Complete Guide to Nepal Travel Visa

Published On : 17th Sep, 2024 By Himalayan Dream Team

Nepal, with its magnificent Himalayan peaks and rich cultural tapestry, attracts travelers and adventurers from all around the globe. If you're planning a trip to this beautiful country, obtaining a travel visa is an essential part of your preparations. This guide provides all the necessary information about obtaining a tourist visa for Nepal, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free entry.

Table of Content

Types of Visas Available

Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa is the most common visa issued to travelers visiting Nepal for purposes like sightseeing, trekking, or other leisure activities. It allows you to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Nepal while engaging in tourist activities.

Other Visas

Other types of visas include Business, Study, and Non-Tourist visas, but for most travelers, the Tourist Visa will suffice.

Applying for a Visa

Before Arrival

You can apply for a Nepalese visa at Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad before your trip. This might include embassies or consulates where you can fill out an application and submit the necessary documents. This is advisable if you want to avoid potential queues upon arrival.

On Arrival

Nepal offers Visa on Arrival (VoA) for citizens of most countries, which can be obtained at designated entry points in Nepal. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to arrange a visa in advance.

Visa on Arrival Entry Points

Visa on Arrival can be obtained at the following entry points:

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Kakarbhitta, Jhapa
Birgunj, Parsa
Kodari, Sindhupalchowk
Rasuwagadhi, Rasuwa
Jamunaha, Nepalgunj
Mohana, Dhangadhi
Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar

Required Documents

A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and at least one blank visa page.
A completed Visa Application Form, which can be filled out online beforehand or upon arrival.
Recent passport-size photo(s).
Visa fee, which can be paid in cash. Credit/debit cards and e-wallet services are generally not accepted for visa payment upon arrival.

Visa Fees

The fees for a Tourist Visa are as follows:

15 days: $30 USD
30 days: $50 USD
90 days: $125 USD Visa fees are subject to change, so it's advisable to check the latest fee structure before your travel.

Visa Extension

If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. Tourist visas can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a calendar year.

Online Visa Application

To speed up the process, you can complete an Online Visa Application form available at the official website of the Department of Immigration, Nepal. You’ll receive a submission receipt with a barcode, which you must print out and bring along for acquiring your visa. This receipt is valid for 15 days.

Special Permits for Restricted Areas

For those planning to visit restricted areas in Nepal for trekking, special permits are required. These areas include, but are not limited to, Manaslu, Upper Mustang, and Dolpo. These permits can be arranged through registered trekking agencies in Nepal.

Health and Safety Regulations

Given the ongoing global health concerns, it’s also wise to check for any health-related requirements or restrictions, such as vaccination certificates or COVID-19 related measures, which may affect your travel.

Cultural Considerations

While visiting Nepal, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, seek permission before photographing people, and be mindful of cultural norms, especially when visiting religious sites.

By ensuring you have the correct type and validity of visa, along with all necessary documents and permissions, your visit to Nepal should be enjoyable and free from legal complications. This magical land offers an array of experiences, from the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serene heights of the Himalayas, waiting to be explored.

Visa Fee and Documents

S.N.	Visa Type	Description	Issued By	Fee (USD)	Required Document	Who Can Apply & How
1	Diplomatic Visa	Issued to persons holding a diplomatic passport, recommended by the concerned diplomatic mission or considered eligible for diplomatic privileges by GoN.	Department of Consular Services	Free of Cost	Valid Diplomatic Passport, Diplomatic Mission Note, Recommendation, Supporting documents	Diplomats and their dependents can apply via this link or Nepaliport.
2	Official Visa	Issued to persons on official visits to Nepal, including their family members (spouse and children).	Department of Consular Services	Free of Cost	Valid Official Passport, Diplomatic Mission Note, Supporting documents	Officials and their dependents can apply via this link or Nepaliport.
3	Tourist Visa	Issued to foreigners traveling to Nepal as an entry visa, extended up to 150 days per year.	Immigration Offices, Diplomatic Missions	15 Days – $30, 30 Days – $50, 90 Days – $125	Valid Ordinary Passport, Previous Visa, Supporting documents	Foreigners can apply via Nepaliport.
4	Non-Tourist Visa	Working, Press, Relation, Marriage, and other types of non-tourist visas.	Department of Immigration	Varies by visa type and duration	Recommendation letters, Work/ Labor Permit, Supporting documents	Foreigners can apply via Nepaliport.
5	Study Visa	Issued to students pursuing academic/non-academic degrees and research in Nepal.	Department of Immigration	Varies by program type and nationality	Recommendation from Ministry of Education, Admission receipt, Bank statement, Supporting documents	Applicants can apply via Nepaliport.
6	Business Visa	Issued to investors and businesspeople engaged in business ventures in Nepal.	Department of Immigration	Varies based on investment size	Recommendation letter, Investment documents, Supporting documents	Applicants can apply via Nepaliport.
7	Non-Residential Nepali Visa	Issued to NRN cardholders.	Department of Immigration	Free of cost	NRN Card, Valid Passport, Supporting documents	NRNs can apply via Nepaliport.
8	Residential Visa	Issued to foreigners intending to spend life in Nepal.	Department of Immigration	$1200/year (varies)	Investment documents, Supporting documents	Applicants can apply via Nepaliport.
9	Transit Visa	Issued to foreign nationals with a transit in Nepal for a maximum of 24 hours.	Immigration Office	$5	Proof of transit, Valid Passport	Applicants can apply via Nepaliport.
10	Reciprocity Visa	Issued to US citizens and their dependents, with visa duration and stay limits.	Department of Immigration	Varies by visa type	Bank Statement, Health Insurance, Supporting documents	US citizens can apply via Nepaliport.

How to Apply for a Nepal Visa

Step	Description
On Arrival	Most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at any land border crossing.
Fill Out the Application Form	You can fill out the visa application form online before your trip or at the visa counters in the airport.
Bring Passport-Sized Photos	You'll need a couple of passport-sized photos for the visa application process.
Pay the Visa Fee	The visa fee depends on the duration of your stay: 15 days: $30 30 days: $50 90 days: $125
Get Your Visa Stamped	After paying the visa fee, you'll get your visa stamped in your passport at the immigration counter.
At a Nepali Embassy or Consulate	You can also apply for a visa before you travel at a Nepali embassy or consulate in your home country.

Steps for Nepal Visa

Step	Description
Visit the Embassy	Go to the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate.
Submit Documents	Submit your passport, completed application form, and passport-sized photos.
Pay the Fee	Pay the visa fee in the local currency at the embassy or consulate.
Wait for Processing	It usually takes a few days to process the visa, so wait for confirmation.

Important Tips for Nepal Visa

Tip	Description
Passport Validity	Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Nepal.
Multiple Entries	If you plan to leave and re-enter Nepal, you need a multiple-entry visa.
Extend Your Stay	If you want to stay longer, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport

Category	Description
Visa Exemption for Specific Countries	Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport holders from the following countries are exempted from visa requirements to enter, stay, exit, or transit through Nepal: Thailand – Exemption up to 90 Days Russian Federation – Exemption up to 90 Days People’s Republic of China – Exemption up to 30 Days Federal Republic of Brazil – Exemption up to 90 Days Myanmar – Exemption up to 90 Days Vietnam – Exemption up to 90 Days Cambodia – Exemption up to 30 Days Mongolia – Exemption up to 90 Days Jordan – Exemption up to 90 Days State of Israel – Exemption up to 90 Days Georgia – Exemption up to 90 Days State of Qatar – Exemption up to 90 Days Oman – Exemption up to 90 Days Note: Visa regulations apply after the stipulated duration of exemption.
Diplomatic Missions in Nepal	Diplomats and officials with Diplomatic and Official or Service Passports, working at the following diplomatic missions in Nepal, and their dependents staying with them are exempted from the visa requirement during the diplomat's tenure in Nepal: Russian Federation People’s Republic of China Federal Republic of Brazil
Immigration Posts for Exempted Diplomats	Diplomatic and Official Passport holders must use the following Immigration Posts when entering or exiting Nepal: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu Kakarbhitta, Jhapa Birgunj, Parsa Belhia, Bhairahawa Nepalgunj, Banke Mohana, Kailali Gaddachwoki, Mahendranagar Kodari, Sindhupalchok Rashuwagadi, Rasuwa

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