Nepal has reintroduced on-arrival visa services for foreign visitors.
Those planning to visit Nepal can apply for an on-arrival visa at any of the entrance points, according to a new order issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation for the management of individuals travelling to Nepal. The latest decision came after Nepal reported a significant decrease in new COVID-19 infections in recent weeks.
According to the new government arrangement, persons who have received both doses of COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before their arrival in Nepal and have a PCR negative test report taken 72 hours before their departure from Nepal are no longer required to stay in quarantine facilities for 14 days.
All foreign nationals entering Nepal, however, will be subjected to antigen testing at the border. If they test negative for the virus, they are not required to stay in quarantine and can proceed to their destinations immediately. Those who test positive for the virus in antigen tests must remain in a hotel until they test negative for the virus.
Additionally, foreigners arriving in Nepal for mountaineering or trekking must also show proof that they have obtained a permit from Nepal’s appropriate government authorities and that they have reserved a hotel in Nepal for their stay.
If antigen testing facilities are not accessible at border checkpoints, visiting foreign nationals must conduct such tests at their respective hotels. They are only allowed to go outside after obtaining a negative PCR test result.
Non-resident Nepalis and Nepali nationals returning home can travel straight to their residences if they have got both doses of COVID-19 vaccine. All Nepali nationals and non-resident Nepalis returning to the country must show proof of a COVID-19 PCR negative test done 72 hours before to departure.
Indian nationals who test negative for the virus, even if they have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine, are allowed to enter Nepal, according to the government decree. They must hold proof of PRC negative test results of the COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their arrival at Nepal’s border. They must also complete an online form at the Central COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) and present a printed copy of the form when they arrive at the border crossing.
The new government regulation does not require minors under the age of five to receive vaccines or undergo any type of COVID-19 test. However, COVID-19 tests are obligatory for children aged five to eighteen, however they are not required to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
If Nepali nationals are travelling overseas, they must produce COVID-19 negative test results obtained within 48 hours of departure or the report required by their destination country.
– India’s new age travel digital media
