The government has introduced new criteria to make it easier for Nepalis to travel abroad on visit visas, providing much-needed relief to the general public. While influential individuals could previously travel abroad with ease, ordinary citizens often faced the burden of submitting numerous documents. Even when destination countries had already granted approval, ordinary travelers were frequently subjected to obstacles and scams, which intermediaries sometimes exploited for financial gain. According to the Home Ministry, citizens can now travel abroad on a visit visa by taking personal responsibility. Travelers are required to submit a self-declaration stating that they are traveling for visit purposes, possess all necessary documents and accept full responsibility for any consequences arising from their travel. The constitution guarantees all citizens the right to free movement; however, previous visit visa guidelines issued by the Home Ministry did not fully protect these rights. Previously, intermediaries influenced the visit visa process, making it cumbersome and costly for ordinary citizens. Under the new rules, travelers can plan their trips with complete information about their destination and journey. Effective from last Friday, prior permission is no longer required for countries that grant visas on arrival. Citizens can now travel abroad by submitting a self-declaration along with a valid flight ticket and necessary documents.
Jacqueline Fernandez moves court seeking travel permission
Department of Immigration (DoI) has outlined that travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months, possess a visa for the destination country (or travel to a country offering visas on arrival), have a confirmed flight ticket and submit a self-declaration confirming that they are traveling for visit purposes, have all required documents and accept responsibility for any consequences. The DoI emphasized that this policy is already in effect and urged all Nepali citizens to travel without the influence of intermediaries, fully informed about their destination and journey. Local governments and district administration offices have been requested to widely disseminate this information. A high-level study and investigation committee, formed to address longstanding issues in immigration and visit visas, recommended simplifying the process. Government offices have often complicated services instead of facilitating them, creating negative perceptions among citizens. Efficient service delivery enhances public trust and ensures smooth access to services.
Recognizing this, the government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki has begun streamlining services. Guidelines have been issued to make the bureaucracy more effective and ensure smooth service provision. On Monday, Prime Minister Karki issued a 14-point directive emphasizing this approach and instructed ministers and secretaries to prepare a “blueprint” providing accurate information for all ministries. In line with the sentiments of the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9, the government is focusing on curbing corruption, ensuring good governance and providing effective public services. While the government may have electoral considerations, it is also laying the groundwork to end administrative malpractices in the long term. The primary reason for ineffective services has been recent public grievances and the routine imposition of unnecessary hurdles on ordinary citizens. No political system can endure if citizens constantly feel powerless. Although Nepal is a democratic state, the persistence of bureaucratic inefficiencies only breeds frustration. Addressing issues such as visit visas now should therefore be seen as a step toward fulfilling the principles of good governance. Temporary measures are insufficient; structural reforms are essential to achieve meaningful results. All public services should be streamlined with citizens at the center. Nepalis are entitled to good governance and improving domestic conditions strengthens democracy far more effectively than merely emulating systems adopted by other countries.
