Nepal Visa Guide

Nepal Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel

If you’re planning a trip to Nepal, understanding the visa process is essential. Whether you’re flying into Kathmandu or arriving overland, most visitors will need a valid passport and a tourist visa. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a visa for Nepal, including how to apply, costs, and important regulations to be aware of.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Nepal?

All foreign nationals except Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Nepal. You can get your visa either on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at one of Nepal’s land border entry points. Alternatively, you can apply in advance through a Nepali embassy or consulate.

Visa on Arrival in Nepal

Nepal visas can be obtained on arrival at international airports and most land border crossings. Most travelers find the Visa on Arrival process convenient and straightforward. However, during peak travel seasons, you may experience some queuing at immigration counters. Visa on Arrival facilities are available at the following locations:

• Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)

• Pokhara International Airport

• Gautam Buddha International Airport (Lumbini/Bhairahawa)

• Major land entry points such as Belahiya (Sunauli), Kakarbhitta, Raxaul (Birgunj), and several others

Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility: Citizens of most countries are eligible for Visa on Arrival. However, some nationalities (listed below) must obtain a visa in advance.

• Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and it should have at least one blank page for the visa sticker and stamps.

Step-by-Step Process for Visa on Arrival:

1. Fill Out the Online Visa Application Form:
   To speed up the process, you can complete the visa form in advance at the official immigration website: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/. Please select the Visa On Arrival section, choose your entry point, and fill out the form. This will save you time at the airport by allowing you to bypass the Kiosk machines.

   Note: The form must be completed within 14 days of your arrival in Nepal. The system automatically deletes submissions older than that. Bring a printed or digital copy of the confirmation when you travel.

2. Arrival at the Airport:

   • If you haven’t filled out the visa application form in advance, use the Kiosk machines at the airport to complete and print the form.

   • If you have already filled out the form online or once you complete it at the Kiosk machine, proceed to the Visa Fee Payment Counter.

     Important: Carry exact cash in US dollars for Visa Fee Payment. Payment terminals (Card Machines) may not always work, and change is not guaranteed.

3. Visa Fee Structure (as of now):

   • 15 days (multiple entry): USD 30

   • 30 days (multiple entry): USD 50

   • 90 days (multiple entry): USD 125

4. Visit the Immigration Desk:
   Submit your passport, payment receipt, and visa application confirmation. The immigration officer will stamp your visa.

Applying for a Visa at Nepali Embassies and Consulates

If you prefer to have your visa before arrival, or if you’re from a country not eligible for Visa on Arrival, you can apply at a Nepali embassy or consulate in your home country or a nearby location.

Each diplomatic mission may have its own requirements, so it’s important to contact them directly. They will guide you through the process, provide a checklist, and issue your visa. Having your visa in hand before traveling can save you time at the airport (usually around 30–40 minutes).

Note: Once a visa is issued by an embassy or consulate, you must enter Nepal within six months. Your duration of stay is counted from the date you arrive in the country.

Nepal Visa at the Border

Besides the airport, Nepal also issues tourist visas at land border entry points. Many travelers who enter Nepal overland can obtain their visa upon arrival at these official border crossings. However, it’s important to note that visa availability at land borders can sometimes change due to operational or security reasons. We recommend confirming visa services at your intended border crossing before you travel to avoid any surprises.

Countries Not Eligible for Visa on Arrival

Citizens from the following countries must obtain a visa before traveling to Nepal. Visa on Arrival is not available unless the traveler has an official pre-approval letter from Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Nigeria

• Ghana

• Zimbabwe

• Swaziland

• Cameroon

• Somalia

• Liberia

• Ethiopia

• Iraq

• Palestine

• Afghanistan

• Syria

• Refugees traveling with documents issued by other countries

If you are a citizen of any of the above countries, you must coordinate with the Nepali embassy or your host institution in Nepal for necessary documentation.

Be Aware of Fake Visa Websites

There are websites falsely claiming to offer online tourist visas for Nepal. Nepal does not issue tourist visas online and through third-party platforms. Tourist visas must be obtained either:

• On arrival at the airport or land entry point

• In advance from an official Nepali embassy or consulate

Stick to official government websites and always double-check before submitting your information online

Tourist Visa Extension in Nepal

If you wish to stay longer, you can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. The minimum duration for visa extension is 15 days and it will cost you 3 USD per day. If you fail to extend your visa on time then there will be a late fine of 5 USD per day

You can stay in Nepal as a tourist for a maximum of 150 days per calendar year (January to December), regardless of how many times you enter.

Gratis (Free) Visa Categories

Nepal offers free visas to certain categories of travelers:

• Children under 10 years of age

• SAARC citizens (except Afghanistan): Eligible for a free 30-day visa once per calendar year

• Afghanistan: Requires recommendation from Nepal’s Department of Immigration before receiving a visa on arrival

• Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) card holders

• Chinese nationals are eligible for 150 days tourist Gratis Visa in a given visa year

If you fall into any of these categories, carry proper documentation to support your eligibility.

Visa for Indian Nationals

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. They can travel freely between India and Nepal using any of the following documents:

• A valid passport, or

• An election commission card (voter ID) issued by the Government of India

Children under 18 and senior citizens over 65 may also travel with a birth certificate or other government-issued photo ID, but it’s always best to confirm specific requirements with your airline or border authority before travel.

While both passport and voter ID are accepted, we strongly recommend carrying a valid passport for smoother immigration checks and easier authorization at airports or land borders.

Other Types of Visas

This guide is intended for travelers applying for a tourist visa to Nepal. Other types of visas such as work, student, business, research, and residential visas have different requirements and application procedures. If you are planning to visit Nepal for reasons other than tourism, please refer to the official website of the Department of Immigration for up-to-date information

Final Thoughts

Getting a tourist visa for Nepal is generally quick and uncomplicated for most travelers. Whether you apply on arrival or in advance, it helps to be informed about the process, documents required, and visa fees. Always use official channels and double-check the latest guidelines on Nepal’s Department of Immigration website or through a recognized Nepali diplomatic mission.

For more guidance on traveling to Nepal or help with your trip planning, feel free to reach out. We’re here to make your experience in Nepal smooth, safe, and unforgettable.