Resumption of visa-on-arrival for tourists suggested

Kathmandu: Nepal’s tourism entrepreneurs along with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have collectively suggested to the government to resume the visa-on-arrival service for tourists in the wake of decreasing cases of Covid-19 in the country.

NTB and tourism operators suggested that visas on arrival should be immediately initiated to pave the way for the arrival of tourists via land or air. They also called for reviewing the “Visitors Protocol” saying that it is time for reviewing the deteriorating image of Nepal as a tourist destination in the world.

The NTB said the tourists coming into Nepal from countries other than India could be tested for PCR and allowed to proceed towards their tourist destinations in Nepal and should not be allowed to experience much fuss about Covid-19.

The suggestions also stipulated that the PCR tests could also be arranged at the airport in Kathmandu and avert the situation of forcing the tourists to stay in quarantine. Nepal- India border should be opened for exchange of tourists said NTB.

The vaccinated tourists should not be made to go through PCR tests and should be allowed to travel within Nepal and go for trekking, hiking, SPA, paragliding, homestay, adventure sports, night clubs, and hotels.