Beyond the Hustle and Bustle: Navigating Stricter Travel Regulations for UAE Residents Venturing to Nepal
Facing Unexpected Costs and Paperwork Nightmares
Strict Nepal Travel Rule Causes Financial Loss for Certain Indian Expats in UAE
Photo: KT File
Ah, vacation time! But not so fast for some UAE residents. A sudden turned into a logistical headache for Manu Palerichal, a Dubai resident who thought he was about to enjoy a relaxing Eid break trip to Nepal with his family. Instead, they found themselves in a sticky situation due to newly enforced travel regulations.
"As soon as we landed in Nepal on Thursday, an immigration officer informed us that we need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian embassy when returning to the UAE," Manu explained.
"Unawares and Unprepared"
What made this situation worse was the fact that no one seemed to be aware of this new travel regulation. Manu, who is the CEO of auditing firm CLA Emirates in Dubai, double-checked with his travel agent but found out that the NOC requirement had recently been strictly enforced due to "human trafficking and tax evasion" concerns.
By the time he received this information, Manu and his family had already traveled to Pokhara, nearly 200km from Kathmandu, where the Indian embassy is located. "So, it was impossible for us to secure the NOC," he said.
Lost Time and Money
Another unfortunate soul who faced the brunt of these new travel regulations was Dubai resident Thabseer Ahmed. Last month, he lost over Dh1,400 after finding out about the NOC requirement at the airport when returning from his Nepal holiday.
Heed the Warnings, Save Yourself Stress and Hardship
Fortunately for Manu, his trip was saved when he managed to secure an appointment at the embassy over the weekend, but having to go through the entire ordeal left a bitter taste. He now warns other UAE residents to be careful when planning their trips to Nepal.
"Since Nepal is just a short distance away, a lot of Indians from GCC countries plan short trips here," he said. "Travel agents must give clear directives about these new requirements to avoid complications."
Safeer Mohammed, general manager of Smart Travels, also emphasizes the importance of being aware of these travel regulations. "We're advising all travellers to Nepal to have the NOC sorted to ensure a smooth journey," he noted.
A Few More Details About the NOC Requirement
- Nepal Visa Requirements: UAE residents need a valid passport with at least six months' validity and one empty visa page to enter Nepal. Tourist and business visas may require submitting a passport copy and photo.
- Documents Required for Obtaining the NOC: To obtain the NOC, travellers must submit a passport-sized photograph, copies of passport, UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, immigration stamp, flight tickets, an application form, and pay 3,100 Nepali rupees per person.
- Immigration and Customs: Ensure all necessary immigration and customs requirements are met upon return to the UAE. This typically includes having a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID ready for inspection.
Stay informed and don't let unexpected travel regulations turn your dream vacation into a dreaded ordeal. Happy travels!
- The stricter travel regulations for UAE residents venturing to Nepal have brought about unexpected costs and paperwork nightmares, as experienced by Manu Palerichal, a Dubai resident.
- The CEO of auditing firm CLA Emirates in Dubai, Manu, had to face challenges due to the lack of awareness about the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement for Indian nationals returning to the UAE from Nepal.
- Thabseer Ahmed, another Dubai resident, faced financial losses over Dh1,400 due to the same reason—the recent enforcing of the NOC requirement for UAE residents returning from Nepal.
- UAE residents planning trips to Nepal are advised to be aware of the new travel requirements, including obtaining the NOC, and ensure a smooth journey back, as advised by Safeer Mohammed, the general manager of Smart Travels.
