Nepal, May 6: The Government of Nepal has launched a new online vehicle registration and permit system for foreign tourists entering the country through land routes, a move expected to significantly benefit Indian travellers visiting Nepal by road.
The digital initiative, introduced by the Department of Customs, allows foreign tourists, including Indian visitors, to complete vehicle registration formalities and pay required fees online before entering Nepal.
The system was officially inaugurated on Tuesday by Swarnim Wagle, who said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve governance, streamline public services and enhance the travel experience for international visitors.
Under the newly introduced platform, tourists travelling in private vehicles can now apply for temporary vehicle permits digitally instead of physically visiting customs counters at border entry points. Authorities stated that the move is aimed at reducing congestion, paperwork and delays commonly experienced by travellers entering Nepal through road checkpoints.
Previously, visitors bringing vehicles into Nepal had to obtain temporary permits directly from customs offices upon arrival. Travellers were also required to revisit customs facilities to renew permits during extended stays, failing which penalties could be imposed for delayed renewal.
With the launch of the online system, tourists can now complete the entire process from their homes before beginning their journey. The platform enables applicants to register vehicles, submit required details, pay applicable fees and obtain digital approval electronically.
Speaking during the launch event, Finance Minister Wagle said the government wanted to ensure that tourists entering Nepal encounter minimal inconvenience at border points.
“This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to good governance and efficient public service delivery. We want tourists to face no difficulties and receive fast, quality services,” he stated.
Director General of the Department of Customs, Shyam Prasad Mainali, said the permit system for foreign tourist vehicles has now been fully digitised under the new arrangement.
According to customs officials, travellers can self-declare vehicle details online, making the process more transparent, efficient and user-friendly. The digitisation is also expected to improve monitoring and record management for authorities.
Tourists will have the option of paying permit fees either online or through designated bank counters. Once payment is completed online, travellers will receive a QR code through email, which can be presented at customs checkpoints while entering Nepal.
Authorities said vehicles carrying the QR code will be allowed smoother and quicker clearance procedures at border entry points.
The system also includes an online extension feature for travellers wishing to continue their stay in Nepal beyond the original permit duration. Tourists can now renew permits digitally from within Nepal without the need to physically visit customs offices.
To access the service, users must visit the official website of the Department of Customs and navigate to the “Our Services” section before selecting the Temporary Import of Vehicle (TIV) module. Applicants can then fill in vehicle and travel details online to generate the digital permit.
The Department of Customs stated that the TIV module has been developed under Nepal’s National Single Window System, which aims to modernise customs procedures and facilitate smoother cross-border movement.
Officials believe the initiative will especially benefit Indian tourists, many of whom travel to Nepal using personal vehicles through various land border points connecting the two countries.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that simplified procedures and digital services could encourage more road travel tourism between India and Nepal while reducing administrative inconvenience for visitors.
