Yunish Dahal
Documentation is a very complicated and boring process. Bank statements, hotel booking, flight tickets are needed even before applying for a tourist visa. While many countries require us to go through all those processes, some are happy to have us with an on-arrival or free visa. Nepali passports are not very strong in the global market. With some variation due to COVID-19, and its restriction Nepali Passport holders can travel 14 Visa free countries and 25 countries allow on arrival visa. 23 Countries provide online e-visa and 152 countries ask visa before travelling.
Being an immediate neighbour, India is one of the closest countries for Nepali travellers. Due to the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, there are no any restrictions at the borders. The freedom of movement allows Nepalese citizens to live, travel and work freely in India. Though carrying a National ID is suggested for bookings and other possible scenarios. You can take a flight from Kathmandu or drive through Kakarbhitta, Biratnagar, Birjung, Nepaljung and many other exit points.
Pakistan is another close neighbor and a member of SAARC. This beautiful country allows Nepalese to travel visa free for 30 days. An on arrival visa is provided in the airport or the entry point. To elongate the stay, you can easily proceed through the Nepalese Embassy in Pakistan. While there are some different regulations in Pakistan, the geo-political factor may cause some tension, so don't forget to carry your Passport.
One of the most popular destinations in the world, Singapore also offers visa free travel for Nepali Passport holders. The only document you need is a passport with at least 6 months validity. A very common travel trend among Nepalese is to travel to Malaysia with a Visa and take a bus to Singapore. It is around 4 hr drive from Kuala Lumpur. You can enjoy the gardens, museum, entertainment shows and luxurious hotels and fly back to Kathmandu.
If you are planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania you can get visa on arrival for 30 days . Every Nepali traveling to Tanzania needs to have a passport with a validity for a minimum of six months from the departure date. You can stay in Tanzania 90 days Per Entry. A multiple-entry visa is valid for a maximum of 1 year from arrival, but you must leave Tanzania at least once every 90 days and then re-enter.
Nepalese citizens can get a visa on arrival for travelling to Mauritius . On arrival, your passport will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days. Mauritius is more than just an island. It has a rich colonial history, a unique biodiversity and gorgeous weather. Enjoy the lush forest, wild waterfalls, unique wildlife, rocky mountains, white sand beaches and breathtaking crystal clear sea water.
This southeast asian nation is an ideal vacation destination for history and art lovers. Cambodia is popularly known for Angkor Wat, largest religious monument in the world by land area and many other buddhist and hindu heritage sites. Cambodia offers an on arrival visa for 30 days for all Nepali travellers. All you need is a passport with a validity of more than 6 months. The country is highly dependent in Tourism and the buddhist heritage link makes easy travel.
Nepalese passport holders travelling to the Philippines for a temporary stay, not exceeding twenty one days may enter the Philippines visa-free provided they possess a return ticket. For a stay longer than twenty-one days, a temporary visitor's visa is required. You can enjoy the beaches, hills, beautiful cities of this island nation with just a flight from Tribhuvan International Airport.
Covid and other restrictions may apply. Policies depends on countries so, make sure to visit the local official mission/consulate/embassy before travelling.
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