Gaddachouki Border reopens for foreign tourists heading to India

Kanchanpur— Foreign tourists traveling to India through the western border post at Gaddachouki can now do so freely as the Indian Immigration Office has reopened the entry for foreign tourists.

Padmaraj Bhatta, Acting Head of the Immigration Office at Gaddachouki, announced that the Indian side has resumed departures for foreign tourists as of Shrawan 15th.

The entry for foreign tourists had been closed by the Indian Border Immigration Office since December 10, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, India limited border crossings from Nepal for tourists, including the Gaddachouki border crossing.

The decision to restrict access was part of broader measures to control the spread of the virus. However, with the reopening, foreign tourists can now pass through Gaddachouki without restrictions.

Acting Head Bhatta stated, "When the Indian Immigration Office banned the entry of foreign tourists, the number of tourists going to India through the border was at a standstill for three years." The recent change will now facilitate smoother travel for tourists.

Previously, while the border was open for tourists entering Nepal from India, departures for foreign tourists to India were halted. The Indian Immigration Office has now started issuing departure permits along with entry permits for foreign tourists, marking a significant step in resuming cross-border tourism activities.