25 Sep 2021 Prakash Devkota
The wait is over! The Nepal Government has finally reopened Visa On Arrival services for foreign travelers. The services had stopped for almost two years due to the Covid pandemic. As per the recent Order of the Nepal Government, the fully vaccinated foreign nationals are eligible to get an on-arrival.
Moreover, No Quarantine is necessary for fully vaccinated travelers. Travelers will have to show proof of negative PCR reports taken at most 72 hours before boarding the flight. Foreign nationals will need to submit certain documents and other visa-related documents to get a visa on arrival at the entry point in immigration. The documents required are as follows:
- Negative COVID-19 RT PCR report of no more than 72 hours before boarding the flight
- Proof of completion of 14 days after Covid-19 vaccinations
- Proof of hotel booking
- Mountaineering expedition and trekking permits
- A printed copy of the filled International Traveler Online Arrival Form through www.ccmc.gov.np
Useful Links
International Traveller Online Avviral Form
International Traveller Online Departure Form
Domestic Traveller Online Entry Form
Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated travelers will not get an on arrival visa as of no. But can apply for their visa in the Nepalese embassy in their respective country. Meanwhile, they will also require pre-recommendation from a travel agency in Nepal. Moreover, the traveler will have to quarantine at a hotel for ten days at their own cost. They will have to undergo a PCR test on day 11, and in case of a negative report, they can travel within the country.
(Click the image to enlarge )
Covid 19 Update
https://ccmc.gov.np/ccmc2/pdf_files/foregin%20to%20nepal%20visitors.pdf
Covid 19 Update: Translation Copy of the Order
Travel management related Order, 2021 for incoming travelers to Nepal and outgoing travelers from Nepal
Preface:
To manage the arrival of Nepali and foreign nationals arriving in Nepal without any adverse effects on infection prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of the new Covid-19 variant, the Government of Nepal, has issued this Order exercising the authority conferred by Infectious Disease Act, 2020 Section 2.
1. Name and Introduction in Brief:
(1) The name of this Order shall be “Travel management related order, 2078 for incoming travelers to Nepal and outgoing travelers from Nepal”.
(2) This Order shall come into effect immediately
2. Definition: Unless the subject or the context states otherwise,
(a). “Covid-19 Test” refers to RT-PCR, Gene Xpert, or True NAAT, and it also denotes other tests recognized by “World Health Organization (WHO).”
(b). “Antigen Test” refers to Antigen, Rapid Antigen, or Rapid Antigen (Self Testing) recognized or enlisted by the Ministry of Health and Population.
3. Conditions for Foreign Nationals Arriving in Nepal
(1). A visa on arrival shall be granted to foreign nationals from countries entitled to a visa to Nepal as per the existing law. They must have completed the dose of vaccinations against Covid-19. Those foreign nationals shall apply for the visa at the entry points of Immigration in Nepal with the required visa documents, and other documents listed below:
(a). Proof of completion of 14 days after of vaccination dosage against Covid-19
(b). Negative Report of Covid-19, not more than 72 hours before check-in for the flight
(c). Expedition or Trekking Permit, and a copy of these permits in some cases
(d). Proof of hotel booking in Nepal
(e). A copy of filled up (International Traveler Online Arrival Form) after logging to www.ccmc.gov.np
(2). For those who have completed both the doses of vaccination against Covid-19 and want to travel to Nepal and obtain a visa in the respective Nepal Embassy, must include documents stated in sub-section (1) clause (a), (c), (d). Those foreign nationals should show proof at the entry point of Nepal Immigration proof as per sub-section 1 clause (b), (e) apart from regular documents required for Visa Application.
(3). For those who have not received a vaccination or have not completed both the doses, the visa can be obtained from the respective Nepal Embassy abroad. Travel permissions are only granted through an agency. Besides documents required for Visa Application, other documents stated in clauses (a), (c), (d) of sub-section (1) must get included. Moreover, proof as per clause (b), (e) of sub-section (1) must be shown at the entry point of Nepal Immigration.
(4). All foreign nationals entering Nepal must undergo the Antigen Test at the Nepal Immigration entry point. In case of Positive Antigen Test report, travelers shall be sent to an isolation center or hospital as stated by the Ministry of Health and Population.
(5). If Antigen Test cannot be performed at the Nepal Immigration Entry Point as per sub-section (4), travelers should get Antigen Test or PCR Test at the hotel and are allowed out of the hotel only after a Negative report of RT PCR test.
4. Regulations for Foreign Nationals After Entering Nepal:
(1). As per sub-section 3, Section 3, foreign nationals who have not completed both their doses of vaccination must undergo 10 Days Quarantine at their own cost. Those foreign nationals are allowed to travel after a negative RT PCR report on the 11th day.
(2). The concerned foreign national shall bear all expenses for COVID-19 Test, isolation, insurance, and other related costs.
(3). All foreign nationals traveling in Nepal must undergo PCR Test immediately if they show symptoms of COVID-19 must stay in isolation if the report is positive.
(4). For those travelers arriving in Nepal through travel or trekking agencies, the respective agency shall ensure that they follow the conditions placed by this Order.
(5). For foreign nationals in hotel quarantine or isolation, the responsibility of ensuring that they adhere to the recommended safety protocol lies upon the hotel.
(6). If any tourist does not adhere to the rules of this Order, the concerned hotel or agency shall inform Nepal Police and the related authority immediately.
5. The travel conditions to be followed by Nepali citizens or Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN’s) Returning or Arriving in Nepal
(1). Travelers who have completed 14 days since getting both the doses of vaccinations against COVID-19, have been staying in foreign countries, traveling abroad, or working abroad need to show proof of a negative PCR report taken not more than 72 hours before boarding the flight while returning or traveling to Nepal. Along with that, they should also obtain a printed copy of the International Traveler Online Arrival Form after filling it online at www.ccmc.gov.np. Those travels showing no signs and symptoms of COVID-19 shall be allowed to travel to their desired destination in Nepal.
(2). The Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN’s), their families, or foreign nations having marital relations with Nepali citizens are required to show proof of the negative PCR report taken not more than 72 hours and a printed copy of filled International Traveler Online Arrival Form from the www.ccmc.gov.np website while applying for the visa on arrival at the entry point in the Nepal immigration.
The travelers who have been vaccinated for 14 days and show no signs and symptoms of COVID-19 at immigration can proceed to their destination. The travelers who have been vaccinated but have not completed 14 days must take an Antigen test at immigration and can move to their destination if their test report is negative.
(3) As per Sub-section (1) or (2), travelers showing signs and symptoms of COVID -19 at the immigration shall be required to take an Antigen test. If the report comes out positive, they will be sent to isolation or hospital.
(4) The travelers who haven’t completed their 14 days following the vaccine against COVID-19 and have been traveling or residing in foreign countries or foreign employment shall be mandated to present the negative PCR report of 72 hours and International Traveler Online Arrival Form for those traveling to Nepal from foreign countries. The form is available at www.ccmc.gov.np. The travelers not completing the 14 days of vaccination shall be mandated to take the Antigen test and are allowed to embark to their destination upon getting the negative report.
(5) The Sub-section (1), (2) or (4) shall be considered an exception, and the Nepali citizen or Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN’s) or their families can enter Nepal if they fall under given conditions:
(a) Travelers arriving at Nepal for funerals and last rites of relatives according to their religion, custom, tradition can enter Nepal after a negative report of compulsory Antigen test done at the entry point of Nepal’s immigration entry. Along with that, travelers require a recommendation from the respective local level authority after showing which they are allowed to go to their destination.
(b) In the case of caretakers coming with chronically ill and people with physical disabilities, they must undergo a compulsory Antigen test at immigration point. After testing negative at Antigen test, showing required paperwork from the hospital and recommendation from a concerned local level authority, they will be allowed to go to their destination.
(c) Caretakers of Senior citizens above 75 and parents/guardians of minors below five years of age must undergo a compulsory Antigen test at the immigration entry point. After a negative Antigen test & recommendation from the concerned local level authority and following health protocol, they can go to their home/destination.
(d) in case of a family member admitted in ICU/ Ventilator with no caretaker, they have to do a compulsory Antigen Test at the entry point of Nepal immigration. After showing necessary paperwork from the hospital and recommendation from concerned local level authority and negative Antigen Test, they will be allowed to go to the hospital/home/destination.
(e) In case of positive Antigen test report as per clauses (a), (b), (c), and (d), they shall follow complete health protocol and stay in isolation.
(6) The respective local body shall monitor if the conditions and protocols as per sub-section (2) are followed or not.
6. Conditions to be followed by the staff of the Diplomatic Mission and Other International Agencies while arriving in Nepal
(1) Fully vaccinated (14 days completed) diplomatic officials, staff, employees of international non-governmental organizations, and their families entering Nepal are required to submit COVID-19 PCR report issued not more than 72 hours before check-in, along with a printed copy filled International Traveler Online Arrival Form from www.ccmc.gov.np to get Visa on Arrival.
Those who have issued their Nepal Visa through Nepal’s Diplomatic Missions abroad have to submit the COVID-19 PCR report issued within 72 hours of check-in, along with a printed copy of the filled International Traveler Online Arrival Form from www.ccmc.gov.np at the entry point of Nepal’s Immigration. Those officials who show no signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are allowed to proceed to their desired destination.
(2) as per the sub-section (1), if travelers show any symptoms, they must undergo Antigen testing at the airport. If the reports are negative, they will be allowed to proceed to their destination, and if it is positive, they will be sent to isolation or a hospital.
(3) As per the sub-section (1), diplomatic officials, staff of public organizations, missions, and their family members who have not completed their vaccinations against Covid-19 can enter Nepal following the given conditions:
(a) Diplomats, staff of diplomatic missions, and their family members will be allowed to enter Nepal on the recommendation of the respective agencies with the conditions that the respective agencies will monitor them. The travelers will undergo an antigen test at the airport and, in case of a negative report, will need to self isolate in the agency selected place for a minimum of 10 days before proceeding to their destination.
(b) Health officials from abroad will be allowed to enter Nepal to work in control Covid-19 on the Ministry of Health and Population recommendation. The travelers will get Antigen tested at the airport. If their reports are negative, they will need to self isolate themselves in the ministry listed place for a minimum of 10 days before proceeding to their destinations. The Ministry of Health and Population will monitor the entire process.
(c) Employees who have returned from abroad after completing their assignments recommended by respective Government agencies will get Antigen tested at the airport. After testing negative, they are allowed to proceed to their destinations under conditions that they will stay in home quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. The respective office will monitor the entire process.
(d) Security Officials who have returned from abroad after completing their assignments recommended by respective security agencies will get Antigen tested at the airport. After testing negative, they are allowed to proceed to their destinations under conditions that they will stay in home quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. The respective security agencies will monitor the entire process.
(e) As per clauses (a), (b), (c), and (d), if the antigen test done at the airport is positive, the traveler has to isolate following the health protocol compulsorily.
7. Entry in Nepal through Land Route
(1) A Covid-19 Negative report within 72 hours of Nepal entry along with a printed copy of filled up International Traveler Online Arrival Form by logging in www.ccmc.gov.np is essential for access in Nepal. Indian Citizens with these documents are allowed to enter Nepal through the Nepal-India border’s land route.
(2) If any person entering Nepal as per sub-section (1) is found to have signs and symptoms of Covid-19, they shall be only allowed to enter Nepal after they undergo Antigen test and its report is Negative.
(3) In case of other foreign nationals except for Indian citizens, fully vaccinated against Covid-19, Covid Negative report of within 72 hours of Nepal entry, a visa granted from Nepalese embassies or consulates abroad, and foreign nationals with documents as per section 3 sub-section (1) if Negative Antigen test report at the Immigration point shall be given entry to Nepal through land route. If it is not possible to conduct tests at the immigration point, it should be conducted at the concerned hotel where the person will stay.
(4) A foreign national who is eligible to receive Visa on Arrival as per the existing law has a Covid-19 Negative test report of within 72 hours, has completed the vaccination against Covid-19, and can produce the documents as per section 3 sub-section (1) shall be provided at the Immigration Point. They will be allowed entry to Nepal through a land route after conducting an Antigen test at the immigration point and testing Negative.
8. Provision for Departure to Third Country from Nepal
(1) A foreign citizen who wishes to transit in Nepal and travel to a third country from the airport itself shall be granted such permission.
(2) A foreign citizen who wants to enter Nepal and again wants to visit the third country or wants to stay in Nepal for few days before traveling to other countries will be allowed to do so on the following terms as per the existing Immigration laws:
(a) Should have completed vaccination against Covid-19 for at least 14 days
(b) in compliance with all the conditions, a foreign national should comply while entering Nepal
(c) Should have a Covid-19 negative report taken at most 48 hours of flight check-in from the recognized laboratory in Nepal.
9. Provision of Testing of Children
Any vaccine or test is not required in the case of children below five years. In the case of children above five and below 18 years, Covid-19 vaccination shall not be compulsory. However, for this age group of children, other provisions shall remain the same as other Nepali and foreign citizens.
10. Provision for Nepalese in Special situations
Nepalese citizens on foreign employment but sent back from respective country, deported from foreign countries or returned to the home country due to state of penniless, shall be allowed to travel to their destination if they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 and have negative PCR report taken at most 72 hours before their flight.
In other cases, travelers shall get Antigen tested at immigration, and if tested negative in antigen test, they will be allowed to travel to their destination. If tested positive, they will have to stay in government-listed isolation centers or hospitals for ten days. They are allowed to go to their destination upon receiving a negative report on the Covid-19 test.
11. Facility for Covid-19 Testing at Immigration
The Ministry of Health and Population has to ensure facilities of the antigen testing at the entry point in Nepal immigration. The place required for testing and other necessary help shall be made available by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Home.
12. Provision for travelers departing from Nepal
(1) In case of travelers leaving for Nepal, they will have to submit proof of COVID-19 negative report from recognized labs taken at most 48 hours earlier or as per the destination country’s protocols. Along with that, they will also need to compulsorily fill the International Online Departure Form by logging in to the website of CCMC www.ccmc.gov.np
(2) The Ministry of Health and Population should facilitate the vaccination certificates with QR Codes (if feasible through an online medium) for Nepali citizens traveling abroad.
13. Responsibility of Airlines Services
(1) Airlines services should not allow checking in or taking passengers to or from Nepal who have not completed the conditions or protocols as per this Order.
(2) Health security Protocols that need to be followed by airline services will be issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. The respective airline services should follow them as their duty.
14. Contact Tracing
(1) If any infections of Covid-19 are found on an airplane flight, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has to submit details of all passengers to the Ministry of Health and Population immediately. The Ministry of Health and Population has to contact trace and test all the passengers for Covid-19 and keep them in Home or Hotel Quarantine.
(2) As per the sub-section (1), the airline services traveled by the COVID-19 infected person shall provide passenger details for contact tracing.
15. Verification of Health-Related Documents
The staff assigned by the Ministry of Health will check and verify the health-related documents of the incoming passengers at the airport.
16. Action Taken
Any person not complying with this Order shall be prosecuted as per the prevailing law and the Infectious Diseases Act, 2020.
17. Repeal and Rescue
(1) The order Management of travelers Arriving in Nepal from Abroad, 2078 has been repealed.
(2) The work done according to the Order as per Sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be done as per this Order.