Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - Nepal is going to deny entry visas to people from some Muslim and African countries. The country's Department of Immigration (DoI) and Foreign Affairs Ministry want to curb illegal trade and criminal activities, boosted by easier visa requirements. The first countries on the 'black list' are Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan.
"We had started granting a 90-day visa on arrival to promote tourism but the provision now shows with many drawbacks," DoI Director General Suresh Adhikari said.
DoI officials are concerned that foreign criminals are using Nepal as a transit point to enter third countries, smuggle drugs, launder counterfeit money and traffic in human beings, not to mention the activities of terrorist groups.
With the exception of 11 countries, it will still be possible to visit Nepal on a 90-day visa for trekking, expeditions or mountaineering. For shorter visits, a 30-day visa will be available.
Priority will be given to nationals of China, United States and European Union, which send thousands of tourists to the mountain nation each year.