Kathmandu, April 19
Owing to criticism from stakeholders, the Nepal immigration department has withdrawn a notice that would require foreigners to carry at least USD 200 in cash to obtain on-arrival visas at the Kathmandu airport.
Earlier last week, the department had issued a notice urging foreigners to carry the cash citing there was only one ATM at the Tribhuvan International Airport and e-payment facilities are also not easily available. However, stakeholders including the members of the public criticised the move as it discouraged the movement towards digital payment.
Following that, the Department of Immigration says it held a meeting with stakeholders on Monday and decided to postpone the notice for now. Instead, efforts will be made to increase the number of ATMs and POS machines at the airport, and operate payment gateway systems.
Likewise, the TIA Civil Aviation Office and the Rastriya Banijya Bank will jointly monitor if the tourists are getting the needful ease to obtain on-arrival visas, according to the department.
