Upon arriving in Nepal, all baggage must be declared and cleared through customs at the entry point. Personal effects are typically permitted free entry. Travelers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can use the Green Channel for quick clearance without baggage inspection. However, those carrying dutiable goods must use the Red Channel for a more detailed customs check.
Import Regulations
Visitors are allowed to bring certain items into Nepal without paying customs duties. These include:
– Cigarettes (200 sticks) or cigars (50 sticks)
– Distilled liquor (one 1.15-liter bottle)
– Film (15 rolls)
Additionally, travelers may bring the following items free of duty, provided they are taken out of Nepal upon departure:
– Binoculars
– Movie or video cameras
– Still cameras
– Laptop computers
– Portable music systems
Export Regulations
Exporting antiques from Nepal requires a special certification from the Department of Archaeology, located at the National Archive Building on Ram Shah Path in Kathmandu. It is illegal to export items over 100 years old, including sacred images, paintings, and manuscripts that hold cultural and religious value. Visitors are strongly advised against purchasing such items as they are considered part of Nepal’s cultural heritage and are protected by law.
Driving into Nepal
Tourists entering Nepal by road with their own vehicles must possess an international Carnet de Passages (vehicle import document).
For further information on customs regulations, you can visit the official customs website at [http://www.customs.gov.np](http://www.customs.gov.np).