The Department of Immigration in Nepal has announced a significant relief measure for foreign tourists whose visas expired after September 8, 2025, and who were unable to renew them or leave the country due to recent protests and political turmoil.
According to a statement issued by Director Tikaram Dhakal, tourists affected by recent disruptions in Nepal, such as curfew orders, can now regularize their visas free of charge at the Immigration Office located at Tribhuvan International Airport. This decision aims to address the challenges faced by foreign visitors who were unable to extend their visas due to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a hassle-free process for those needing to regularize their status or depart the country.
Under the new policy, tourists whose visas were valid until September 8, 2025, but who were unable to depart during the curfew period, are eligible for free visa regularization. The Immigration Office at departure points, particularly Tribhuvan International Airport, will facilitate this process without imposing additional fees and will also issue exit permits.
Additionally, for tourists who lost their passports during this period and have obtained travel documents or emergency passports from their respective embassies, the department has made provisions for visa transfers in accordance with existing regulations. These tourists will also benefit from streamlined visa regularization and exit permit processes at the Immigration Office.
The Nepal Tourism Board has played a supportive role in implementing these measures, updating its systems to facilitate smooth tourist movement. To further assist visitors, the board has arranged shuttle bus services to transport tourists between the airport and hotels, ensuring safe and convenient travel. The board has also deployed staff available 24/7, equipped with contact numbers, to address any issues tourists may encounter during their stay or departure.
Recent violent protests led to the temporary closure of Tribhuvan International Airport. However, the airport has already resumed operations.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu has issued an alert for all U.S. citizens in Nepal, advising them to continue sheltering in place until further notice and adhere to new curfew rules. This warning follows widespread protests against corruption and a brief social media ban, which turned violent. The Nepali Army has been deployed, and curfews are now in effect across the city. The embassy is urging all U.S. citizens to remain in their current locations and avoid non-essential travel.
The deployment of the Nepali Army and the implementation of curfews come after protests escalated into violence, leading to at least 30 deaths in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The embassy’s alert is a direct response to this deteriorating security situation, aimed at ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens.
For those who must travel, the Nepali Army has released a specific curfew schedule that will be in effect until at least September 12. From 6 AM to 9 AM and again from 6 PM to 7 PM, essential activities and movement are permitted. However, curfews are strictly enforced during the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM and 7 PM to 6 AM. The embassy has also provided a contact number for the Nepali Army, +977 01597 9224, for American citizens with valid flight tickets who need assistance traveling to the airport during restricted hours. The embassy is also encouraging citizens to stay in contact with their airlines and await further updates.
On Tuesday, the violence escalated as protesters defied a curfew to set fire to the parliament building, Singha Durbar, and the residences of political leaders. Protesters stormed Singha Durbar, Nepal’s main administrative center for over 115 years, and set it ablaze, along with nearly all the ministries inside. Protesters also targeted the Supreme Court, the Special Court for Anti-Corruption, political party offices, and media houses.
Amid the chaos, the Nepali Army was forced to rescue several high-profile political figures. President Ram Chandra Paudel was evacuated by a Nepali Army helicopter from his official residence, Sheetal Niwas, after protesters entered the premises. KP Sharma Oli was also rescued from the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar by a military helicopter on Tuesday afternoon.
Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, were at their home when protesters broke in, vandalizing and setting the property on fire. They were taken to a hospital for treatment under security surveillance. Additionally, former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Nepal were rescued from the parliament building after protesters began vandalizing and setting fire to the entrance.
To restore peace, the Nepali Army has been deployed across Kathmandu and other parts of the country, assuming control of security operations. The situation began to stabilize after the army took control, with a curfew in place.
Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist based in Kathmandu. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks in Nepal.
