The Nepal government has firmly dismissed reports claiming that it has introduced new travel restrictions for Indian nationals, calling such claims “entirely false, baseless and misleading” and reaffirming that there has been no change in long-standing open-border arrangements between the two countries.
The clarification came amid widespread speculation in media and online platforms suggesting that Nepal had imposed new requirements such as mandatory identity cards for Indians crossing the border, limits on the duration of stay, and penalties including vehicle confiscation in case of overstays. Officials from the Nepal Tourism Board categorically rejected these assertions, stating that no such policy has been introduced and that Indian visitors continue to enjoy unrestricted access under existing bilateral understandings.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the open-border system between India and Nepal remains unchanged, and there have been no alterations to visa-free travel arrangements or entry procedures for Indian citizens. The board emphasized that reports suggesting a 30-day cap on stays or any form of tightened border regulation were inaccurate and not based on official policy decisions.
Authorities in Kathmandu stressed that the spread of such misinformation risked creating unnecessary confusion among travellers and could potentially harm tourism flows between the two neighbouring countries, which share deep cultural, social and economic ties. Officials reiterated that Indian nationals can continue to enter Nepal using widely accepted identification documents, including passports and voter IDs, consistent with existing practice.
In addition to refuting the rumours, the Nepal Tourism Board also highlighted a new facilitation initiative aimed at improving travel convenience rather than restricting movement. Under this system, travellers entering Nepal via land routes in private vehicles will be able to complete entry permits and related payments through an online platform, designed to streamline administrative procedures and reduce waiting times at border points.
The clarification also underscored that Nepal and India continue to maintain strong tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, which remain central to bilateral relations. Officials urged media organisations and social media users to rely only on verified government sources for accurate updates on travel rules and regulations, warning against the circulation of unverified claims.
The statement comes at a time when both countries are also engaged in broader diplomatic conversations on regional connectivity and border management issues. However, Nepalese authorities reiterated that there has been no policy shift affecting Indian tourists, and the existing framework of open movement between the two nations continues as before.
By issuing a clear denial, Nepal sought to put an end to speculation and reassure travellers that no new restrictions have been imposed on Indian visitors and that tourism policies remain unchanged.
