Nepal, the gateway to the Himalayas, welcomes travelers from around the world. If Nepal is on your bucket list, understanding the visa requirements and obtaining it in advance is crucial for a hassle-free experience.
In addition, securing your visa beforehand saves you from last-minute stress and long processing times at immigration. This allows you to focus on enjoying your journey the moment you arrive.
Plus, imagine arriving in Nepal, eager to explore the breathtaking mountains and vibrant culture, only to be delayed by long immigration queues. Therefore, understanding the visa process in advance ensures a smooth journey so you can dive right into your adventure.
Whether you're planning a short visit or multiple trips, here's everything you need to know about obtaining a Nepal visa hassle-free.
Types of Tourist Visas
a. Single-Entry Tourist Visa: Perfect for travelers visiting Nepal once. This visa allows you to explore the country's wonders for a specified duration.
b. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: The multiple-entry visa offers flexibility, allowing you to come and go within a set timeframe.
Note: Indian citizens do not require a visa to travel to Nepal.
How to Get a Nepal Visa
i. Visa on Arrival – The Convenient Option
If you haven't secured a visa beforehand, don't worry. Nepal offers visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and at specific designated land border crossings. This option is available for most nationalities.
However, citizens from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland, Syria, and Zimbabwe must obtain a visa in advance.
Special Eligibility: Travelers from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Bangladesh can also apply for a visa on arrival.
ii. Online Visa Application – Skip the Queue
If you're all about maximizing your travel time, consider the online visa application. You can apply online through Nepal’s Immigration Authority website. Submitting your application in advance helps streamline the process so you can breeze through immigration.
What You’ll Need for Your Nepal Visa
Before heading to Nepal, make sure you have the following:
- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity)
- A completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photos
- A pre-visa approval printout (if applying online)
- Visa fee (see below for details)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or host details)
- A valid return ticket
- Proof of financial means (such as recent bank statements)
Nepal Visa Fees at a Glance
|
Visa Type
|
Duration
|
Fee (USD)
|
|
Multiple Entry
|
15 Days
|
$30
|
|
Multiple Entry
|
30 Days
|
$50
|
|
Multiple Entry
|
90 Days
|
$125
|
Please remember, if you plan to stay longer, you can extend your visa while in Nepal.
Visa Extension
If you're yearning to explore a little longer, you'll be happy to know that extending your tourist visa is a breeze. You can extend your stay for up to a generous 150 days within a calendar year (January to December), allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the Himalayan wonders.
To extend your visa, simply head to the Department of Immigration. The main office is in Kathmandu, at Kalikasthan, and there's also an office in Pokhara, which is very helpful if you are in that area. Remember to bring your passport, your current visa, and the required payment.
Visa Extension Fees:
Standard Extension: A tourist visa can be extended for a minimum of 15 days at a base fee of USD 45. For each additional day beyond the initial 15 days, there is a fee of USD 3 per day.
Late Fine: If the extension exceeds 150 days in total, an extra charge of USD 5 per day will apply as a late fine.
Tip: It is best to go to the immigration office in the morning, to avoid long wait times. Also, be sure to have the fees paid in cash, and in US dollars.
Where to Apply for a Visa?
- Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu
- Designated land border crossings
- Online through Nepal’s Immigration Authority website
Gratis Visa (Visa for Free)
The Gratis Visa is issued free of charge to certain categories of travelers. For instance, children under 10 years old, except for U.S. citizens, are eligible for this visa. Furthermore, citizens from SAARC countries (excluding Afghanistan) can receive a Gratis Visa for up to 30 days if they are visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa year. However, Afghan citizens are eligible for a Gratis Visa on arrival, but only with a recommendation from the Department of Immigration.
In this case, if you are an Afghan citizen, the institution inviting you to Nepal must arrange the necessary paperwork with the Department of Immigration. Additionally, Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) cardholders, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad, are also eligible for the Gratis Visa. Moreover, Chinese nationals are granted a Gratis Visa for up to 150 days.
Visa-Free Access Based on Reciprocal Agreements
Certain nationalities are granted visa-free access to Nepal based on reciprocal agreements, allowing them to stay for a specified period:
Thailand – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
Russian Federation – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
People's Republic of China – Visa-free access for up to 30 days
Federal Republic of Brazil – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
Myanmar – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
Vietnam – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
Cambodia – Visa-free access for up to 30 days
Mongolia – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
Jordan – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
State of Israel – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
Georgia – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
State of Qatar – Visa-free access for up to 90 days
These provisions are based on a reciprocal visa agreement.
Visa Issuance and Extensions
It’s important to understand the details of visa issuance and the process for extensions. The following points provide essential information on visa categories, how to extend or change your visa, and where to handle these procedures.
All types of visas, including Gratis visas, issued at the airport are considered tourist visas.
If you wish to extend or change your visa category, you should contact the Department of Immigration. Extensions for tourist visas can also be done at the Pokhara Immigration Office.
Non-tourist visa extensions are only available at the Department of Immigration and may be granted for a maximum period of one year (excluding business visas).
Department of Immigration Contact Information
Address: Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-01-4529659, 4429660
Email: info@immigration.gov.np, inquiry@immigration.gov.np
Website: www.nepalimmigration.gov.np
Before You Travel: Visa rules may change, so always check the official Nepal Immigration website for updates.