Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has dismissed reports about restrictions are being imposed on Indian tourists. Indians comprise 23-27 per cent of the tourist arrivals in Nepal, and clearing the air on such misinformation was pertinent for the sector’s survival.
“The government of Nepal has not introduced any new policy restricting the duration of stay for Indian tourists,” informs NTB. “Nor has there been any change made to the longstanding open-border arrangement and bilateral understandings between Nepal and India. These historic people-to-people relations, cultural ties and tourism co-operation between the two countries remain strong and unchanged.”
In fact, the government of Nepal has recently introduced a new online facilitation system aimed at making travel more convenient for Indian tourists and other international visitors entering Nepal via land routes in private vehicles, NTB adds. “Under a newly launched digital system developed by the department of customs under the ministry of finance, foreign vehicles entering Nepal can now complete temporary entry permits and revenue payments entirely online,” the board affirms. “This initiative has been introduced solely to simplify procedures, reduce inconvenience at border points and enhance the overall visitor experience”. It also urged media organisations and the general public to refrain from spreading unverified information, saying that Nepal remains a safe, welcoming and friendly destination.
Meanwhile, Indian tourists make up the largest share of foreign visitors to Nepal, at 23-27 per cent of the total tourist arrivals. In 2024, about 317,000 Indians visited Nepal. During the following year, 2025, there was a marginal decrease due to political turbulence in Nepal. Nearly 5,000 Indians travel to Nepal via land routes (belahiya), with over 1,300 vehicles crossing the border daily.
The Nepalese Embassy in Delhi has been sending out statements to Indians, referring to the age-old historic ties between the two nations. It has released pictorial images, informing Indians that they were welcome to visit Nepal via land on their own vehicles or by air.
“Nepal is a land where the Himalayas greet you at dawn, the tigers of Chitwan roam free, and every city carries a civilisational memory of its own,” reads the advisory for Indians. “From the spiritual aura of Janaki Mandir in Janakpur to the timeless courtyards of Patan Durbar Square, Nepal offers a journey through faith, heritage and nature in one sweep. Seek blessings at Pashupathi Nath temple, experience serenity at Muktinath temple and witness the spiritual calm of Swayambhunath overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Coolest Nepal awaits you.”
Undercurrents of friction
Meanwhile, even though the tourism sector has tried to do damage control to Indians by dispelling misinformation, there are strong undercurrents of friction between India and the newly elected government in Nepal under its 35-year-old Prime Minister, Balen Shah. Recent reports suggest that India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri couldn’t go on an official visit to Nepal, as Shah didn’t give any dates for a meeting with him.
“India-Nepal relations are multifaceted, historic, warm and familial,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson, ministry for external affairs of India. “And, we remain committed to strengthening them. Dates for Foreign Secretary Misri to visit Nepal will be decided on a mutually convenient time.” However, Shah has not spoken anything about bilateral ties with India since he assumed charge, though India is not just Nepal’s immediate neighbour but also the first responder for any crisis. A controversy was raised about Indians crossing Lipulekh to embark on their journey of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra recently, wherein Nepal claimed Lipulekh to be part of it and added that Indians ought to have sought permission before crossing over – despite the fact that since 1954, Indians have been using Lipulekh while undertaking this yatra. However, Indian officials gloss over the whole issue, saying that these were minor blips and would soon be overcome.
India continues to supply Nepal with energy and fertilisers, as it used to before the present government came to power. And, Nepal’s Tourism Board continues to woo Indians. “Nepal Awaits You,” it says. “Close to India, Close to Heart. No visa, no hassle, just heart!”