Chinese embassy in Nepal issues travel advisory warning citizens against visiting India border areas
PTC Web Desk: The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has renewed its advisory urging Chinese nationals to avoid travel near the India-Nepal border amid increasing detentions related to illegal crossings into Indian territory. This comes as Indian authorities intensify border security measures following a series of violations in recent months.
In a statement released on Friday, the embassy expressed concern over repeated incidents involving Chinese travellers venturing into sensitive border areas despite previous warnings. It reiterated that while citizens of India and Nepal enjoy mutual border-crossing privileges with valid identification, these rules do not apply to foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens. As per Indian law, foreigners must possess a valid Indian visa to legally enter the country—even if traveling via Nepal.
The embassy highlighted the serious legal consequences of unauthorised entry, warning that even inadvertent crossings could result in arrest or prosecution under India's strict immigration laws. Offenders may face jail terms ranging from two to eight years or substantial fines, and bail is often not granted in such cases.
This advisory follows the arrest of two Chinese nationals in Bihar on May 29. Authorities allege the duo was taking selfies and recording videos at the India-Nepal border without possessing valid travel documentation. Earlier in May, another group of four Chinese citizens was detained while attempting to enter India through the Raxaul border post in Bihar. They too lacked the legal permits required to cross into Indian territory.
India has ramped up border surveillance since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed in a brutal assault allegedly carried out by militants backed by Pakistan. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
- With inputs from agencies
