NOC has been mandatory for all Indian passport holders for flying out from Nepal. Without NOC Indian passport holders cannot fly out from Nepal.
What Is an NOC?
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is an official document issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. It certifies that the Indian government has no objection to an Indian national traveling from Nepal to a third country. Essentially, it serves as a green light from the embassy, ensuring that all documentation is in order for international travel out of Nepal.
From When Did the NOC Become Strict for Indian Citizens?
While the requirement for an NOC has long been established for Indian nationals departing Nepal for third countries, enforcement has become noticeably stricter in recent years. Although an exact start date isn’t widely publicized, recent reports (dating from early to mid-2024) indicate that airport security and immigration officials have ramped up their checks. This stricter enforcement is primarily driven by concerns over misuse of travel documents, human trafficking, and tax evasion.
Why Are Airport Security Suddenly Asking for NOC for Indians?
Airport security in Kathmandu is now more vigilant because they are required to verify that Indian nationals have met all the government-mandated travel requirements. The sudden and more rigorous check is a response to:
- Preventing misuse: Ensuring that no one travels without proper documentation helps curb illegal activities.
- Standardization of procedures: The embassy and immigration authorities work hand-in-hand to maintain strict travel protocols for Indian nationals going to third countries.
This means that travelers without a valid NOC risk being stopped at the airport.
Where Can We Get the Documents for NOC for Indians?
The documents needed to apply for an NOC aren’t “collected” from a specific office but must be gathered from your own records and then submitted in person at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. In other words, you assemble all your personal travel documents (like your passport, flight details, etc.) and submit them directly at the embassy’s consular section.
If you’re a student applying for a study-abroad NOC issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Nepal, you may start your process online via their official website. However, for general travel NOC purposes, it’s the Indian embassy that handles this.
How Much Time Does It Take to Get the NOC for Indian passport holders?
For Indian nationals traveling from Nepal, the process generally requires you to submit the application in person at least three working days before your departure. This recommendation is to ensure there’s enough processing time for verification and issuance of the NOC. Planning ahead is essential to avoid any last-minute complications at the airport.
Is an NOC Mandatory for all nationalities in Nepal?
Yes. For all Indian nationals traveling from Nepal to any third country (i.e., countries other than India), a valid NOC is mandatory. The only common exception is for air passengers who are simply transiting through Nepal (i.e., not clearing immigration).
Can We Fly from Nepal Without an NOC?
No. If you do not have a valid NOC when required, you risk:
- Denial of boarding at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Immigration complications or delays, which can disrupt your travel plans. Even if you already have a flight ticket, missing the NOC requirement can result in being turned away at the departure gate.
Is the NOC Required for Students or All Passengers from India?
The rule applies uniformly to all Indian nationals traveling from Nepal to a third country. This means that whether you are a student, a professional, or any other traveler, you must secure the NOC if you intend to leave Nepal. The only exception remains for those merely transiting through Nepal without clearing immigration.
What Documents Are Required to Get an NOC?
The standard checklist generally includes:
- Original Passport (plus a photocopy of the first and last pages).
- Indian Registration Certificate issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu (if you’re registered with the embassy; if not, a copy showing your latest immigration stamps may be required).
- Copy of Flight Ticket and a valid visa (or other travel permits) for your destination.
- Two Passport-Sized Photographs.
- Consular Fee Payment Receipt.
Depending on your situation, the embassy may request additional documentation.
What Is the Cost for Applying for an NOC?
The cost for an NOC is usually around NPR 2940/– (or sometimes referenced as close to NPR 2950/–) as the standard consular fee. It’s advisable to verify the exact amount at the time of your application, as fees can be updated.
Is the NOC Required Only for Indians or for Other Nationalities?
The current NOC requirement is specific to Indian nationals traveling from Nepal to third countries. Other nationalities are not subject to this rule since it is mandated by the Indian government through its embassy in Kathmandu.
What If an Indian Citizen Holds a Passport from Another Country?
This situation typically involves dual citizenship concerns. Officially, the NOC requirement applies to Indian nationals as defined by the procedures of the Indian embassy.
- If you are an Indian national and hold an Indian passport, the rule applies.
- If you use a foreign passport, it is essential to consult the embassy to clarify your status. In practice, the requirement is tied to your registration status with the embassy rather than solely the passport you hold.
Can an Aadhaar Card Help for the NOC, or Is a Passport Required?
For travel and the issuance of the NOC, a valid passport is required. While an Aadhaar card is an important identification document within India, it is not accepted as a travel document nor as a substitute for your passport in the NOC application process.
What Happens to Your Flight Ticket if You Don’t Have an NOC and Get Rejected?
If you arrive at the airport without a valid NOC when one is required, you face several risks:
- Denial of Boarding: Airlines follow strict guidelines; without the NOC, you may simply be prevented from boarding your flight.
- Rebooking or Cancellation Issues: Once denied boarding, your original flight ticket might become void, forcing you to rebook—often at additional expense.
- Travel Disruption: This can lead to missed connecting flights or other delays, resulting in financial and logistical losses. It is crucial to secure the NOC within the required timeframe to avoid potential disruptions and extra costs.
In Summary
- NOC Definition: An official certificate from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
- Enforcement: Stricter enforcement has been observed recently (from early-to-mid 2024) due mainly to security and regulatory concerns.
- Requirement: Mandatory for all Indian nationals departing Nepal for third countries (except for simple transits).
- Application: Gather your documents (passport, registration certificate, flight ticket, photographs) and submit them in person at least three working days prior to departure.
- Fees & Identification: The fee is approximately NPR 2940/–, and you must use your passport (Aadhaar is not acceptable).
- Consequences: Not having an NOC can lead to denied boarding, travel disruptions, and potential financial loss.
Are there alternative ways to travel without a NOC?
Yes, there are a few alternative ways Indian travelers can fly from Nepal without a No Objection Certificate (NOC):
- Transit Without Clearing Immigration: If you are transiting through Nepal and do not clear immigration, you do not need an NOC. This means booking a single-ticket itinerary where your layover in Nepal does not require exiting the airport.
- Flying from India Instead: Many Indian travelers choose to fly from Indian airports instead of Nepal to avoid the NOC requirement. If your destination allows direct flights from India, this can be a convenient option.
- Special Cases & Diplomatic Travel: Certain categories of travelers, such as government officials, diplomats, and those with special permits, may be exempt from the NOC requirement.
However, if you attempt to travel without an NOC when required, you may face denial of boarding or immigration complications at Tribhuvan International Airport.
What are the risks of traveling without an NOC?
Traveling without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal as an Indian national can lead to several risks and complications:
- Denial of Boarding: Airlines and immigration authorities at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) may refuse to allow boarding if an Indian traveler does not present an NOC when required.
- Immigration Issues: Without an NOC, travelers may face delays, questioning, or even deportation at their destination country due to incomplete documentation.
- Financial Loss: Many travelers have lost money on rebooking flights or arranging last-minute paperwork. Some have reported losing over Dh1,400 due to unexpected enforcement of the rule.
- Legal Consequences: Authorities have strictly enforced the NOC requirement due to concerns over human trafficking and tax evasion. Travelers without an NOC may be flagged for further investigation.
- Travel Disruptions: If a traveler is unaware of the NOC requirement, they may have to return to Kathmandu to obtain the document, causing significant delays and missed flights.
