Visa Application Procedure for Nepal
Travel Requirements Travelers to Nepal must have a valid visa to enter the country. Please ensure you have all the necessary documents required for the visa application process. The Embassy issues Tourist Visas for leisure purposes. For other purposes such as study, business, or work, visitors must initially apply for a tourist visa and then change it to the respective visa category after arriving in Nepal. For further details, visit the official website of the Department of Immigration, Nepal.
Where and How to Apply for a Visa Obtaining a visa for Nepal is straightforward and can be done in one of two ways:
- On Arrival Visa: Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Immigration Counter at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or designated land border crossings. Citizens of certain countries, however, must obtain a visa beforehand. These countries include:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Zimbabwe
- Eswatini (Swaziland)
- Cameroon
- Somalia
- Liberia
- Ethiopia
- Iraq
- Palestine
- Afghanistan
- Syria
- Refugees with a travel document
- Through Diplomatic Missions: Visitors can also apply for a visa at Nepal’s diplomatic missions in their home countries. Submit the completed visa application form along with the required documents and pay the visa fee based on the duration of your stay.
To expedite the process, travelers can fill out an online visa application form prior to arrival. Access the form here: Online Visa Application Form
Visa Processing Time
- Visas are typically issued within one working day.
- If applicants visit the Embassy in person and their application requires no further verification, the visa can be issued on the same day, subject to the Embassy’s workload.
Visa Fees at Entry Points
- 15 Days: USD 30
- 30 Days: USD 50
- 90 Days: USD 125
Visa Extension Fees
- Minimum 15-day extension: USD 45
- Additional days: USD 3 per day
- Late fine (up to 150 days): USD 5 per day
Gratis Visa (Visa Free) The following categories are eligible for a Gratis Visa:
- Children under 10 years of age (excluding U.S. citizens)
- SAARC citizens visiting Nepal for the first time in a visa year (up to 30 days, except Afghan nationals, who need a recommendation from the Department of Immigration)
- Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN) cardholders
- Chinese nationals
- Officials from China, Brazil, Russia, and Thailand (based on reciprocal agreements)
Documents Required for Visa Application
- Printed copy of visa application submission confirmation
- Original passport with at least 6 months’ validity and a photocopy
- Official letter for Diplomatic/Official passport holders (for gratis visas)
Important Notes
- Handwritten passports are not accepted for visa issuance.
- Once issued, visas cannot be withdrawn, and visa fees are non-refundable. Visas must be used within six months of issuance.
- Tourists carrying more than USD 2,000 or equivalent foreign currency must declare it at the immigration point by filling out a Customs Declaration Form.
- Tourists entering Nepal by personal vehicle must carry a valid permit (Carnet de Passage).
- Travel Document or Alien Passport holders must contact the Embassy prior to sending their visa application. Additional requirements may include an invitation/sponsorship letter, round-trip tickets, and an interview.
Special Considerations
- For European nationals, a visa-on-arrival is available at Tribhuvan International Airport. Please confirm your eligibility on the Department of Immigration’s website.
- The Department of Immigration handles tourist visa extensions and visa category changes.
Visa Information for Tibet, Bhutan, and Pakistan If your program is scheduled for Tibet, Bhutan, or Pakistan, we will provide detailed visa requirements and assistance upon confirmation of your trip. At Altitude Experts Trips and Expeditions, we strive to make your travel experience smooth and hassle-free.
