The Tourist Police was established about three decades ago by Government of Nepal to help foreign tourists in Nepal to overcome the various difficulties and hassles that they could face here. Looking at the development of Tourist Police, at its time of inception seven posts were created under the Government of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation for tourist police, which included six Sub-Inspectors under the command of one Police Inspector and, since then, Nepal Police Headquarters has been appointing police personnel who have a good command in English language to be posted as Tourist Police.
Following the Visit Nepal Year 1998, there was a rise in the number of tourists coming into the country, hence, the need and importance of an institution to guarantee security to them was largely felt. In this regard, organizations related to tourism sector initiated a positive step in setting up and developing the Tourist Police by offering substantial physical contribution which also nudged the government to take initiation in this line.
Supported by Nepal Tourism Board, organization related to tourism and Nepal Police, in addition from other financial and physical support the member of police personnel working in Tourist Police for the past three decades have been increased with the addition of twenty-three police personnel thus strengthening the initial police strength to thirty after reviewing the services provided by the Tourist Police in the fiscal years gone by, the working hours were rescheduled from BS 2062/10/20. The Tourist Police now have their offices open from 08:00 to 20:00 hours on working days and from 10:00 to 17:00 hours on holidays. This particular rescheduling has evidently increased the sense of security among foreign tourists.
Government of Nepal, with the aim of developing a resourceful Tourist Police over the time, on the recommendation of the proposal presented by the Police Reforms Recommendation Taskforce, created additional thirty-one posts for tourist police that included six Sub-Inspectors, six Assistant Sub-Inspectors, seven head constables and twelve constables on BS 2062/7/22. They have also given the added responsibility to overcome the various irregularities that exist in travel and trekking businesses. There is also an aim to set up sub-branches (beats) at various locations within the valley such as airport, Basantapur, Lazimpat, Thamel, Patan, Swayambhu, Bhaktapur, Boudha and one in Pokhara also.
There is no doubt that if the Tourist Police are given the necessary training within the country and in other friendly nations about the international standards of service and the prevailing tourism laws and also if they are established as a separate service entity with their own set of responsibilities and authorities, then the Tourist Police will be better equipped to discharge their duties towards the security of foreign tourists in Nepal.
Nepal is a country blessed with the beauties of Nature that lures tourists in abundance from all over the world. Majestic snow-clad mountains, exotic flora and fauna, invaluable natural resources, intricate art and architecture enrapture tourists. Rich Cultural Heritage is just another aspect, which entices people from different land. Immense trust and cordiality are the characteristics that have contributed to promote Tourism in the International arena.
Tourist Police has played a very vital role in preventing harassment and misbehavior, control and discourage criminal activities against tourists. Since its inception, the Tourist Police has taken pains to provide security, facilities and render appropriate services whenever in need. The Tourist Police discharges its duties at the Tribhuvan International Airport Thamel and Basantapur, the main Tourist areas in Kathmandu.
The Tourist Police at Bhrikutimandap have recently, expanded its services in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur The Tourist Police register complaints and recommend for necessary action to help recover lost goods of the tourists and prepares a police report. To prevent harassment to tourists by the beggars, peddlers and cheats, tourists' sites are properly inspected. The activities of unlicensed hotels, travel agencies and rafting are regularly monitored to see that tourists are not exploited and cheated. Interaction program is conducted among the Taxi-drivers, and others and local guides to extend good and efficient services to the tourists.
Keeping in coordination with the Municipality, Tourism Board and Tourist associated organizations, the Tourist Police prepare brochure for the tourists. Necessary arrangement is made in the event of Nepal Bandh (strikes) and vehicle strikes, which cause inconvenience for the tourist to commute. Tourist Police assist the tourists to seek counseling with the concerned Embassies.
Tourist Police Reform Task Force has been formed by Government of Nepal to reform, develop and expand its services at other parts of the country. The Reform Task Force has prepared both short and long term working plan, increasing the manpower according to the need of the time, expand resources and manage budget at eight Tourists Police Beat. Tourist Police Beat in Pokhara has 72 personnel; likewise it will be expanded in 11 places Chitwan, Sunauli, Kanchanpur, Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Kohalpur, Itahari and Janakpur with 193 employees to serve the tourists.
Tourist Police has played a very vital role in preventing harassment and misbehavior, control and discourage criminal activities against tourists. Since its inception, the Tourist Police has taken pains to provide security, facilities and render appropriate services whenever in need. The Tourist Police discharges its duties at the Tribhuvan International Airport Thamel and Basantapur, the main Tourist areas in Kathmandu. 
