Nepal to bring in stickers for Indian tourists to travel free of hassle

SNS, SILIGURI, 13 APRIL, 2025 :  Indian tourists can now explore Nepal's Koshi province without hassles, thanks to a new vehicle sticker system launched by Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki. 

On Friday, the chief minister introduced a special sticker for Indian-registered vehicles, permitting seamless travel within Koshi Province. Tourists can obtain the sticker at Nepal's immigration offices at Kakarvitta, Jhapa district, immediately after crossing the Indo-Nepal border via Panitanki. 

The move follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on April 8 between the Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators Association (EHTTOA) and the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) in Mechinagar. 

Punya Prasad Bhattarai, President of NATTA's Koshi province chapter, said: "With this sticker, Indian vehicles can travel freely without facing taxes, extra fees, or unnecessary police checks. Nepal Police will also provide assistance if needed." 

Debasish Chakraborty, General Secretary of EHTTOA, welcomed the initiative and said: "This dynamic step by the Koshi Province Government will boost tourism. The temporary permit system ensures a smoother experience for Indian tourists visiting Eastern Nepal." 

He noted that the April 8 MoU emphasised hassle-free travel, adding that popular destinations like Kanyam, Shree Auntu, Maipokhari, Maimajua village, and Chin- taphu would benefit significantly-especially during the Koshi Province Tourism Year 2082 (Nepali calendar).