Nepal's Department of Customs on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, launched a fully digital vehicle registration and fee payment system for foreign tourists entering the country via land routes, offering significant relief to Indian tourists who drive personal vehicles into Nepal. The system, inaugurated in Kathmandu by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, eliminates the need for physical permit processing at border customs points.

What the New System Offers

Under the new platform, Indian tourists and third-country visitors travelling to Nepal in their own vehicles can now complete the entire registration process — including self-declaration of vehicle details and payment of applicable fees — from home, before they even reach the border. Vehicles that complete the online process receive a QR code via email, which is presented at customs for entry clearance.

The system is accessible through the Department of Customs website, under the Our Services section, via the Temporary Import of Vehicle (TIV) module — developed under Nepal's National Single Window System. Fees can be paid either online or through bank counters, offering flexibility to travellers who may not prefer digital payment.

How It Replaces the Old Process

Previously, foreign tourists entering Nepal with personal vehicles were required to obtain temporary vehicle permits physically at customs checkpoints — a process that caused significant delays and queues at busy land border crossings. Worse, travellers had to physically revisit customs offices to renew permits during their stay, or risk financial penalties for missing renewal deadlines.

Now, tourists can extend their permitted stay duration online from within Nepal, removing the need to travel back to a customs office. Director General Shyam Prasad Mainali of the Department of Customs noted that the digitisation also improves transparency. "Travellers can self-declare vehicle details online, making the process more transparent and efficient," he said.

What the Government Said

Finance Minister Wagle, speaking at the launch, said the new system would eliminate hassles faced by tourists at border points. "This initiative is part of the government's commitment to good governance and efficient public service delivery. We want tourists to face no difficulties and receive fast, quality services," he added.

This move is part of Nepal's broader push to boost tourism by reducing friction at entry points. Nepal receives a significant share of its foreign visitors from India, and land border crossings remain the dominant mode of entry for Indian tourists travelling with personal vehicles.

How to Use the System

To access the service, tourists must visit the Department of Customs website, navigate to the Our Services section, and select the TIV module to fill in vehicle details online. After completing the form, a QR code is issued, which must be used to pay the applicable fee and gain entry at the customs point. Vehicles carrying the QR code can travel to their destinations without further hassle at the border, according to the department.

With the system now live, Nepal's land border crossings are expected to become significantly smoother for Indian and other foreign tourists — a development that could meaningfully boost visitor numbers in the months ahead.