Travel Documents For Nepal: A Comprehensive Guide

Nepal is a popular destination for travellers due to its thrilling landscapes, historic cities and abundant wildlife. The country has fairly simple entry requirements, with most travellers able to obtain a visa on arrival. However, there are some key documents that are required to travel to Nepal. Firstly, a valid passport with at least six months' validity and blank visa pages is necessary. Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal and can use other forms of identification such as an Election Commission Card or valid driving license. For those who do need a visa, a visa application form must be completed online and printed prior to arrival. This includes providing a recent passport-size photo with a light background. Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation, and a valid return flight or travel ticket are also required. Additionally, travellers should ensure they have proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements from the last three months, and payment for the visa fee, which varies depending on the duration of the visa. It is important to note that credit cards, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment for visa fees. Overall, while Nepal's visa requirements are relatively straightforward, having the correct documentation is essential for a smooth entry into the country.

Visa on arrival

Nepal has made it easy to obtain a Visa on Arrival by offering this service at all of the entry points into the country. The process is simple and quick, although you can expect some queues during the peak tourist season.

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

The most convenient entry point for the Visa on Arrival is at Tribhuvan International Airport, which is the only international airport in Nepal. The airport can handle all Visa on Arrival applications and online application submissions, and the processing time is normally around an hour. The cost of the visa is the same as applying for a visa from an embassy, and all visas issued at the airport are multiple-entry visas.

The process is as follows:

• Fill in an 'Arrival Card'
• Fill in an online 'Tourist Visa' form (you can fill this in prior to your arrival by visiting the official website of the Department of Immigration, or you can fill it in using the kiosk machines at the airport). If you fill it in online, you will get a submission receipt with a barcode, which you should print out and bring with you.
• Make a payment at the bank according to your visa requirement (15/30/90 days). Different modes of payment are accepted at the visa fees collection counter, but it is recommended to carry some cash to be on the safe side.
• Proceed to the Immigration Desk with your online form, payment receipts and your passport.
• Hand in your documents to the immigration officer for visa processing. They will issue a visa upon their satisfaction.

Overland Border Crossings

There are eight overland border crossings where you can obtain a Visa on Arrival. Seven of these are from India and one is from the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Nepal-Tibet border: Gyirong Port

This is a popular route for international travellers ending their Tibet tours with a trip to Nepal. The Visa on Arrival service is frequently used here, so queues for visas can be long. There are regular buses from Rasuwagadhi Fort on the Nepali side of the border to Kathmandu, which take around six hours.

Nepal-India borders:

• Kakarbitta: A popular entry point from northeast India and West Bengal or Sikkim States. It is a 15-hour drive or bus ride to Kathmandu.
• Birgunj: The most popular crossing point from India to Nepal, and very convenient for those travelling from Kolkata. It is a short 6-7-hour trip to Kathmandu from Birgunj, and just 8 hours to Pokhara.
• Belhia, Bhairahawa: The crossing at Belhia is the westernmost point in Nepal, favoured by those travelling from Uttarakhand and northwest India. It is also the quickest way to get to Kathmandu from New Delhi, but it is a 15-17-hour drive from the farthest west of Nepal.
• Jamunaha, Nepalgunj & Mohana, Dhangadhi: These two border crossings in western Nepal are out of the way and hard to get to. International travellers rarely use them.

Required documents for a tourist visa

To obtain a tourist visa for Nepal, you must submit the following documents:

• A completed and signed Nepal Visa Application Form. This can be completed online and printed.
• Your original passport, valid for at least six months from the date of entry, with at least two blank visa pages.
• Photocopies of the personal information page of your passport.
• At least one recent passport-sized photograph (1.5 inches by 1.5 inches with a white background). It is recommended to take more than one in case you need to extend your visa or for other purposes.
• Proof of accommodation in Nepal, such as a hotel reservation or address.
• A valid return flight or travel ticket.
• Proof of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements from the last three months.
• Proof of payment of the Nepal visa fee.

If you are travelling for purposes other than tourism, you must apply for a visa at the Nepal Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and submit additional documents depending on the type of visa required.

It is recommended to apply for your visa 1-2 months before your travel date. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at several land border crossings. However, citizens of certain countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan, must apply for their visa before the trip.

Visa fees

The visa fee depends on the number of days you plan to stay in Nepal. For a 15-day visa, the fee is $25 USD, $30 USD, or $45 USD; for a 30-day visa, it is $40 USD, $50 USD, or $50-$90 USD; and for a 90-day visa, it is $100 USD, $125 USD, or $125-215 USD. The fee for a 15-day visa extension is $45 USD, and for extensions longer than 15 days, it is $3 USD per day.

The visa fee can be paid in USD, GBP, EUR, or NPR. Other currencies are also accepted but are not guaranteed. It is recommended to have some USD on hand to avoid any issues.

If you are applying for a visa from the US, you can pay the visa fee at any Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited (NIMB) location or through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) via connectIPS.

Additional Visa Fees

There is an additional fee of $20 USD for multiple-entry visas. The 90-day visa includes this fee, but be sure to confirm that it is a multi-entry visa when paying.

Nationals of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are exempt from visa fees for their first visit in a calendar year for up to 30 days.

Indian and Chinese citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal and are therefore exempt from fees.

Non-Tourist Visa Fees

Business visas start at $30 USD for one month, $300 USD for one year, or $1000 USD for five years.

Student visas are $30 USD or $75 USD per month.

Marriage visas are $15 USD per month.

Please note that many of the above non-tourist visas have additional requirements that must be met. Consult the Nepalese Ministry of Immigration for further information.

Visa duration

The duration of a tourist visa for Nepal depends on the type of visa chosen. There are three types of tourist visas: one that allows a 15-day stay, another that allows a 30-day stay, and a third that allows a 90-day stay. The visa fee for up to 15 days is $30, for 30 days is $50, and for 90 days is $125. The visa fee for children under 10 years of age who are US citizens is $30, regardless of the duration of their stay.

If you are a citizen of an Indian passport, you do not need a visa to enter Nepal. Citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, and Zimbabwe must obtain a visa from their local Nepali embassy or consulate before travelling. Citizens of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are exempt from visa fees for their first visit in a visa year for up to 30 days.

If you need to extend your visa, you can do so at the Department of Immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, up to a limit of 150 days in any calendar year (January to December). Extensions cost $45 for the first 15 days, followed by $3 per day after that until you reach the 150-day limit.

Applying for a visa from a diplomatic mission

The process of applying for a visa to travel to Nepal from a diplomatic mission varies depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here is a detailed guide on what you need to do:

Determine Your Eligibility:

Before initiating the visa application process, it is essential to determine your eligibility. Citizens of certain countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Swaziland, Somalia, Liberia, Iraq, Ethiopia, Palestine, Syria, and Afghanistan, are required to obtain a tourist visa from a Nepalese diplomatic mission before their departure to Nepal. On the other hand, Indian citizens are exempt from this requirement and can enter Nepal without a visa.

Identify the Type of Visa You Need:

Nepal offers various types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. The most common visa is the tourist visa, which allows foreign nationals to enter Nepal for tourism and leisure activities. Other types of visas include business visas, study visas, and transit visas. Choose the visa that aligns with your intended activities in Nepal.

Gather the Required Documents:

The documents you need to apply for a visa will depend on the type of visa and your nationality. However, there are some standard documents that are typically required:

• A completed visa application form, which can often be found on the official website of the Nepalese diplomatic mission or the Department of Nepal Immigration.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining after your arrival in Nepal and at least two blank visa pages.
• Proof of confirmed accommodation and a confirmed return ticket.
• One or more passport-sized photographs.
• Applicable visa fees, which vary based on the length of your stay and your nationality.

For specific visa types, additional documents may be necessary. For example, if you are applying for a business visa, you will need a letter from the local company in Nepal stating the purpose of your visit. Meanwhile, students applying for a study visa will need an acceptance letter from the university and proof of funds.

Submit Your Application:

You can typically submit your visa application by mail or in person at the nearest Nepalese embassy or consulate. The processing time for visas may vary but generally takes up to a week, excluding weekends and national holidays in Nepal. It is important to ensure that your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejections.

Track Your Application and Receive Your Visa:

After submitting your application, you can usually track its status online through the official website. Once your visa is approved, you will receive it through a registered courier service or by collecting it in person, depending on the instructions provided by the diplomatic mission. Keep in mind that visa fees are typically non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on the diplomatic mission you are applying through. Always refer to the official sources and guidelines provided by the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your region for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions