Travelling to Nepal? Here is what you need to know about Third Country Travel

This post is especially for Indian passport holders travelling to Nepal.

Please read carefully.

Indian passport holders do not require a visa to enter Nepal as long as they hold a valid Indian passport (if flying in) or a government-issued photo identity card (like a Voter ID or Aadhar Card) for land crossing.

However, in the recent past, new rules have come into effect for Indian passport holders travelling to a third country from Nepal – which means, if you are flying into Nepal and flying out to a third country, you will be required to get an NOC from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. (Eg, I flew Fly Dubai from Dubai to Kathmandu – but for me to return to Dubai on the same flight required an NOC, despite having a UAE residence visa)

The last time I was in Nepal in november 2024 (For the Annapurna Base Camp trek), I faced no problems of NOC, but this time (June 2026), I had to miss my flight because I did not have an NOC.

***Please note that there are boards announcing this in the arrival hall and departure areas, but you can easily miss it. The immigration officer might even tell you about it, but don’t count on it.

What you need to know

Indian passport holders traveling from Nepal to a third country (any country other than India) are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Embassy of India in Kathmandu before boarding their flight.

Airlines will strictly deny boarding without this document.

Requirements & Process

You need this NOC if you travel from India to Nepal and then fly onward to another country. If you are transiting through Nepal, you DO NOT need this document.

Required Documents 

• Original Indian passport, photocopy of the front page, back page, and your Nepal entry stamp.
• Two passport-size photographs.
• Printout of your confirmed flight ticket to your onward destination.
• Copy of your entry visa for the destination country (if applicable).
• Cash fee of approx. 3,290 Nepalese Rupees (NPR).

Processing Time

• Applications are usually accepted in the morning (typically before 12:30 PM), and the NOC is often issued on the same afternoon.
• Applicant must submit their documents in person.
• Third Country NOC will be issued after interview/due examination of documents.

What Is an NOC?

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is an official document issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu certifying that the Indian government has no objection to an Indian national traveling from Nepal to a third country.

When did the NOC become strict?

While the requirement for an NOC has long been established for Indian nationals departing Nepal for third countries, enforcement has become noticeably stricter quite recently. Although an exact start date isn’t widely publicized, recent reports (dating from early to mid-2024) indicate that airport security and immigration officials have ramped up their checks. This stricter enforcement is primarily driven by concerns over misuse of travel documents, human trafficking, and tax evasion.

Why are airport security suddenly asking for NOC?

Airport security in Kathmandu is now more vigilant because they are required to verify that Indian nationals have met all the government-mandated travel requirements. The sudden and more rigorous check is a response to:

• Preventing misuse: Ensuring that no one travels without proper documentation helps curb illegal activities.
• Standardization of procedures: The embassy and immigration authorities work hand-in-hand to maintain strict travel protocols for Indian nationals going to third countries.
  This means that travelers without a valid NOC risk being stopped at the airport.

How much time does it take to process the NOC? 

For Indian nationals traveling from Nepal, the process generally requires you to submit the application in person at least three working days before your departure. This recommendation is to ensure there’s enough processing time for verification and issuance of the NOC. Planning ahead is essential to avoid any last-minute complications at the airport.

Is an NOC mandatory?

Yes. For all Indian nationals traveling from Nepal to any third country (i.e., countries other than India), a valid NOC is mandatory. The only common exception is for air passengers who are simply transiting through Nepal (i.e., not clearing immigration).

Can you fly from Nepal without an NOC?

No. If you do not have a valid NOC when required, you risk:

• Denial of boarding at Tribhuvan International Airport.
• Immigration complications or delays, which can disrupt your travel plans. Even if you already have a flight ticket, missing the NOC requirement can result in being turned away at the departure gate.

Is the NOC only for Indians or for other nationalities?

The current NOC requirement is specific to Indian nationals traveling from Nepal to third countries. Other nationalities are not subject to this rule since it is mandated by the Indian government through its embassy in Kathmandu.

What happens to your flight ticket if you don’t have an NOC?

If you arrive at the airport without a valid NOC when one is required, you face several risks

• Denial of Boarding: Airlines follow strict guidelines; without the NOC, you may simply be prevented from boarding your flight.
• Rebooking or Cancellation Issues: Once denied boarding, your original flight ticket might become void, forcing you to rebook—often at additional expense.
• Travel Disruption: This can lead to missed connecting flights or other delays, resulting in financial and logistical losses. It is crucial to secure the NOC within the required timeframe to avoid potential disruptions and extra costs.

Are there alternative ways to travel without a NOC?

Yes, there are a few alternative ways Indian travelers can fly from Nepal without a No Objection Certificate (NOC):

1. Transit Without Clearing Immigration: If you are transiting through Nepal and do not clear immigration, you do not need an NOC. This means booking a single-ticket itinerary where your layover in Nepal does not require exiting the airport.
2. Flying from India Instead: Many Indian travelers choose to fly from Indian airports instead of Nepal to avoid the NOC requirement. If your destination allows direct flights from India, this can be a convenient option. Alternatively, you can choose to fly on an Indian carrier – in my case, IndiGo Airlines (KTM-Delhi-Dxb)
3. Special Cases & Diplomatic Travel:Certain categories of travelers, such as government officials, diplomats, and those with special permits, may be exempt from the NOC requirement.