Tourist arrivals through the Belahiya border post, one of Nepal’s key entry points from India, have shown steady signs of recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Immigration Office at Belahiya, 63,793 tourists from 58 countries entered Nepal through this route by last Thursday, reflecting renewed confidence among international travelers.
Immigration Officer Basuram Paudel noted that a majority of these tourists arrived in Nepal primarily for religious and pilgrimage purposes, underscoring the continued importance of cultural and spiritual tourism in the region.
Tourist Influx by Country
Data for the past nine months reveals that the Belahiya checkpoint has welcomed visitors from a wide range of countries, with South and Southeast Asian nations dominating the inflow.
- Sri Lanka: 19,835 tourists
- Thailand: 12,345 tourists
- Myanmar: 9,278 tourists
- Vietnam: 4,188 tourists
- South Korea: 2,024 tourists
These figures highlight the significant role of Buddhist pilgrimage routes, with destinations such as Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, attracting thousands of devotees from Buddhist-majority nations.
Growth Trend Over Recent Years
Tourist arrivals through the Belahiya border post had witnessed a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the numbers are now showing a promising rebound. The data reflects a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, only 20,220 visitors entered Nepal through Belahiya as global travel restrictions and safety concerns kept international movement limited.
By 2023, the situation had improved significantly, with arrivals surging to 81,000, indicating renewed interest in Nepal as a travel destination. The momentum continued into 2024, with the number climbing further to 92,644 arrivals, showing that tourism through this key gateway is firmly on the path to recovery. This pattern mirrors the broader recovery of Nepal’s tourism industry, where international arrivals have been gradually increasing as the world adapts to post-pandemic travel, reaffirming Nepal’s position as a major hub for cultural, natural, and pilgrimage tourism.
Belahiya’s Strategic Importance
Belahiya, located in Rupandehi district, serves as a vital gateway for foreign tourists entering Nepal by land, particularly those who wish to visit Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The increasing footfall through this entry point not only contributes to local economic activities but also enhances Nepal’s image as a pilgrimage destination of global importance.
Operational Challenges at the Immigration Office
Despite the encouraging numbers, the Immigration Office at Belahiya faces serious operational challenges. Immigration Officer Basudev Paudel raised concerns over acute staffing shortages at the checkpoint. Out of an approved staff quota of 12 employees, only five are currently stationed at the office.
The lack of adequate human resources has placed immense pressure on existing staff members, particularly during peak tourist seasons, when the flow of travelers is at its highest. Paudel emphasized that unless staffing levels are improved, the office will struggle to provide efficient services and maintain the quality of assistance expected by international visitors.
Tourism Revival Amid Challenges
While the growing number of tourist arrivals is a positive sign for the country’s tourism recovery, stakeholders caution that Nepal must strengthen its infrastructure, manpower, and coordination mechanisms to sustain this growth. Adequate staffing at border checkpoints, improved facilities for foreign travelers, and smoother immigration processes will be key to enhancing Nepal’s reputation as a welcoming destination.
Furthermore, tourism experts suggest that the government and local authorities should capitalize on the rising inflow by developing better transport connectivity, accommodation facilities, and promotional campaigns linked to pilgrimage sites. With countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar consistently sending high numbers of visitors, focused efforts on religious and cultural tourism could further increase arrivals in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
The Belahiya border post stands as a barometer for Nepal’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. With nearly 64,000 foreign visitors in just nine months, the checkpoint has demonstrated its crucial role in reconnecting Nepal with its key pilgrimage markets. If the operational challenges, particularly staffing shortages, are addressed in time, Belahiya could become a model entry point that boosts both local and national tourism development.
