Birgunj Raxaul Nepal India Border Crossing
Border Crossing From Nepal to India by Land
Opening Hours
Standard Hours:
Indian Side (Raxaul): 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Nepalese Side (Birgunj): 4:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
Seasonal Adjustments: No major seasonal adjustments, but monsoon season may cause temporary disruptions
Holiday Closures: Saturday customs operations suspended, causing delays for commercial cargo
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
- Regular passenger traffic: 2-6 hours depending on time of day
- Commercial cargo: 19 hours 57 minutes for customs clearance (both sides)
Peak Times:
- Festival seasons (October-November)
- Saturday (non-working day for customs)
- Early morning hours (6:00-9:00 AM) due to late immigration office opening
Express Options: No fast-track programs available for regular travelers; commercial cargo has expedited humanitarian relief procedures
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available - Modern facilities with Armed Police Force (Nepal) and SSB presence (India)
Customs Processing: Available - Birgunj Customs Office (largest revenue collector in Nepal) and Raxaul Land Customs Station
Health Screening: Not routinely required; COVID-19 measures variable based on health situations
Services: Restrooms, food stalls and restaurants, currency exchange, vehicle parking available
Accessibility: Modern facilities designed for wheelchair access with staff assistance available
Official Resources
Nepal Border Authority:
- Birgunj Customs Office: +977-51-22220, Email: [email protected]
- Immigration Office Birgunj: +977-51-527447
- Website: customs.gov.np
India Border Authority:
- Consulate General of India, Birgunj: +977-51-532244/64
- Website: cgibirgunj.gov.in
- Raxaul Land Port Authority: +91-6255-222-xxx
Travel Advisories:
- US State Department: Nepal - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
- Indian Embassy advisories: indembkathmandu.gov.in
- Nepal Immigration: immigration.gov.np
Overview
The Birgunj Raxaul border crossing stands as the most crucial and busiest gateway between Nepal and India, earning its reputation as the "Gateway of Nepal." This strategic land border connects Birgunj city in Nepal's Parsa district with Raxaul town in India's Bihar state. The crossing serves as the primary commercial lifeline, handling approximately 56% of Nepal's total trade with India and serving as the largest revenue collector for Nepal's customs department. The modern facilities include well-equipped immigration offices on both sides, managed by Nepal's Armed Police Force and India's Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The border features advanced infrastructure with the unique Sirsiya Dry Port - Nepal's only rail-linked dry port - providing direct connectivity to major Indian ports including Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. Recent improvements include extended operating hours implemented in January 2025, benefiting both traders and travelers, particularly those arriving on late-running trains. The crossing processes millions of passengers and substantial cargo volumes daily, making it an essential economic corridor for both nations.
Document Requirements
For International Travellers
- Entering Nepal: Tourist visa required, visa on arrival available at Birgunj Immigration Office
- Online pre-application available for faster processing, payment in USD at border
- Entering India: Valid visa required for most nationalities
- Tourist visa-on-arrival available only for specific countries (Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos) at designated airports only
For Local Citizens
- Entering Nepal: No visa required for Indian citizens
- Valid Indian passport OR original Indian Voter ID card with photograph (issued by Election Commission of India)
- NOT ACCEPTED: Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, downloaded/printed voter ID
- Age Exceptions: Under 15 and over 65 can use photo ID like PAN card or driver's license
- Citizens 15-18 need identity certificate from academic institution principal
- Entering India: No visa required for Nepalese citizens
- Valid identification document required (passport or government-issued ID)
- Exit stamp from Nepal Immigration Office
Crossing Procedure
From Nepal Side
Exit Nepal (Birgunj):
- Approach Nepal Immigration Office with valid identification documents
- Complete exit formalities and receive exit stamp from immigration officer
- Proceed through Nepal customs if carrying goods requiring declaration
- Cross the Nepal-India Friendship Bridge to reach Indian territory
- Walk towards Indian immigration checkpoint area
From India Side
Enter India (Raxaul):
- Approach Indian Immigration Office after crossing the bridge
- Present valid identification documents to Indian immigration officer
- Complete entry formalities and receive entry stamp in passport/documents
- Proceed through Indian customs inspection if carrying dutiable goods
- Exit immigration area to enter Raxaul town and continue journey
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
- Indian vehicles: 24-hour free pass, then NR 565/day fee
- Digital RC verification accepted for Indian tourists
- Maximum 30 days per calendar year stay limit
Goods Allowances: Standard personal allowances apply; commercial cargo requires proper customs documentation
Prohibited Items:
- Nepal import bans: luxury goods including liquor, cigarettes, diamonds, motorcycles above 250cc
- General prohibitions: narcotic drugs, arms and ammunition, wireless communication equipment, beef products
Currency Restrictions: No specific limits for personal amounts; money changers available at border area
Known Issues:
- Monsoon disruptions and seasonal flooding
- Occasional border blockades during political disputes
- Documentation fraud and middlemen exploitation
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in Near Border Nepal:
- Hotel Pujan: 3 km from border, full-service hotel with restaurant
- Hotel Diyalo Lords Plaza: Modern hotel with amenities
- Most hotels located 2-4 km from crossing point
Hotels and Restaurants in Near Border India:
- Hotel Border King: 3-minute walk from railway station
- 105+ restaurants including Bikaner Family Resto, Nepal Momo House, Downtown Pizza
- Most facilities within 1-2 km from border
Better Options Nearby:
- Birgunj city center: 4 km - wider selection of hotels and restaurants
- Raxaul town: 1.5 km - more dining and accommodation options
- Patna, India: 230 km - major city with full range of services
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, we found a mixed sentiment regarding the Birgunj-Raxaul border crossing experience. Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the modern infrastructure and world-class facilities that have significantly improved the crossing experience. Travelers appreciate the helpful and cooperative customs officers who assist with documentation processes, making border formalities relatively smooth for most visitors. The upgraded border area with stadium-like appearance and availability of essential amenities including canteens, toilets, and parking facilities receive consistent praise. However, critical concerns center around extended waiting times, with some travelers reporting delays of several hours during peak periods. High parking fees and what some describe as excessive fee collection remain common complaints. The confusion caused by outdated photographs and information posted online also frustrates visitors. Additionally, occasional bureaucratic delays and inconsistent processing times during busy seasons create inconvenience. Despite these challenges, most reviewers acknowledge the significant improvements in border infrastructure and overall security measures, making it a generally safe and well-maintained crossing point.
Traveler Experiences
"It's a government office, issues the permit for Nepal visit. Some custom checking also done here. Usually not much waiting but sometimes you have to wait for hours." - Shaily
"This ICP Birgunj custom is really secured and protected with world class facilities." - Omprakash
"The border of India and Nepal, where each day millions of passengers and cargo travels. New beautiful facilities available." - Dipendra
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.