The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has issued a travel advisory for Chinese citizens visiting Nepal during the New Year and upcoming Spring Festival (February 17), outlining key safety guidelines.
The advisory comes at a time when overseas travel peaks in China. The Spring Festival is considered the country’s longest holiday, during which many Chinese citizens choose to travel abroad.
Before travelling to Nepal, travellers should check visa requirements, destinations, immigration policies, travel risks, and local laws. Nepali visas can be applied for in advance and free of charge on the Department of Immigration’s official website, according to Chinese media reports citing the Shanghai Enterprises Going Global Comprehensive Service Platform and News Express.
Visitors must also review immigration regulations, declare foreign currency exceeding USD 5,000, and adhere to customs rules regarding gold and silver.
The embassy has strongly warned against engaging in illegal or risky activities, including attempting to travel to India via Nepal without a visa, participating in private currency exchange, operating drones without permission, gambling, prostitution, or involvement with drugs.
It also cautioned Chinese nationals against trusting illegal matchmaking agencies that claim to arrange marriages in Nepal, highlighting risks related to human trafficking and child marriage.
Although Nepal and India share an open border, Chinese citizens cannot enter India visa-free through Nepal due to India’s strict penalties for illegal entry. The embassy advises tourists to respect local customs, exercise caution due to Nepal’s difficult road conditions and erratic traffic, and prepare for potential flight delays. Using reputable travel agencies and purchasing adequate insurance is also recommended.
The embassy advises those undertaking high-risk tourism activities like mountain trekking to travel in groups with qualified local guides, ensure they have proper training and insurance, and keep family informed of their itinerary and safety.
Drone usage is prohibited without authorisation from Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
The embassy urges citizens to adhere to all Chinese and Nepali laws, emphasising awareness and caution for a safe and pleasant holiday in Nepal.
