Tatopani Border Crossing with China Reopens for Human Traffic

Tatopani border crossing with China will reopen starting today. The Nepali Consulate General in Tibet, in conjunction with Chinese officials, has made the decision to open this border for human traffic.

The Tatopani crossing had been completely closed due to the Great Earthquake of 2072 and subsequent Coronavirus epidemic.

An agreement has been reached to operationalize the border from today (Friday). The agreement specifies that while the crossing will initially be opened for passengers, it will be limited to local residents for the time being.

The immigration office at Tatopani has initiated the distribution of passes for entry into the Chinese market at the border crossing. Those holding a one-year pass issued by the immigration office will be allowed to enter China starting Friday.

The Tatopani Customs Office reports that preparations for the border crossing's reopening to China have been completed as of Friday. Passes are being issued for access to the Chinese market, eliminating the need for individuals to travel to the special market.

This reopening marks the first time in 8 years that the border crossing is being made available for human traffic. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, workers were permitted to load goods in a one-way manner. However, starting Friday, human traffic will be permitted with the issuance of permits.

The Tatopani Crossing had remained closed entirely since the Great Earthquake of 2072. After both countries reconstructed the structures damaged by the earthquake, the border was reopened on 14 Jestha 2076 for the import and export of goods. Unfortunately, it was closed again on 11 Chaitra 2076 due to the global spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

In the post-COVID-19 period, the crossing had experienced intermittent openings and closures but had not been operational for passenger traffic.