The number of third-country tourists entering Nepal via the Belahiya border point in Rupandehi has shown a notable increase, crossing the 100,000 mark in 2025. According to the Immigration Office, Belahiya, a total of 103,955 foreign tourists entered Nepal through this land route during the year.
During the same period, 102,455 tourists departed Nepal through the Belahiya border on their onward journeys, reflecting strong cross-border travel activity and the growing importance of this checkpoint as a major land gateway for international visitors.
Tourist Inflow Rises Compared to 2024
In 2024, a total of 92,644 tourists entered Nepal via this route, while 93,290 tourists exited through the same route. The latest figures indicate an increase of more than 10,000 additional tourists in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Chief of the Immigration Office, Basuram Paudel, said that although the tourist inflow did not meet earlier expectations, it still showed encouraging growth. “We had projected the arrival of around 120,000 tourists in 2025. Due to the impact of the Gen-Z movement, the numbers could not reach that level. However, since the post-pandemic period, tourist arrivals have been gradually increasing every year,” he stated.
Sri Lanka Tops the Visitor List
Among third-country nationals entering through Belahiya in 2025, Sri Lanka recorded the highest number of visitors with 34,366 tourists. It was followed by:
- Myanmar: 19,962
- Thailand: 19,195
- Vietnam: 7,645
- South Korea: 3,082
- United States: 2,149
These figures highlight the growing popularity of Nepal among South and Southeast Asian travelers using the Belahiya land route.
March Records Highest Monthly Arrivals
Tourist arrivals peaked in March 2025, when 20,720 tourists entered Nepal through Belahiya. Other high-arrival months included:
- February: 17,871
- November: 16,305
- October: 11,697
- December: 10,720
The data shows a strong seasonal flow of tourists, particularly during spring and autumn travel periods.
Belahiya: Nepal’s Busiest Land Entry Point
Belahiya remains Nepal’s largest and busiest land border for third-country tourist arrivals. Historical records show:
- 2018: 166,235 tourists
- 2019: 161,691 tourists
- 2020: 43,367 tourists
- 2021: 812 tourists
- 2022: 20,220 tourists
- 2023: 81,805 tourists
Despite the sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, arrivals have been steadily recovering, reinforcing Belahiya’s status as Nepal’s most important land gateway for international travelers.
