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Situated at the northern border of India, Nepal is a land of both serenity and spirituality, and home to the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest. Additionally, the Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to Pashupati, a form of Lord Shiva, the protector of all living things.
Nepal's serene hills are home to warm and welcoming people. This includes diverse ethnic groups like Tamangs, Gurungs, Rais, Sherpas, and Magars.
Nepal and India share deep historical and cultural ties dating back centuries. For instance, Sita the consort of Lord Ram, was the princess of Mithila, which is a part of Nepal. Even today, Nepal and India maintain strong ties, encouraging free travel to each other’s territory.
Despite the encouragement of free travel between both the countries, there are certain protocols of international travel that every tourist has to follow.
This article will guide you on requirements to travel to Nepal from India. But first, you must know whether Indian tourists need a Nepal visa to travel to Nepal.
Do Indian Tourists Require a Visa to Visit Nepal?
No. Indian tourists do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, you must carry a valid identification, such as your passport or voter ID card, to enter the Nepali territorial borders.
What If my Nationality is Other Than Indian?
If you are not an Indian, you must check with the Nepalese embassy or consulate in the country of your residence and get the most up-to-date visa information before planning your trip to Nepal.
Can I Travel to Nepal Without a Passport?
Even if you do not possess a passport, you can still enter Nepal’s territorial borders using valid Identity proof, i.e., your Voter ID, issued by the Election Commission of India. If you are taking your minor children along with you who still do not possess a passport, you must bring their birth certificates and obtain permission to enter Nepal.
Can I Enter Nepal With any Other ID Proof?
No, you cannot enter Nepal with any documents other than your passport and Voter ID. However, all Indian tourists are encouraged to travel to Nepal with a valid Indian passport for quick arrival approval by the immigration authorities.
How Much Indian Currency Can I Exchange On Arrival in Nepal?
You can exchange Indian currency for up to Rs 10,000/- upon arrival in Nepal. You can exchange the currency at separate bank counters at the departure and arrival lounges. You can attempt all inter-currency transactions by the amount you declare at the real-time foreign exchange rates.
What if I Have Surplus Money to be Exchanged While Departing?
If you have surplus money at the time of your departure from Nepal, please ensure you have saved your encashment receipts. You must produce these receipts to exchange the surplus currency during your departure.
Is There a Separate Procedure to Enter Nepal Without a Visa?
Yes. All those tourists who wish to enter Nepal without a Visa, should proceed towards the "Without Visa" counter at the airport and follow the steps given below–
- Duly fill out Disembarkation Cards,
- Fill in the visa form
- Attach one passport-size photograph atop the visa form and submit the form.
Upon verification of your passport/ ID proof, you will be granted access to the Nepal territorial borders.
Do I Need to Pay any Tax at the Nepal Airport?
Yes. While departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the airport authorities will levy an Airport Tax or a Passenger Service Charge. The rates of airport tax apply as below–
- For SAARC nations— India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal: 791 Nepalese Rupees (NPR)
- For Other Countries: NPR 1130
- For destinations within Nepal: NPR 170
Further, a Tourism Service Fee of NPR 565 is applicable to all the nationals including Indians.
How Can I Transit Through Nepal Airport?
If you want to stay at the Nepal Airport till the next flight towards your destination, you must follow the following steps:
- Go to your airline’s transit desk
- Contact the airline's staff for the TRANSIT jacket or Reflector for assistance.
Note: Make sure you are not on the list of “VISA NOT ALLOWED ON ARRIVALS” as published on the Department of Immigration of Nepal portal.
In addition, there are some regulations that you must follow while transiting through Nepal Airport:
You are not supposed to cross the Immigration Desk, without the NOC from the Embassy of India, Kathmandu will be required.
Suppose you have an onward connection and you cross the immigration desk. In that case, you will have to bear the consequences, such as the visa fee, immigration procedure, and security-related issues, on your own responsibility.
Do I Require Travel Insurance for Travelling to Nepal?
Although travel insurance is not mandatory for travelling to Nepal, it is always a good idea to get it when travelling to Nepal, as it can provide coverage for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
How Can Travel Insurance Be Helpful While Travelling in Nepal?
Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. It can also provide coverage for other unforeseen events, such as:
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Loss of passport or other travel documents
- Trip delays
- Missed connecting flights
This is how international travel insurance saves your time and effort in case of any emergency while you are travelling abroad.
>>Also Read: How to Renew Indian Passport in 10 Easy Steps?
Summing Up
With that, you can understand that travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection during an unexpected event. However, it is imperative to carefully read the policy documents to understand the coverage and exclusions before purchasing a policy.
Disclaimer: Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.
