Nepal Visa Information

Nepal welcomes international visitors with a streamlined visa process designed specifically for tourists and trekkers. Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at various land border crossings.

Key Information:

• Visa on Arrival: Available for citizens of most countries (except Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan)
• Multiple Entry: All tourist visas are multiple entry by default
• Online Application: Recommended for faster processing - apply at nepalimmigration.gov.np
• Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date
• Extension Possible: Tourist visas can be extended within Nepal up to 150 days total
• TIMS Card: Required for all trekkers - can be obtained through your trekking agency

Additional Visa Options:

• Gratis (Free) Visa: For citizens of SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) - 30 days
• Chinese Citizens: Free 30-day visa (diplomatic agreement)
• Indian Citizens: No visa required, but must carry valid government ID

Entry Points with Visa on Arrival:

For Visa on Arrival:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date, with at least one blank page
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
• Application Form: Completed tourist visa application form (available at airport or online)
• Arrival Card: Disembarkation card (provided during flight or at entry point)
• Visa Fee: Payment in USD cash (exact amount recommended) or major credit cards
• Proof of Accommodation: Sometimes requested - hotel booking or trekking agency confirmation
• Proof of Funds: Sufficient funds for stay (rarely checked but good to have)

For Online Application (Recommended):

• Digital Application: Complete form at nepalimmigration.gov.np
• Digital Photo: Upload recent passport photo (JPG format, under 500KB)
• Passport Scan: Clear scan of passport information page
• Approval Letter: Print and bring the approval letter for faster processing
• Processing Time: Usually 24-48 hours for approval

Additional Requirements for Trekkers:

• TIMS Card: Trekker's Information Management System card (required for all treks)
• Permits: Area permits (ACAP, MCAP, etc.) and restricted area permits if applicable
• Insurance: Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (recommended)
• Agency Confirmation: Trekking agency booking confirmation (helps with visa processing)

Extension Process:

• Where: Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu (or Pokhara Immigration Office)
• When: Apply before your current visa expires (recommended 7+ days before)
• Cost: USD $3 per day for extensions (minimum 15 days)
• Processing: Usually 1-2 working days
• Maximum Stay: 150 days total in a calendar year (January to December)

Extension Requirements:

• Application form (available at immigration office)
• Passport with current visa
• Passport photographs (2 pieces)
• Extension fee in USD cash
• Reason for extension (trekking, tourism, etc.)

Important Regulations:

• Overstay Penalty: NPR 50 per day (approximately $0.40) for visa overstay
• Work Prohibited: Tourist visa does not permit employment or business activities
• Region Restrictions: Some restricted areas require special permits regardless of visa
• Visa Runs: Not recommended - immigration officials track entries/exits

Recent Changes & Updates:

• Digital Processing: Online visa system now fully operational
• Extended Hours: Immigration counters open longer during peak season
• Multiple Entry: All tourist visas now multiple entry by default
• Mobile Payment: Digital payments accepted at major entry points
• Fast Track: Online approval gets priority processing

Emergency Contacts:

• Immigration Office, Kathmandu: +977-1-4429659, +977-1-4429660
• Immigration Office, Pokhara: +977-61-464880
• Tourist Police: +977-1-4247041 (24/7 assistance)
• Embassy Directory: Keep your country's embassy contact info