Nepal Makes It Easier For Stranded Foreign Tourists To Overstay, Depart

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-09-12 10:12:09 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-08-17 14:42:59

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Nepal's Department of Immigration has relaxed visa rules to allow stranded foreign tourists to overstay or exit the country despite visa regulations being otherwise strict. This move aims to help foreigners stranded by demonstrations and the current political crisis, and comes after many were left waiting at Kathmandu's international airport, unable to enter the country, pay for extended visas, or book flights out.

Since last month, Nepal has been rocked by protests and political turmoil after the surprise resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Foreign tourists, many of them climbers preparing to ascend Mount Everest, have been caught in the midst of this chaos and unable to leave the country due to cancelled flights, making the relaxation of visa rules a much-needed reprieve.

According to officials, the relaxed rules will allow tourists to depart without paying fines for overstaying their visa, and those unable to leave can extend their visas free of charge. One tourist who spoke with the AP news agency offered perspective on the situation, highlighting that even though Nepal is entering a difficult time, the generosity and hospitality of Nepali people has shone through.

This move is just the latest in a long line of stakeholder responses to the ongoing political crisis, which has also included calls for calm and stability by the United Nations and international diplomatic efforts.

With the tourism industry (which includes Everest climbing) worth billions of dollars in revenue for the country, it is hoped that this latest move will help ease the financial and logistical impact of the protests and crisis on both tourists and the Nepali economy alike.

Let's hope for a peaceful resolution to the political tensions, and smoother travels in the future for those looking to climb Everest and explore the beauty of Nepal.

Go!