Governemnt grants unconditional on-arrival visa for NRNs

The government has decided to grant unconditional on-arrival visa to Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) at the Tribhuvan International Airport . The Department of Immigration issued a notice on February 1 stating that NRNs have also been included in the list of nationals eligible for on-arrival visas. In addition, diplomatic/ formal passport holders or United Nations’ staff will also receive visas without any conditions. Foreigners working in international organisations in Nepal will also be able to receive visas without any conditions. According to the Department, the earlier coronavirus-related travel restrictions have been eased and anyone coming to Nepal with a visa issued abroad will be allowed to enter the country. Foreign tourists wanting to visit Nepal can get their visa from the Nepali diplomatic missions. If it is not possible to get the visa for Nepal at the country of origin, a recommendation or pre-approval of the concerned government body has been made mandatory. In that case, the visa will be issued at the entry point, the notice says. On-arrival visa service will be available only at TIA for now. Foreign nationals wishing to enter via land route have to obtain prior approval from the Nepal government, reads the notice. Similarly, the rules of previous health protocol have been kept intact. A negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) report of within 72 hours of departure and 10- day quarantine after arrival will be mandatory. Alternative quarantine facilities will be provided for Nepalis or foreign nationals of Nepali origin and their children with health complications, or if they are visiting for the final rites of a relative and have to perform the funeral themselves. Officials who go abroad to participate in a formal event from Nepal and return home within five days or less will not have to undergo additional corona tests. The test done in Nepal will be valid for them. The government has decided to give them a waiver so that they do not have to stay in quarantine after returning to Nepal.