Govt eases rules for Nepalis traveling abroad on visit visas

KATHMANDU: The Department of Immigration has simplified the process for Nepalis traveling abroad on visit visas.

Organizing a press conference on Friday, the department announced that Nepali citizens can now travel easily by submitting four documents at the immigration desk.

According to the new rule, travelers must present a passport with at least six months’ validity and a valid visa for the destination country. For countries that issue on-arrival visas, travelers are not required to show a visa in advance.

They must also present an air ticket to their destination and submit a self-declaration form stating that they are traveling for personal purposes, possess all necessary documents, and take full responsibility for any consequences arising from the trip.

“The new provision has come into effect immediately. We urge all Nepali citizens to travel confidently without falling under the influence of middlemen, and to be fully informed about their destination and travel plans,” the department said in a statement.

The new provision was introduced following a ministerial decision on October 30 to allow travelers on visit visas to obtain departure clearance upon submitting the four required documents.

The decision comes amid growing allegations that immigration officials have been soliciting money from travelers bound for labor destinations under the pretext of questioning their purpose of travel. Recruitment agencies were reportedly charging hefty sums to help such travelers avoid interrogation and get departure clearance. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak had faced accusations of protecting this racket.