. Safety Gear
- DOT/ECE Certified Full Face Helmet: Don’t compromise here. The highways are fast, and the hills are unpredictable.
- [ Amazon Link for Helmet https://amzn.to/4rcLvZI
- All-Season Riding Jacket with Armor: You need mesh for the Bihar heat, but a liner for when the altitude drops in Nepal.
- [Amazon Link for Riding Jacket Here] https://amzn.to/49ECdQf
- Riding Gloves (Touchscreen Compatible): Essential for navigation without taking gloves off.
- [ Amazon Link for Gloves Here] https://amzn.to/4sYTxqP
2. Bike Accessories & Tech
- Robust Mobile Holder with Charger: Navigation is crucial, and your battery will drain fast.
- [Amazon Link for Mobile Mount Here] https://amzn.to/3Zv61ZB
- Portable Tyre Inflator & Puncture Kit: You will find puncture shops, but being self-reliant on highway stretches is better.
- [ Amazon Link for Puncture Kit Here] https://amzn.to/4k4gEMK
- Bungee Cords/Rok Straps: To securely fasten your luggage to the tail seat.
- [Amazon Link for Luggage Straps Here] https://amzn.to/3LvOhdy
Also go through our motorcycle trip to Nepal : https://naklilife.com/patna-to-nepal-by-bike-road-conditions-permit-guide-2026-update/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use DigiLocker if I forgot my Original RC?
A: Officially, Birgunj customs has started accepting digital verification, but it depends on the officer’s mood and internet connectivity. Do not risk it. A physical smart card is your safest bet.
Q2: Can I enter via smaller borders like Bhitthamore or Janakpur?
A: Yes, but these borders are slower and manual. The Raxaul-Birgunj route is the most streamlined for tourists.
Q3: What if I lose my Bhansar slip?
A: You are in trouble. The police will treat your bike as an illegal import (smuggled). Keep the slip safe in a waterproof bag, and keep a photo of it on your phone.
Ready for the mountains?
Getting the Bhansar is just the first step. Next week, I’ll cover the Best Route from Patna to Kathmandu (avoiding the traffic jams).
Got a question about the border? Drop a comment below and I’ll help you out!