With the onset of Dashain, Tihar, and other festivals, Nepali expatriates are returning home, bringing with them various electronic gadgets such as TVs, mobile phones, and laptops. However, it’s important to note that there are different customs regulations for travelers depending on their membership in the Social Security Fund.
Nepali travelers who have worked abroad for 12 consecutive months with a valid work permit and are registered in the Social Security Fund are entitled to certain customs exemptions. Specifically, they are not required to pay customs duties when bringing televisions of any size or type. On the other hand, Nepali travelers who are not members of the Social Security Fund will only be allowed to bring televisions up to 32 inches without incurring customs duties.
The Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office has also issued a notice stating that passengers carrying more than 5,000 US dollars must declare their funds at the airport. This self-declaration is exempt from any additional fees. Additionally, the office has advised against bringing personal goods that are not exempted by law or can be imported by paying taxes.
Regarding gold jewelry, travelers returning to Nepal from abroad can bring up to 50 grams for women and 25 grams for men without incurring customs duties. For quantities exceeding this limit, passengers may bring up to 200 grams by paying the applicable duty. However, it’s important to note that gold items exclusively designed as jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, and lockets, without the use of chemicals, will be recognized as jewelry.
In the case of mobile phones, Nepali travelers returning from abroad are exempt from paying customs duties for the mobile phone they are using. Those who have worked abroad for more than six consecutive months with a valid work permit can also bring one additional mobile phone without paying customs duties. The customs procedure for the additional phone must be completed after declaring it at the customs office.
Furthermore, the airport customs office has issued a warning against transporting other people’s luggage. Recent incidents have involved individuals sending laptops, mobile phones, gold, watches, and other items from international airports in various countries as gifts or for a fee. The office emphasized that travelers found in possession of goods exceeding the allowable limits may face confiscation, fines, and imprisonment equivalent to the value of the confiscated items as a penalty.
