Govt relaxes visit visa rules, dollar requirement scrapped
**Kathmandu, Nov 1 :**The government has simplified the rules for visit visas, removing several existing requirements through a Ministry of Home Affairs-level decision. The Rising Nepal
The Department of Immigration (DoI), in a press conference on Friday, announced that travelling abroad on a visit visa has been made more convenient. The Rising Nepal
Travellers will now need only a passport valid for at least six months. Entry permission from the destination country is required only where applicable; countries offering on-arrival visas do not require prior authorisation. The Rising Nepal
Passengers must also hold a return air ticket, carry documents supporting the purpose of their visit, and provide a self-declaration accepting responsibility for any consequences arising from their travel, the Department stated. The Rising Nepal
Previously, travellers applying for visit visas were required to show a minimum of USD 500, present a round-trip air ticket, provide advance hotel bookings, or submit a sponsor’s certificate. The Department has confirmed that these obligations have now been scrapped. The Rising Nepal
A high-level study and review committee was formed to address longstanding issues in immigration and visit visa administration. The committee recommended safeguarding the fundamental rights of Nepali citizens as enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring freedom of movement, and curbing malpractice previously associated with visit visas. The Rising Nepal
The committee also suggested revising the six-point standard currently in place to promote good governance and professionalism in immigration administration. Following these recommendations, the department has annulled various previous provisions related to visit visas, including the six-point standard implemented from January 24, 2024. The Rising Nepal
The new regulations take effect immediately, said Director General for the Department Ram Chandra Tiwari. The department has urged Nepali citizens to plan their journeys confidently and independently, without influence from agents or mediators, and to remain fully informed about their travel arrangements. The Rising Nepal
Buddha Air flight lands safely in Kathmandu despite missing nose wheel
KATHMANDU: A Buddha Air flight traveling from Janakpur to Kathmandu landed safely at Tribhuvan International Airport despite missing one of its front wheels. Khabarhub
The aircraft, bearing the call sign 9NANH, took off from Janakpur at 4:39 pm on Thursday and landed at 5:06 PM. It was only after landing that authorities discovered the absence of one of the nose landing gear tires, which was later found on the runway in Janakpur. Khabarhub
According to Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul, the pilot did not receive any indication of the issue during the flight. The aircraft has now been grounded, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident. Khabarhub
Police begin forensic probe into arson after six weeks of Gen Z protests
Samples collected from Singhdarbar, Supreme Court, Parliament and private firms as officials suspect use of chemicals in coordinated arson. The Kathmandu Post
More than six weeks after the Gen Z uprising, police have finally begun forensic investigations into the structures damaged by arson. Ashes were collected from key administrative centres, including Singhdarbar, the Supreme Court, the Parliament Building, the President’s Office, and private establishments such as Kantipur Media Group and Bhat Bhateni Supermarket. The Kathmandu Post
A special inquiry committee, led by Superintendent of Police Kaji Kumar Acharya of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, was formed after suspicions arose over the fires that broke out across multiple locations on September 9. Forensic officers only collected ashes from Kantipur’s Thapathali office on Saturday. “Samples were taken from multiple points within the same damaged building. Five samples were collected from Kantipur alone,” the officer said. The Kathmandu Post
The New York Times, in its recent news reporting, suggested that chemical substances may have been used during the arson. An investigation by the Post revealed that there were discussions on making Molotov cocktails, importing arms, and setting fire to particular buildings in Discord. The Kathmandu Post
Forensic experts have expressed concern that delays in evidence collection may compromise the investigation. Former head of the National Forensic Science Laboratory Jeevan Rijal said delayed collection makes it harder to secure accurate evidence, emphasising that the sites should have been sealed immediately. Forensic lab officials also acknowledge the challenges caused by delayed sampling. The Kathmandu Post
Cyclone Montha’s effects hit Nepal today
Nepal is already under cloudy skies, with snowfall in the mountains and light rain in some districts due to a depression in the Arabian Sea. Meteorologists say Cyclone Montha, which originated in the Bay of Bengal and made landfall in India’s Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday night, is set to begin affecting Nepal from Thursday. The Kathmandu Post
Weather is expected to remain cloudy, with moderate rainfall in the afternoon in Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, met officials say. They have warned of a high chance of heavy rainfall in Madhesh and Koshi provinces; the met office warned that water flow in Bagmati, Koshi, Kamala, and Kankai rivers, and their tributaries, could increase significantly and reach alert thresholds. The Kathmandu Post
International and regional outlets have also reported heavy rain and snow linked to Cyclone Montha and warned of disruptions: Cyclone Montha made landfall on the Indian coast and carried moisture capable of triggering significant rainfall in Nepal’s highlands and foothills. The Kathmandu Post
Share Your Thoughts
- How will the relaxation of visit-visa rules affect Nepali travellers and the travel industry?
- What measures should authorities take to ensure aviation safety following the Buddha Air incident?
- Given the forensic concerns, what steps can improve the investigation into the coordinated arson?
- How should trekkers, mountaineers and local communities respond to Cyclone Montha warnings?