Nepal Visa Process

If you are planning to visit Nepal, you will need a visa. This guide explains the step-by-step process to apply for a Nepal visa, the types of visas available, the necessary documents, and other essential information. It’s easy to understand and straightforward, so you can get your visa quickly and start your journey to Nepal.

Types of Visas Available for Nepal

Nepal offers tourist visas for travelers, and you can apply for them through two methods:

1. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
   
2. Visa through Nepal Embassies and Consulates
   

Visa on Arrival Process

Nepal allows you to get your Visa on Arrival (VOA) at any of the main entry points, which makes it very convenient for travelers. Here is how you can apply for your visa on arrival.

Steps to Apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA):

1. Complete the Online Application (Optional but Helpful)
   You can fill out the online visa application form before you arrive in Nepal. This is highly recommended as it helps you skip the long queues. Visit Nepali Immigration Portal to fill out the form.
   Completing the online form helps you:
   

• Save time at the airport
• Receive a confirmation receipt with a barcode that you must print and bring with you.
  

1. Arrive in Nepal
   After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Pokhara International Airport, or Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini, proceed to the Visa on Arrival section.
   
2. Submit Your Documents
   If you completed the online application, show your printed receipt at the Visa Pre-Application counter. If not, you can fill out the paper Tourist Visa Application Form at the counter.
   
3. Pay the Visa Fee
   Proceed to the visa fee payment counter. The accepted currencies for payment are:
   

• US Dollar (preferred)
• Euro
• Swiss Franc
• Pound Sterling
• Australian Dollar
• Canadian Dollar
• Hong Kong Dollar
• Singapore Dollar
• Japanese Yen
  

2. Note: Credit cards, Indian currency, and Nepali currency are not accepted for visa payment.
   
3. Immigration Processing
   Submit your documents and payment receipt. The immigration officer will verify your information, approve your visa, and place a visa sticker in your passport.
   

Visa on Arrival Processing Time:

• Typically, it takes 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic at the airport.
  

Visa Fees and Duration

Nepal offers three types of tourist visas with multiple-entry options. The visa fees depend on the length of your stay:

Required Documents for Visa on Arrival

To apply for your Visa on Arrival, you need the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry.
• One or two passport-sized photos (light background).
• A completed visa application form (either online or paper).
• Proof of accommodation (optional, but recommended).
• Proof of travel arrangements (optional, but recommended).
  

Countries Not Eligible for Visa on Arrival

Most countries can apply for a Visa on Arrival in Nepal. However, citizens from 12 countries are not eligible for the visa on arrival. These countries include:

1. Nigeria
   
2. Ghana
   
3. Zimbabwe
   
4. Eswatini (Swaziland)
   
5. Cameroon
   
6. Somalia
   
7. Liberia
   
8. Ethiopia
   
9. Syria
   
10. Iraq
    
11. Palestine
    
12. Afghanistan
    

Travelers from these countries must apply for a visa in advance at the nearest Nepalese embassy or consulate.

Special Visa Exemptions

Certain countries enjoy special privileges regarding Nepal’s Visa on Arrival process:

SAARC Countries (except Afghanistan):

• Bangladesh
  
• Bhutan
  
• Maldives
  
• Pakistan
  
• Sri Lanka
  

Citizens from these countries can get a free 30-day visa on arrival.

• India: Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal. They can travel using
• Valid Indian Passport
• Election Commission Voter ID card (for air travel)
  
• China: Chinese nationals can receive a free visa for any duration.
  

Visa Application Through Embassies and Consulates

If you prefer not to get the Visa on Arrival or if you’re from a restricted country, you can apply for a visa through Nepalese embassies and consulates.

Steps to Apply for a Visa Through Embassies:

1. Complete the Online Application Form
   Visit the online visa portal at Nepali Immigration Portal and complete the application form. After completion, print the confirmation receipt with the barcode. 
2. Prepare Your Documents
   You will need:
   

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages).
• A completed visa application form (printed).
• Passport-sized photos.
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight tickets).
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings).
• Payment for the visa fee (as specified by the embassy).
  

1. Submit Your Application
   You can submit your application in person or by mail. Some embassies may allow submission through an authorized representative. 
2. Pay the Visa Fee
   You can pay the visa fee via:

• Cash (in the local currency equivalent of USD)
  
• Money order or cashier’s check
• Credit/Debit cards (with possible surcharge at some locations)
  

1. Visa Processing Time

• Standard Processing Time: 4-5 business days.
• Express Processing (for an additional fee of around USD 25) is available in some cases.
  

2. Receive Your Visa
   Once approved, you will either receive your visa sticker in your passport or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to print and carry with you.
   

Visa Extension in Nepal

If you want to stay longer in Nepal, you can extend your visa for a maximum of 150 days per year. Here is how:

1. Where to Apply
   You can apply for a visa extension at: 

   Department of Immigration in Kathmandu
   Immigration Office in Pokhara
   Or you can apply online through the Nepali Immigration Portal. 

2. Documents Required for Extension 
   • Your original passport
     
   • Your current visa document
     
   • A passport-sized photo
     
   • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements)
     
   • Updated travel itinerary and hotel bookings 
3. Extension Fees 
   • For up to 15 days: USD 45
     
   • For more than 15 days: USD 3 per day after the first 15 days 
4. Processing Time 
   • Regular processing: 1-2 business days
     
   • Express processing: Same day (extra fee of USD 25)
     

Important Reminders

• Machine Readable Passport (MRP):
  You must have a machine-readable passport. Handwritten passports are not accepted.
  
• Overstaying:
  Overstaying your visa can result in fines and deportation. Ensure you apply for an extension if you plan to stay longer.
  
• Visa Fees for SAARC Nationals:
  SAARC nationals can get a free visa for the first 30 days. After that, they must pay USD 30 for a 30-day extension.
  

The Nepal visa process is simple and allows most tourists to get a Visa on Arrival. If you are from one of the restricted countries, you will need to apply for a visa through a Nepalese embassy. The visa extension process is easy, allowing tourists to stay up to 150 days a year. Be sure to carry the right documents and pay the visa fees in the accepted currencies. Whether you are planning to trek the Himalayas or visit cultural sites, getting a Nepal visa is the first step to your adventure.

For more information, you can visit the Nepali Immigration Website.