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The Chinese Embassies in both India and Pakistan issued statements on their official WeChat accounts Friday afternoon, reminding Chinese citizens to closely monitor the situation, exercise caution when traveling to either country, and reminding those already in India or Pakistan to strengthen security precautions and enhance safety measures.

On the same day, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal also issued a similar statement on its WeChat account. The statement highlighted that, due to the recent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Nepali government has increased security checks along the Nepal-India border. In recent days, the Nepal Armed Police Force has significantly boosted border patrols, set up additional checkpoints, intensified inspections, and conducted joint patrols with Indian Border Security Forces. India has also strengthened control and inspections in sensitive border areas. As a result, the embassy reminded Chinese citizens traveling in Nepal to avoid going near the Nepal-India border region to prevent inadvertently crossing into Indian territory.

The Nepal-India border is an open one, with few border markers. Both countries have a visa-free policy for each other's nationals, allowing free movement between them. However, citizens of third countries, including China, cannot travel to India from Nepal without a visa. Chinese citizens in Nepal must take this very seriously and should not blindly follow local guides. It is crucial not to inadvertently cross into India without an Indian visa due to carelessness or a false sense of security. India imposes severe penalties on illegal border crossings, and even inadvertent trespassers can be arrested, prosecuted, and face two to eight years in prison, along with fines, with little chance of bail, said the statement.

If travel to India is necessary, Chinese citizens must ensure that they obtain an Indian visa in advance, and after having their passports and visas inspected at the Indian immigration checkpoint, they can enter through an open Indian border entry point, the embassy noted. 

The embassy reminds that it is essential to strictly adhere to the immigration regulations of both Nepal and India. Additionally, visitors should avoid taking photographs of Indian border facilities, vehicles, and other sensitive areas to prevent unnecessary trouble. While staying in India, foreigners should not enter restricted areas without proper permission.

Global Times