Kathmandu । Nepal’s Department of Immigration has fined a trekking agency Rs 50,000 for taking four Mexican nationals into the restricted area of Lower Dolpa without obtaining the required trekking permits.
According to a press release issued by the Department of Immigration on Friday, Mount Rose Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. was fined under Section 10(4) of the Immigration Act, 1992, for violating immigration regulations.
The four Mexican nationals were also fined Rs 10,000 each under the same provision for entering the restricted area without trekking permits. In addition, each tourist has been required to pay the applicable permit fee of USD 20 per week.
The action followed a letter from the District Administration Office, Dolpa, requesting the department to take necessary action after the four foreign nationals were found trekking in restricted Lower Dolpa without authorization.
The department said obtaining trekking permits in restricted areas is mandatory under Rule 32 of the Immigration Regulations, 1995.
Emphasizing the need to make Nepal's trekking tourism safe, systematic and well-regulated, the department urged all foreign nationals, trekking and travel agencies, and other concerned stakeholders to comply fully with the country's trekking permit requirements.
It also instructed travel and trekking agencies arranging trips for foreign nationals in restricted areas to register with the department's online system and ensure that all necessary permits are obtained before entering such areas.
The department reiterated that violations of immigration and trekking regulations would invite legal action.
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