Indians, Nepalese Allowed to Carry ₹200 and ₹500 Notes Across Border

Nepal Rastra Bank has permitted Indian and Nepalese citizens to carry Indian currency notes of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations across the India-Nepal border. The permitted notes must have been issued on or after 9 November 2016, the date linked with India’s demonetisation exercise.

Permitted Indian Currency Notes

The rule applies only to Indian currency notes of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations issued on or after 9 November 2016. The maximum limit for carrying these notes into or out of Nepal is ₹25,000 per person.

Restrictions on Older Notes

Indian currency notes of ₹500 and ₹1,000 denominations issued before 9 November 2016 remain prohibited in Nepal. Nepalese citizens can carry Indian currency into Nepal only from India, and they cannot take such currency from Nepal to any third country other than India.

Foreign Currency Rules in Nepal

Nepali citizens and foreign visitors can bring up to USD 5,000, or its equivalent in other foreign currencies, into Nepal without a customs declaration. Amounts above this limit must be declared on arrival under Nepal’s customs rules.

Important Facts for Exams

• Nepal Rastra Bank is the central bank of Nepal and regulates currency-related rules in the country.
• India demonetised ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes on 8 November 2016, and new series notes were introduced after that decision.
• The Nepal Gazette is an official government publication used for legal and administrative notifications in Nepal.
• The India-Nepal border is an open border under long-standing bilateral arrangements, and citizens of both countries often travel without a visa.

Cross-Border Trade and Travel

The new provisions are linked with travel by Indian tourists to Nepal and with trade and business activity involving Nepalese nationals and India. The clarification notice was issued by Nepal Rastra Bank on 23 July 2026 after the rules were first notified in the Nepal Gazette on 11 February 2026.