Special Vehicle Permit System for Tourists During Election Day

Kathmandu. Although vehicle operations will be restricted nationwide on the day of the House of Representatives election, a special permit system has been implemented to ensure that tourist movement is not affected.

According to the 'Procedures Related to Vehicle Permits, 2026' issued by the Election Commission of Nepal, vehicles carrying tourists must obtain a permit at least two days in advance for election day. The Commission has presented this as an effort to maintain a balance between security management and tourism services.

According to the Commission's spokesperson, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, since international and domestic flights will operate regularly, vehicle operations are necessary to transport tourists from the airport to hotels or their destinations. He stated that the permit system was implemented with this necessity in mind.

For vehicles operating within the Kathmandu Valley, permits must be obtained from the Commission itself, while in other districts, arrangements have been made to grant approval through the respective District Administration Offices.

A plan has also been made to manage the movement of vehicles using highways on election day. Priority will be given to essential services, diplomatic missions, and vehicles associated with international organizations, while other private and commercial vehicles will not be allowed to operate without prior permission.

Through this arrangement, the Commission aims to convey the message that while making the election secure and organized, there should be no disruption to the travel experience of tourists visiting Nepal.