Nepal Visa Information: Tourist Visa Requirements, Fees & Process
When traveling abroad, securing a visa is crucial as it permits you to explore your destination while following rules and regulations. For anyone wishing to visit Nepal, it’s essential to obtain a visa, although Indian citizens don’t require a visa to travel. The visa specifically designed for tourists is known as a tourist visa.
How to Obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa
Visa on Arrival: Most visitors choose to get their tourist visa upon arrival at Nepal’s international airport or at designated border checkpoints.
Pre-Arrival Application: Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip.
Nepal Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for a visa, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and has one blank page for the visa sticker. Additionally, you will need a passport-sized photo, which is particularly useful for embassy applications.
Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival Process
Visa services are available 24/7, even for late-night arrivals. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll need to fill out an arrival card, which can also be completed online in advance. Access the tourist visa application form via the official website or at kiosk machines at the airport or border entry points. If you complete the form online, remember to print the receipt or get a voucher, as this confirms your application submission. Visa fees can be paid at designated counters or banks, so it’s advisable to have some cash (US Dollars or equivalent) on hand to speed up the process, though other payment methods may also be suitable. Bring along your passport, arrival card, application receipt, and payment receipt for the immigration desk. An official will process your visa and stamp your passport. Keep the payment receipt until after the visa has been stamped. Note that if you complete the online application, the receipt is only valid for 15 days, so timing is important.
Nepal Tourist Visa Duration and Fees
Here are the typical options for tourist visa durations and related fees (upon arrival):
Duration of Stay Fee (Approx.)
15 days US $30 (Nepal Tourism Board)
30 days US $50 (Nepal Tourism Board)
90 days US $125 (Nepal Tourism Board)
How to Extend a Nepal Tourist Visa
If you wish to extend your stay or visit more places, it’s possible to extend your visa at immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The minimum extension period is 15 days. Be mindful that overstaying or exceeding the extension limit may lead to fines or legal issues. The total duration allowed on a tourist visa (including extensions) is up to 150 days within a calendar year. Always extend your visa before it expires to avoid complications.
Gratis Visa in Nepal
A gratis visa is issued free of charge and still qualifies as a legitimate tourist visa, complete with a visa stamp or sticker. Children under ten years old (except US citizens) can obtain a visa for free. Citizens of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) member countries can receive a gratis visa for up to 30 days during their first calendar year of travel (excluding Afghan citizens). Afghan citizens may be granted a gratis visa on arrival only with prior approval from the Department of Immigration, which requires a recommendation from an inviting institution in Nepal. Additionally, holders of the Non-Residential Nepali card issued by Nepalese missions abroad are eligible for a gratis visa. Certain conditions also apply to Chinese nationals seeking a gratis tourist visa. Even with a gratis visa, ensure that you have the necessary documents (passport, arrival card, etc.) ready.
Reasons Your Nepal Visa May Be Denied
Your visa may be denied if your passport is not valid for at least six months, so be sure to check its validity before you travel. Suspicious travel documents may also lead to a visa denial, so ensure all your documents are legitimate. If you are from certain countries that don’t qualify for an on-arrival visa, you must secure a visa in advance through a Nepalese embassy. Countries on this list include Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, and refugees with travel documents. Additionally, incomplete personal information or unpaid visa fees can also result in a visa denial.
Source: Nepal Tourism Board
for online visa application: click here
No Comments