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The Tribhuwan
International Airport is the kingdom's only international
airport. As the complex is relatively small, it's quite impossible
for a person to lose one's way around.
The International Terminal was officially inaugurated by his
Majesty, King Birenda, in February, 1990. Ninety percent of
all travelers entering and leaving Nepal by air pass through
the new terminal, truly making it the "Gateway to Nepal."
The silhouette
of the terraced roofline resembles the agricultural terracing
prevalent throughout Nepal. Situated on a plateau, the distinctive
form of the New International Terminal is a visible landmark
in the Katmandu Valley. It covers a gross area of 10,240 m2
(110,185 ft2)
Nepal
lies within reasonable flight distance from most parts of
the world. There are scheduled air services to and from the
principal cities of India, Thailand, Singapore, Bangladesh,
Myanmar (Burma), Hong Kong, Pakistan, Qatar, Austria, German
and many other countries. Royal Nepal Airlines, Nepal's national
flag carrier, operates international air services by Boeing
757 and 767 from Kathmandu to Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Karachi,
Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Osaka, Dhaka, Rangoon, Dubai,
Frankfurt, London and many other destinations. Indian Airlines
operates flights from Calcutta, Delhi, Varanasi (Banaras)
and Patna. The Union of Burma Airways operates flights from
Rangoon while Thai International has flights between Bangkok
and Kathmandu. Bangladesh Biman operates flights from Dhaka
while Pakistan Int'l Airlines has a service operating between
Karachi and Kathmandu. Similarly, Singapore Airlines operates
flights from Singapore. Qatar Airlines and Austria's Lauda
Airlines also have flight.
There
are two counters for tourists at the immigration hall; one
for those arriving with valid visas for Nepal, and the other
for those who require visas. A single-entry tourist visa for
60 days is issued by the airport immigration authority for
a fee of US $ 30.
For further extensions, you will have to go to the Central Immigration
Office at Exhibition Road.
When entering
Nepal either by land or air, all visitors are required to
fill out a disembarkation card giving passport details and
planned length of stay. The Indian nationals do not require
a visa, but it is necessary to produce a valid document of
identification at the port of entry.
There is
a duty free shop at one corner of the Immigration Hall. Although
there is not much in variety, it offers the last opportunity
to get your hands on drinks and tobacco if you require any.
Checked baggages
arrive just behind the customs barrier. There are free self-service
trolleys on which you can cart your baggage up to the exit gate.
Normally,
the customs do not bother foreign visitors on arrival, but
they may wish to inspect baggage that look abnormally excessive
for a single person. Video cameras will be noted down on passports
to ensure that they are taken out of the country on departure.
The Green
Channel allows one to walk through without baggage inspection,
but take note that baggage will be screened twice through
X-ray before being cleared.
Hotel
Association of Nepal Counter
On completing your immigration and customs formalities, you
will come across the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Counter
at the arrival hall. If you do not have prior reservations
for a hotel room, you may go to the HAN counter and select
a hotel of your choice. The representative will present you
with details of each member hotel; brochures, photos and the
tariff. A number of hotels offer discounts and free transportation
from the airport.
If you
are arriving without prior hotel reservation, you could choose
to book one for at least one night from the HAN counter. In
this way, you have a particular destination to proceed towards.
On the following day, as you get your bearings, you then could
take a hotel of your choice should the current selection be
unsuitable.
If you
are not being provided transportation to your hotel, the best
alternative is to buy a pre-paid coupon from the Airport Taxi
Service booth. It is on the left hand corner of the exit gate.
These are non-metered cabs with fixed rates that will take
you to your destination
Passengers
arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any
dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick
clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable
articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed
customs clearance.
Apart from
used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal
free of duty cigarettes (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor
(one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring
in the following articles free of duty on condition that you
take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or
video camera, still camera, laptop computer and portable music
system.
It is
illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images,
paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious
reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as
they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department
of Archaeology (Phone:213701, 213702) at Ramshah Path near
Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings
and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or
carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel
agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information
on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administratior,
TIA Customs Office (Phone: 470110, 472266)
There
is no restriction in the amount of bank notes and traveler's
cheques a tourist can bring into Nepal, however, the amount
to be taken out of the country should not exceed the amount
imported. Foreign currency is to be exchanged with the authorized
foreign exchange dealers or official bank exchange counters
only. The exchange rate of foreign currencies varies from
time to time with slight fluctuation. Foreigners, except Indians,
are not allowed to import or export Indian currency.
Foreigners,
besides Indian nationals are required to pay their bills in
convertible currencies. This is particularly so while buying
air tickets, first time visa fees, accommodation in up-market
hotels, and for transactions with travel agents. Besides that,
payment in restaurants and shops can be made with Nepali currency.
It is advisable that you exchange into Nepali Rupees only
the approximate amount that you intend to spend because on
departure, you will be allowed to reconvert only 15% of the
entire amount that you had previously exchanged from time
to time of your arrival. To avail of this facility, you should
retain all your currency exchange receipts as proof.
Passengers
departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required
to pay an airport tax of Rs. 770 if going to SAARC countries
(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Shri Lanka)
and Rs, 1100 to all other international destinations. Domestic
airport tax is Rs. 16
Department
of Immigration
The department is located at Exhibition Road, Kathmandu. (Phone:
222453, 223590)
Office Hours
Sunday to Thursday
10.00am to 5.00pm
10.00am to 4.00pm in winters
Friday
10.00am to 3.00 pm
As per the
latest visa regulation of Nepal, the following provisions have
been made effective with regards to the revised tourist and
business visa fees and changes in the current trekking permit-issuing
system.
Single
entry tourist visa can be obtained from the entry points of
Nepal or from Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad by
paying US$ 30 for 60 days. If visitors who wish to obtain
single, double or multiple re-entry, they can get it by paying
additional US$ 25, US$ 40 and US$ 60 respectively.
If the
visitor, who has already visited Nepal under tourist visa,
intends to come again within 150 days of the same visa year
he/she can obtain entry visa by paying US$ 50 for 30 days
at the entry points or at the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions
abroad.
Visitors
who wish to stay for more than 60 days in Nepal can extend
their tourist visa by paying the equivalent of US$ 50 in the
Nepalese currency for 30 days to the Department of Immigration.
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