The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in Bhutan has opened a new immigration terminal at the Gelephu border, allowing eligible Indian and Bhutanese nationals to complete immigration clearance using their registered biometric information. The facility is aimed at making cross-border movement smoother while improving security and record-keeping. Scroll on to know more about this.
How Will The New E-Gate Terminal At India-Bhutan Border Work?
According to NDTV, the new terminal uses biometric technology to verify a traveller’s identity, allowing eligible visitors to pass through immigration without routine manual processing at a counter.
Travellers whose biometrics have already been registered can use the automated gates, while those who have not completed biometric registration will continue to be processed at staffed immigration counters. Regular immigration checks and entry requirements will remain in place.
The terminal was inaugurated by GMC Governor Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, who said the facility would help authorities maintain records of cross-border movement and better monitor people travelling between Gelephu and India.
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Who Can Use The New Immigration Terminal?
The facility currently serves eligible Indian and Bhutanese nationals, subject to the applicable entry requirements.
Facilities for other foreign nationals are expected to be introduced at a later stage in coordination with the relevant Indian authorities. However, a temporary arrangement will allow eligible third-country visitors attending Bhutan’s upcoming event involving 108 Jangchub Chortens to use the terminal between October 24 and November 6, 2026, subject to immigration procedures and clearances.
Travellers should continue to carry the required travel documents and check the latest entry requirements before setting out.
The new terminal comes as Bhutan develops Gelephu Mindfulness City, an ambitious project envisioned as a major centre for business, tourism and sustainable urban development.
India and Bhutan are also working on railway connectivity projects, including the 69-km Kokrajhar-Gelephu line linking Assam with Bhutan and the 20-km Banarhat-Samtse line connecting West Bengal with Bhutan. Together, these proposed railway links are estimated to cost ₹4,033 crore and are expected to support tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
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The new e-gate terminal at India-Bhutan Border is another step towards making travel between the two neighbours more convenient, particularly as cross-border movement grows.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/gmcbhutan
FAQs
Where is the new e-gate immigration terminal located?
The new immigration terminal is located at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), along the India-Bhutan land border.
Who can use the new e-gates at the India-Bhutan border?
Eligible Indian and Bhutanese nationals can use the automated e-gates, subject to applicable entry requirements and biometric registration.
Will travellers need to register their biometrics to use the e-gates?
Yes, travellers need to have their biometrics registered to use the automated gates. Those without registered biometric information can continue to use staffed immigration counters.
