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Nepal waives visa fees for Chinese citizens
Nepal waives visa fees for Chinese citizens
Bangkok post
27 Dec 2015
Kathmandu - Nepal will waive visa fees for Chinese citizens, in appreciation for assistance the neighbouring country has provided, particularly during a severe fuel shortage, authorities said on Sunday.
China recently donated one million litres of fuel to the Himalayan nation that has been suffering from a prolonged border closure by its southern neighbour and main trading partner, India.
"This comes as goodwill gesture to thank China for helping us out in the face of a number of problems, recently," Nepal Tourism Board spokesman Sarad Pradhan said.
The 30-dollar visa fees applicable to foreigners visiting Nepal will no longer apply to Chinese tourists.
"China also lifted its security advisory for its citizens visiting Nepal. Chinese tourists top the list of foreigners visiting Nepal, so this is also expected to encourage more visitors," Pradhan said.
Beijing and Kathmandu also agreed last week to improve land transit for bilateral trade.
Nepal has been facing general strikes in its southern plains since August, where the ethnic Madheshi community that share close ties with India has been protesting for greater autonomy.
India has closed the border with Nepal, citing security reasons, allowing only a limited amount of supplies to cross since Sept 24.
The scarcity has crippled Nepal's economy, driving its major source of hard currency - tourism - down by more 50%, according to the tourism board.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/808128/nepal-waives-visa-fees-for-chinese-citizens
