KATHMANDU: The Department of Immigration has warned trekking agencies against taking foreign trekkers into restricted areas without valid trekking permits, cautioning that both agencies and trekkers found in violation could face legal action under the prevailing Immigration Act.

The department said it had received reports of some trekking agencies pressuring staff by calling at any hour under the pretext of trekker rescue, taking trekkers into restricted areas without permits, and submitting permit applications only after local administration had already identified trekkers on the ground. The department said such practices were having a negative impact on Nepal's tourism promotion efforts and international image, and reiterated that only authorised foreign trekkers with valid permits should be taken into trekking areas.

Foreign nationals trekking in 13 designated restricted districts are required to obtain trekking permits from the Department of Immigration. To make the process more accessible, convenient, and efficient for trekking agencies and tourists wishing to visit restricted areas, all permit-related work has been moved to an online system. The department has also revised its system to allow foreign nationals to apply for trekking permits using their Nepal visa application number in addition to their approved visa number. Solo trekkers are also now being issued permits.

Noting that the government had decided to give two days off, Saturday and Sunday, to government offices and public institutions as published in the Nepal Gazette on 2082 Chaitra 22, the department said permit applications had continued to be received on those days as well. To facilitate trekking agencies and tourists and to maintain institutional governance while making permit services easy, accessible, and fast, the department decided on 2083 Baisakh 23 to operate permit services on public holidays other than Saturday for two hours only, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The department clarified that since all permit-related work is conducted online, service recipients are not required to visit the department in person. Those requiring assistance with documentation or facing technical difficulties related to trekking permits may contact the department during office hours at +977 9761423636.