BHAIRAHAWA: The Nepal government has launched a digital tracking system to strictly enforce entry regulations for Indian-registered vehicles.

While time limits and fees are long-standing legal requirements, the transition from manual records to an online system now allows customs officials to monitor vehicle movements, frequency of entry, and duration of stay in real-time.

This move aims to control revenue leakage and prevent the illegal long-term operation of foreign vehicles within the country.

Under current laws, Indian tourist vehicles—including cars, jeeps, and motorcycles—are permitted to stay in Nepal for a maximum of 30 days per calendar year.

Customs officers emphasized that this limit is absolute; overstaying is prohibited even with additional payments, and violators risk vehicle confiscation.

To facilitate travel, tourists can now pre-register and pay fees online, receiving a QR code for border entry and the ability to renew permits digitally from within Nepal.

Distinct regulations apply to commercial and local traffic. Indian cargo vehicles must pay specific entry fees (Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,700) and face a daily penalty of Rs. 2,500 if they remain in Nepal beyond 72 hours.

Meanwhile, a complimentary 12-hour facility remains for border-area residents to visit nearby markets for daily needs.

This digital overhaul is expected to streamline border crossings while ensuring strict legal compliance for all foreign vehicles entering through the Bhairahawa gateway.