More than 400 tourists entered through Gaddachauki in six months

In the first six months of 2024, 465 foreign tourists came through Gaddachauki, on the western border. During the same year, only 15 foreign tourists entered India through the border.

According to Padmaraj Bhatta, Acting Head of Immigration Office, Gaddachouki, the number of tourists entering India over the border is low. The flow of tourists has ceased since the Indian administration refused to open the border. "India has opened only some borders of Nepal for tourists going to India," according to Bhatt, the office's head. "India has banned foreign tourists from going to India through Gaddachouki."

He added, "India has not banned foreign tourists from entering Nepal at the border. Those traveling to India via Nepal have not been allowed to enter from December 10, 2021." As a result, he said, the tourist departure process has been automatically postponed.

Foreign tourists entering Nepal over the border include many who live in India. "There is a rule that foreign tourists who have stayed in India for 6 months should leave the country," said Bhatt, the office's director.

Most foreign tourists living in India got a 15-day visa after visiting Nepal. Foreign tourists have been issued a minimum 15-day visa. The visa charge is $30. Head of Office Bhatt stated that a 30-day visa charge  $50 and a 90-day visa charge $125.

 By the end of June 2081, the Immigration Office had collected $59,527 in visa fees. According to Immigration Office data, 983 foreign tourists passed via the border between January and December 2023.

Between January and December of 2022, 542 foreign tourists entered. From January to July 2021, the number of tourists crossing the border was nil. Only 58 travelers entered between August and December.