Nepal launches online Temporary Import of Vehicle system for tourists on May 6

How the digital vehicle permit works

Nepal rolled out an online Temporary Import of Vehicle system on May 6, letting foreign-registered cars complete border permit paperwork and pay fees before reaching the crossing. Drivers submit vehicle details through the portal, pay the applicable charges and receive a QR code valid for presentation at land entry points.

The shift is procedural, not regulatory. Nepal's Tourism Board said the change digitizes an existing vehicle-pass framework rather than adding restrictions and the country's open-border arrangement with India remains intact.

Who the change reaches

The system targets tourists driving private vehicles into Nepal by road, particularly Indian travelers and third-country overland visitors. Expats and remote workers crossing without a foreign-plated vehicle aren't affected by the new portal, though standard immigration reporting at entry points still applies to non-Indian foreigners.

The Tourism Board pushed back on viral claims circulating in mid-May about a 30-day stay cap for Indian tourists, mandatory identity cards and vehicle confiscation for overstays. The board said all three reports are false and no new visa or length-of-stay rules have been issued for Indian nationals.

What drivers should prepare

Travelers planning a land crossing in a foreign-registered vehicle should complete the online submission and payment in advance, then present the QR code at the border. Historic border-pass fees on the Indian consular guidance for Birgunj range from NRs. 250 to 500 per day, depending on vehicle type, with vehicles capped at a one-month maximum retention even with fees paid.

Nepal's coverage of the new system notes permits can be renewed on payment of certain fees, but a full published fee schedule for the digital portal wasn't available in official sources at launch. Drivers should confirm rates at the customs window before relying on older figures.

Key points to check before crossing:

• Vehicle registration and ownership documents
• Driver's passport and visa details
• Payment method accepted by the online portal
• QR code printout or screenshot for border presentation

For broader entry rules and longer-stay options, read our full Nepal guide for the complete picture or browse more nomad news for regional updates.