The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued an important advisory for Indian nationals planning to travel from Nepal to destinations other than India. According to the latest guidance, all Indian passport holders departing Nepal directly for a third country must obtain a Third Country No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Embassy of India in Kathmandu before commencing their journey. The advisory is intended to ensure proper verification of travel documents and enhance the safety and security of Indian citizens traveling internationally from Nepal.
https://www.indembkathmandu.gov.in/latest-advisory-regarding-consular-services
Third Country NOC can be obtained from Embassy of India, Kathmandu after submitting the following at Embassy of India, Kathmandu:
- Original Passport (along with Photo Copy of first & last page of passport);
- For Indian Nationals registered with Embassy of India, Kathmandu – Original Indian Registration Certificate issued by Embassy of India, Kathmandu (along with Photo Copy);
- For Indian Nationals not registered with Embassy of India, Kathmandu – Copy of Passport page displaying latest immigration stamps;
- Copy of Flight Ticket and Valid Visa/other Valid Travel Permits;
- Two passport sized photographs,
- Applicant must submit their documents in person within three working days from the date of departure to get the NoC.; and
- NPR 3290/- as Consular Fees for issuing Third Country NOC.
Third Country NOC will be issued after interview/due examination of documents.
Note: Third Country NOC is not required for Indian air passengers transiting (do not clear Immigration) via Nepal.
The requirement applies to all Indian nationals regardless of where they permanently reside or whether they hold long-term visas, residence permits, or other immigration status in foreign countries. This means that even Indian citizens residing in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or the United States must obtain the NOC if they are flying directly to those destinations from Nepal.
According to the Embassy, travelers must personally visit the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and submit the required documentation within three working days prior to their departure date. Applications submitted outside the specified timeframe may face delays or may not be accepted for processing. The Embassy has emphasized that applicants must appear in person for document verification and an interview process before the NOC can be issued.
To obtain the Third Country NOC, applicants are required to submit several documents. These include the original passport along with photocopies of the first and last pages, copies of the latest immigration stamps, a confirmed flight ticket, a valid visa or travel authorization for the destination country, and two recent passport-size photographs. Individuals registered with the Embassy must also provide their Indian Registration Certificate.
The advisory further states that applicants must pay a consular fee of NPR 3,290 for the issuance of the Third Country NOC. The certificate is issued only after officials complete an interview and satisfactory verification of all submitted documents. Travelers are therefore encouraged to prepare all documentation carefully and apply within the recommended timeframe to avoid travel disruptions.
One of the most important aspects of the advisory is that the NOC requirement applies universally to Indian passport holders. Many travelers mistakenly believe that possessing permanent residency, work permits, student visas, or long-term residence status in another country exempts them from the process. However, the Embassy has clearly clarified that the NOC remains mandatory irrespective of foreign residency status or special visas held by the traveler.
There are, however, certain exemptions. Indian passengers merely transiting through Nepal without clearing immigration procedures do not require a Third Country NOC. Similarly, holders of Diplomatic Passports, Official Passports, and United Nations Passports are exempt from obtaining the certificate when departing Nepal for third-country destinations. These categories of travelers can proceed directly from Tribhuvan International Airport without seeking prior approval from the Embassy.
The advisory is particularly relevant for Indian tourists, business travelers, expatriates, students, and professionals who frequently use Nepal as a transit or departure point for international travel. Given Nepal’s proximity to India and the open-border arrangement between the two countries, many Indian citizens enter Nepal for tourism, pilgrimage, business meetings, or short visits before continuing onward to international destinations. The NOC requirement is therefore an important procedural step that travelers should not overlook.
