Temporary Hatisar Immigration Post Opens Direct Route to Gelephu
India has opened a temporary e-Visa immigration post at Hatisar, providing international visitors with a more direct road route to Gelephu.
International visitors travelling through India can temporarily use the Hatisar border crossing in Assam to reach Gelephu, following its designation as an authorised Indian immigration post for Project 108.
The facility became operational on 24 October 2026. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs notification authorises it to process eligible Bhutanese and third-country nationals until 6 November.
The temporary arrangement gives visitors arriving through Assam a more direct route to Gelephu Mindfulness City. Previously, many foreign travellers entering Bhutan by road had to use immigration posts at other border crossings before continuing to Gelephu.
Hatisar Immigration Arrangement at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Hatisar, near Dadgari in Assam’s Chirang district |
| Bhutanese border town | Gelephu |
| Operating period | 24 October to 6 November 2026 |
| Eligible travellers | Bhutanese and third-country nationals visiting Gelephu Mindfulness City |
| Travel documents | Valid documents required |
| Indian e-Visa | Accepted during the temporary period |
| Main purpose | Facilitating travel for Project 108 |
| Permanent crossing | No, the present arrangement is temporary |
A More Direct Route From Assam
Hatisar lies on the Indian side of the border opposite Gelephu in southern Bhutan.
The new arrangement is particularly useful for international visitors arriving at Guwahati airport before travelling by road through Assam. They can now complete Indian immigration formalities at Hatisar instead of making a lengthy detour to another authorised crossing.
The post includes separate arrival and departure areas, seating and toilets. Additional Indian and Assam state personnel have also been deployed to support immigration and security operations during the event period.
The temporary facility is enabled to process Indian e-Visas. This refers to permission to enter or leave India and does not replace Bhutan’s immigration requirements.
Travellers Still Need Bhutanese Authorisation
Third-country nationals must continue to hold the appropriate Bhutanese visa or entry authorisation before travelling. Indian nationals remain subject to Bhutan’s entry-permit requirements.
Visitors should also carry the documents required for travel through India. An Indian e-Visa or other valid Indian visa does not automatically grant admission to Bhutan.
The temporary Hatisar post handles immigration on the Indian side. Travellers must separately complete Bhutanese immigration procedures after crossing into Gelephu.
Gelephu recently opened a new pedestrian immigration terminal with biometric e-gates. Its automated facilities currently focus on eligible Bhutanese and Indian nationals, while third-country visitors are processed under the temporary event arrangements.
Official Dates End on 6 November
Some local reports have stated that the temporary post will remain open until 7 November. However, India’s formal notification designates Hatisar as an authorised immigration post from 24 October through 6 November.
Travellers should therefore not assume that immigration processing will remain available on 7 November. Those planning to enter or leave through Hatisar near the end of the period should confirm the latest arrangements before departure.
The authorisation is specifically linked to visitors travelling to Gelephu Mindfulness City for the international gathering. It should not be interpreted as the permanent opening of Hatisar to all foreign travellers.
Supporting Travel for Project 108
The post was established to support Project 108, which will complete 108 Jangchub Chortens along the Mau Chhu river corridor in Gelephu Mindfulness City on 1 November.
A chorten, more widely known internationally as a stupa, is a sealed Buddhist monument containing prayers, sacred texts and ritual objects. The Jangchub design commemorates the Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment.
More than 120,000 visitors have registered for the gathering. Hotels, campsites, transport services and public facilities have been expanded to manage the expected crowds.
Daily Bhutan’s Project 108 visitor guide provides more information on accommodation, transport, access arrangements and the official livestream.
A Temporary Step Towards Permanent Connectivity
India previously announced plans for a permanent immigration post at Hatisar to improve access to Gelephu. The proposal was reaffirmed in September 2026, but no opening date for a permanent facility has been announced.
The temporary post allows both countries to manage immediate travel demand during Project 108 while demonstrating how a direct international land gateway could support Gelephu in the future.
For now, travellers should treat the arrangement as event-specific and time-limited. Anyone planning to use Hatisar should confirm Indian and Bhutanese immigration requirements, carry printed and digital copies of relevant documents and complete the crossing no later than 6 November.
