Who Needs a Nepal Tourist Visa?
Almost all foreigners require a tourist visa to enter Nepal, except for Indian citizens. However, obtaining a Nepalese visa is not a cumbersome process. Tourists from most countries can apply for an on-arrival visa upon reaching Nepal and then enter the country.
- Visa Not Required: Indian citizens
- On-Arrival Visa: Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, China, Australia, and most countries from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Must Apply for Visa in Advance: Citizens of Afghanistan (AFG), Iraq (IRQ), Cameroon (CMR), Ghana (GHA), Somalia (SOM), Swaziland (SWZ), Palestine (PSE), Zimbabwe (ZWE), Nigeria (NGA), Ethiopia (ETH), and Liberia (LBR).
The types of tourist visas available in Nepal
- A) 15-day tourist visa with a maximum stay of 15 days.
- B) 30-day tourist visa with a maximum stay of 30 days.
- C) 90-day tourist visa with a maximum stay of 90 days.
Is a Visa Required for Trekking in Nepal?
Nepal, known for its numerous trails, attracts many adventurers. Most of the popular trekking routes in Nepal require a TIMS Card. When you are heading to conservation areas such as the Annapurna Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park (Everest Region), Langtang National Park, etc., you need to apply for a Conservation Area or National Park Permit.
Some regions of Nepal are designated as restricted areas due to their proximity to international borders and other reasons. Trekking in areas like Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo, and Kanchenjunga requires a Restricted Area Permit. These permits can be arranged for you by Himalaya experts such as Asia Odyssey Travel. Contact us for assistance.
Step by Step: How to successfully apply for a Nepal visa
While most nationalities require a visa to enter Nepal, the good news is that the process is generally straightforward. Most tourists can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Only a few countries still need to apply for a visa in advance. Some tourists can also apply for a visa on arrival at the land borders with India and China. Here are the specific steps to help you with your Nepal visa application:
Preparation for Nepal Travel Visa:
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Nepal.
Bring at least one passport-sized photo with you. Some entry points may have facilities to take photos, but it’s best to come prepared.
Plan for your visa fee payment, which can be made in USD or other convertible currencies.
Applying for a Nepal On-Arrival Visa (Most Recommended)
For citizens of most countries, you can apply for a visa on arrival after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Step 1: Arrival in Nepal
Step 2: Fill out the application form in the immigration hall
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, proceed to the terminal building and, after navigating through the winding corridors, you will reach the immigration hall. On the desks, you can easily find the arrival cards.
The arrival card is mandatory for everyone to fill out, including tourists who have already obtained a visa or those planning to apply for a visa on arrival.
You can use electronic filling, where several machines are available on the side near the apron. You can either fill out the on-arrival visa information by yourself or seek assistance from the staff, which is the most convenient method (a small tip may be required).
Step 3: Submit the application
Submit the completed visa application form along with passport-sized photographs and the visa fee to the immigration counter. Wait for the immigration officers to process your application.
Step 4: Obtain the visa
Step 5: Entry into Nepal
Proceed to the immigration control where they will stamp your passport with your entry date.
Expert Tip:
If you are flying into Nepal, you can request an arrival card from the flight attendants and fill it out in advance, which can save time.
Getting a Nepal Visa at the Embassy (Apply in Advance)
If you are from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia and wish to enter Nepal, you need to apply for a visa in advance at the Nepalese embassy.
Step 1: Contact the Embassy
Locate the nearest Nepalese Embassy or Consulate.
Check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date application process and requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Fill out the visa application form, which you can usually download from the embassy’s website.
Prepare additional documents such as your passport, photos, travel itinerary, and possibly proof of travel insurance and flight details.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Follow the embassy’s instructions to submit your application, which may be by mail or in person.
Include the visa fee, which you may need to pay by bank transfer, postal order, or as instructed by the embassy.
Step 4: Visa Issuance
The embassy will process your application, which may take several days to weeks.
Once your visa is approved and issued, collect it from the embassy or wait for it to be returned to you by mail, if that service is provided.
Getting a Visa at a Land Border Crossing
In recent years, traveling to Nepal via land borders from India or Tibet has become popular. You can enter Nepal through the following land border checkpoints and apply for a visa on arrival:
China-Nepal Border: Gyirong Port
India-Nepal Borders: Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Mahakali, Bhaktapur, Dhangadhi
Step 1: Arrival at the Border
When you arrive at the land border checkpoint, look for the immigration office.
Fill out the provided visa application form.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Present your completed application form, passport, photographs, and visa fee to the immigration officer.
Step 4: Visa Issuance
Step 5: Enter Nepal
Proceed to the border control office where they will stamp your passport with the entry date.
Nepal Visa Fees
The fees for a Nepal visa can depend on the duration of the stay and the type of visa.
15 days multiple-entry tourist visa: USD 30
30 days multiple-entry tourist visa: USD 50
90 days multiple-entry tourist visa: USD 125
Additionally, there are provisions for extending tourist visas, and the fees for extensions are as follows:
Visa extension for up to 15 days: USD 45
Visa extension beyond 15 days: USD 3 per day
Late fine for overdue visa: USD 5 per day
Expert Tip: For other types of visas, such as business, student, or non-tourist visas, the fees may vary. It is recommended to contact us promptly to inquire about the latest Nepal visa fee information.
Extending Your Nepal Visa
If you plan to extend your stay in Nepal beyond the duration allowed by your initial visa, you have the option to extend your Nepal visa. You are most likely to submit your visa extension application at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
- Prepare your original passport, a photocopy of your passport, and your current visa.
- Visit the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
- Obtain the visa extension application form from the immigration office and fill it out with the required information, including your details, current visa details, and the reason for your visa extension.
- Submit the application form along with the necessary documents, such as passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient funds to support your extended stay, and any other documents requested by the immigration office.
- Pay the visa extension fee as specified by the immigration office.
- The immigration office will process your application and, once approved, they will affix a visa extension sticker to your passport.
Note: It is advisable to start the visa extension process well before your current visa expires to allow for any potential delays.
Travel with AOT, Discover Nepal's Charms
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