25th September 2025, Kathmandu
The Department of Immigration (DoI) in Nepal has announced a significant policy change for the upcoming Dashain festival, providing much-needed relief to travelers and foreign residents.
Department of Immigration Remain Open
While most government offices in the country will close for the duration of the festival, the DoI will remain open on all Dashain holidays except the main day of Bijaya Dashami (Tika day). This proactive decision ensures that essential visa and immigration services continue with minimal disruption during the country’s most celebrated and longest festival period. According to the Nepali calendar, Tika day for the year 2082 B.S. is scheduled for Ashoj 16 (October 2, 2025). This move highlights the Nepali government’s growing commitment to supporting the tourism sector and improving the overall visitor experience, particularly during the peak autumn travel season.
Specifics of the Service Schedule
The Department of Immigration has established a special operating schedule to accommodate the festive period while ensuring that critical services remain accessible. According to an official at the department, Shiv Kumar Adhikari, the following key branches will be operational:
- Tourist Visa Section
- Agency Branch
These branches will cater to the needs of international tourists, travel agencies, and Nepali citizens who require urgent immigration-related services. The offices will be open for a limited time each day to allow employees to balance their work duties with holiday celebrations. The special operating hours during the Dashain holidays will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. This two-hour window is designed to ensure that travelers can complete tasks such as visa extensions or resolving documentation issues without significant delays.
The Significance of the Decision
This decision is particularly important given that Dashain coincides with Nepal’s peak tourist season, which runs from September to November. During this time, thousands of international visitors arrive for trekking, cultural tours, and adventure sports. By keeping its offices open, the Department of Immigration is:
- Supporting International Tourists: Travelers can extend their visas, obtain trekking permits, or handle any other last-minute documentation issues without the risk of overstaying their visas or having their travel plans interrupted by the extended public holidays.
- Facilitating Travel Agencies: Travel and tour operators, who play a vital role in processing visitor paperwork, can continue their operations smoothly. This ensures a seamless experience for their clients and contributes to the overall efficiency of the tourism industry.
- Boosting the Economy: Tourism is a crucial source of revenue for Nepal. This proactive measure sends a clear message that the country is a welcoming and professional destination, capable of providing reliable services even during major national festivals. This builds confidence among both tourists and international travel partners.
The contrast between the DoI’s holiday schedule and that of other government offices is stark. While most public and private sector offices in Nepal traditionally close for several days during Dashain, the Department of Immigration’s approach sets it apart as a service-oriented and forward-thinking institution. This action is also a reflection of the evolving priorities of the Nepalese government, which has been making concerted efforts to streamline administrative processes and promote a more business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment and tourists. The move to keep the office open on all but the main Tika day is a testament to the department’s understanding of its critical role in facilitating international travel and supporting the national economy. Tika day, or Bijaya Dashami, is the most sacred and important day of the festival, when family members gather to receive blessings from elders, making it a day when nearly all public activities cease.
Key Information for Travelers and Agencies
For those traveling to or from Nepal during this period, it is essential to be aware of the specific details:
- Service Availability: The Department of Immigration will be open every day during the Dashain holiday period, with the sole exception of Ashoj 16, 2082 B.S. (October 2, 2025), which is the main Tika day.
- Operating Hours: Services will be available daily from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Location: The services will be provided at the Department of Immigration’s main office in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Travelers and agencies should plan their visits accordingly to ensure they can complete any necessary immigration work without facing delays. This measure offers significant peace of mind to visitors, allowing them to fully enjoy their stay in Nepal without the stress of potential visa-related complications. The Department of Immigration’s decision to prioritize public service during a period of national celebration is a commendable step that will undoubtedly be appreciated by the international travel community and contribute to a more positive image of Nepal as a tourist destination.
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