In a significant development for tourism, the Indian Immigration Office has reopened the border crossing at Gaddachauki for foreign tourists traveling from Nepal. This decision marks the resumption of entry for third-country nationals through this border point, which had been closed for nearly three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Padma Raj Bhatta, Chief of the Gaddachauki Immigration Office, the Indian authorities have decided to reopen the border for foreign tourists starting from July 15, 2024. This change comes after a prolonged closure that began on December 10, 2021, when the Indian border office suspended the entry of foreign tourists due to the pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India had selectively opened some border crossings for tourists traveling from Nepal, but Gaddachauki remained closed. The closure was part of broader restrictions imposed by India, which had limited border access for tourists to only a few designated points.
The reopening of the Gaddachauki border is expected to significantly boost tourism activities in the region. Bhatt highlighted that the previous restriction had resulted in a complete halt of tourist movement through this border point for three years. With the border now open, there is anticipation of increased tourist flow and renewed interest in travel between Nepal and India.
“Since the Indian Immigration Office had blocked the entry of foreign tourists, the number of tourists passing through the Gaddachauki border had been zero for the past three years. With the reopening of the border, we expect a rise in tourist activities,” Bhatta said.
While the Gaddachauki border has been reopened for foreign tourists, the borders for tourists entering Nepal from India have remained open throughout the pandemic. The decision to resume departures from Gaddachauki reflects India’s commitment to revitalizing cross-border tourism and facilitating easier travel for international visitors.
The reopening of the Gaddachauki border crossing is a positive development for the tourism sector, providing new opportunities for travel and tourism between Nepal and India. The move is expected to enhance regional connectivity and contribute to the recovery of the tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic.
As travel restrictions continue to ease globally, both Nepal and India are working towards restoring and strengthening tourism ties. The reopening of key border points like Gaddachauki is a crucial step in this process, promising a brighter future for cross-border tourism and economic exchange.
