Are you wondering how to get a visa for Nepal? The process is straightforward and convenient. You can obtain a visa when you arrive in Nepal at the Tribhuvan International Airport or the immigration desk if you are crossing the border from Tibet or India.
This guide, tailored for travelers from the USA, integrates all the necessary details for a Nepal visa application, ensuring you are well-prepared for your journey.
Who Needs a Visa?
All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, require a visa to enter Nepal. The process is convenient, with options for obtaining a visa on arrival. However, certain countries are not eligible for a visa on arrival, so it’s crucial to check the eligibility criteria before you plan your journey.
Nationals from certain countries, such as Iraq, Ethiopia, Liberia, Palestine, Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Cameroon, and Swaziland, are not eligible for visas on arrival and should arrange their visas beforehand.
Indian natives do not need a visa. If they arrive in Nepal by flight, they must present one legitimate form of identity, such as a passport, voter ID, or citizenship. Children under ten years old must then turn in a birth certificate
Nepal Visa Application Process
Applying for a Nepal visa is a straightforward process that can be completed either upon arrival in Nepal or online before your trip.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help U.S. travelers understand how to efficiently secure a visa for their travels to Nepal.
If you arrive by land from India or Tibet, you can secure your visa right at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport or at various border crossings.
1. Determine Visa Type
Most travelers will require a tourist visa, which is suitable for those visiting Nepal for trekking, sightseeing, and leisure activities. This visa can be obtained either on arrival or online.
2. Online Application (Pre-Arrival)
For convenience and to speed up the process at the entry point, you can apply for a visa online before departing.
- Access the Application: Visit the official Nepal Department of Immigration website to access the Nepal online visa application form.
- Fill Out the Form: Provide all required information including personal details, passport information, and travel details.
- Submit the Form: Complete the application by submitting it within 15 days prior to your arrival in Nepal.
3. Visa on Arrival
If you prefer to obtain your Nepal visa upon arrival, you can do so at designated entry points:
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry with at least one blank page.
- Arrival in Nepal: Proceed to the visa on arrival section at the entry point.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the application form provided at the kiosk or submit your pre-filled online form.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Visa fees can be paid in cash or by credit card. The fees are as follows:
- 15-day visa: USD 30
- 30-day visa: USD 50
- 90-day visa: USD 125
Nepal Entry Points
You can obtain a visa on arrival at several entry points, including:
Air:
- Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
Land:
- Far western – Kailali (Mohana, Dhangadhi) or Kanchanpur (Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar)
- Mid-western – Banke (Jamuna, Nepalgunj)
- Western – Rupandehi (Belhiya, Bhairahawa)
- Central Nepal – Birjung, Parsa
- Northern Border – Kodari, Sindhupalchowk
- Eastern Nepal – Kakarvitta, Jhapa
Nepal Visa Fees
- Short Stay: USD 30 for fifteen days’ worth of equal convertible currency.
- Month Long: 30 days visa is USD 50 in a comparable convertible currency.
- Extended Stay: USD 125 for ninety days’ equal convertible money.
- For Tourists of SAARC nationals (except India).
4. Nepal Visa Extension
- Visa Extension: If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial visa period, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
- The cost for extending up to 15 additional days is USD 30, and
- USD 2 per day thereafter up to a maximum of 150 days within a calendar year.
- Children under 10: Visa fees are waived for children under ten, but a visa is still required, which can be obtained by presenting a birth certificate or other valid identification.
6. Transit Visa Pass
If a foreign national is forced to arrive in Nepal due to circumstances beyond their control, they can apply for a one-day transit visa that is available for USD 5.
Is there a Trekking Visa Needed for Trekkers?
No special “trekking visa” is required for trekkers heading to Nepal. Instead, the regular tourist visa adequately covers all trekking and sightseeing activities. This visa can be easily applied for upon arrival in Nepal or online before your travel, with the same application process and document requirements as any standard Nepal visa.
Important Points for Trekkers
- Trekking Permit: Besides your visa, you will need specific trekking permits for different regions in Nepal, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) or the Everest Base Camp trek permit.
- Visa Extensions: Extensions are straightforward if your adventure exceeds the initial visa duration. You can extend your visa for up to 150 days per calendar year at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. The cost is USD 30 for the first additional 15 days and USD 2 for each subsequent day. This flexibility ensures you can fully immerse yourself in Nepal’s stunning landscapes without worrying about visa constraints.
Additional General Details About Nepal Visa
- You can apply for a tourist visa at the above-mentioned immigration entry points in Nepal or through the Nepalese embassy, consulate, or other mission offices in your country.
- For children under the age of ten, there are no visa fees. But they need to get a legitimate visa.
- It is forbidden to enter or remain in Nepal without a valid visa.
- Once granted, a visa cannot be changed, and the application costs are not refundable.
- The cash payment for your Nepal visa is required. Credit card or check use is not permitted.
- It is recommended that you get in touch with the Immigration Department for the document transfer if you are getting a new passport or travel document.
- When trekking, always carry your trekking permit and passport.
- A few of areas where filming is not permitted. Thus, exercise caution to avoid engaging in any activities that are outright forbidden.
- It is important to honor Nepalese customs, culture, and feelings. Do not engage in any actions that could offend them.
- Avoid engaging in any actions that could cause moral decay.
Recommended Read : Trekking in Nepal – 10 Best Treks in Nepal
Common Queries About Nepal Visa
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Nepal and have at least one blank page.
Yes, US citizens can apply for a Nepal evisa. This tourist visa typically allows a short-term stay and must be used within 15 days of issuance.
The Nepal tourist visa remains valid for three months, and different durations are available depending on your planned stay (15, 30, or 90 days).
The fees for a Nepal visa are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days.
You can extend your Nepal visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. The extension costs USD 30 for up to an additional 15 days and USD 2 per day for extensions beyond that, up to a maximum of 150 days within a visa year.
Yes, a one-day transit visa is available for USD 5 in cases of unforeseen travel disruptions.
Yes, all travelers must complete an Arrival Card. If you haven’t completed the online visa application form before arrival, you must fill it out at the airport’s kiosk.
To receive a tourist visa on arrival in Nepal, you will need an up-to-date passport, a completed Arrival Card, and cash for the visa payment. You should also clarify your lodging arrangements.
