The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has urged Chinese citizens in Nepal to not travel to Nepal-India border areas in the near future and strictly avoid mistakenly entering the Indian border citing growing tensions between India and Pakistan.
In a statement issued on Friday, the embassy noted that the Nepal government has stepped up security checks on the Nepal-India border as the situation between India and Pakistan has become increasingly tense in recent days.
“The Nepali Armed Police Force has significantly increased border patrols, added checkpoints, stepped up inspections, and conducted joint patrols with the Indian border guards in recent days. The Indian side has also stepped up control and inspections in sensitive border areas,” the statement said. “In this context, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal reminds Chinese citizens in Nepal to avoid going to Nepal-India border areas in the near future and strictly prevent mistakenly entering the Indian border.”
Stating that citizens of third countries such as China cannot travel to India through Nepal without a visa, the embassy urged Chinese citizens traveling in Nepal to not blindly follow the instructions of local guides, and to not mistakenly enter the Indian border without an Indian visa. “India has severe punishments for illegal immigrants. Even if you mistakenly enter India, you will be arrested and prosecuted, and may be sentenced to 2-8 years in prison and a fine, and it is difficult to obtain bail,” it further said.
The embassy asked Chinese nationals in Nepal to apply for an Indian visa in advance and strictly abide by the entry and exit regulations of the two countries if they need to travel to India.
Also, it cautioned against taking photos of Indian border facilities and vehicles to avoid unnecessary trouble, while also urging them to avoid traveling to areas restricted to foreigners without permission during their stay in India.
