Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Nepal?

If you’re planning to visit Nepal, one of the first questions you may have is whether or not you need a visa. Fortunately, Nepal’s visa system is straightforward for most travelers. Whether you’re an Indian citizen or a foreigner, understanding the visa requirements will help ensure that your trip to Nepal goes smoothly. Here’s a detailed guide to Nepal’s visa policies, charges, and visa extension procedures.

1. Do Indian Nationals Need a Visa to Travel to Nepal?

Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Nepal. This is because Nepal and India share an open border, allowing Indian citizens to travel freely between the two countries. To enter Nepal, Indian nationals can present any of the following valid identification documents:

Aadhar Card
Voter ID
Passport

If you’re traveling by air, you’ll need either your passport or Aadhar card to complete the check-in process and immigration formalities. Even minors can travel with their parents using a birth certificate or school ID as supporting documents. This makes Nepal an easily accessible destination for Indian travelers.

2. Visa Requirements for Foreign Nationals

For non-Indian travelers, a visa is required to enter Nepal. However, Nepal offers several options for obtaining a visa, making it relatively simple for most travelers.

Tourist Visa on Arrival (TOA)

Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at major entry points in Nepal, including Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and the land border crossings with India and China.

Visa Fees

The fee for a tourist visa on arrival is based on the duration of stay. Here are the current fees for tourist visas:

15-day visa: USD 30
30-day visa: USD 50
90-day visa: USD 125

The visa fees must be paid in cash at the airport or border entry point. The preferred currency is USD, but other major currencies like Euros and British Pounds may also be accepted. Payment in Nepalese Rupees is also possible but might require a conversion fee. Exact change is recommended, as getting change may be difficult in some cases.

Visa Validity and Extensions

15-Day Visa: Valid for 15 days from the date of entry.
30-Day Visa: Valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
90-Day Visa: Valid for 90 days from the date of entry.

You can extend your tourist visa while in Nepal if you wish to stay longer than the duration allowed by your initial visa.

Visa Extension Fees

You can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Extensions are generally available for an additional 30 days at a time.

Visa extension for 30 days: USD 30
Visa extension beyond 30 days: You will need to apply for an extension if you’re still within the 90-day limit. After 90 days, you must exit and re-enter Nepal for a fresh visa.

Note that the visa extension process can take a day or two, so it’s essential to apply before your current visa expires.

How to Apply for a Visa on Arrival:

Arrival at the Airport or Border: When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport or any land border, go to the Visa on Arrival counter.
Fill Out the Visa Form: Complete the visa application form available at the counter or online before you arrive (optional).
Provide Required Documents: Submit your passport (valid for at least six months), passport-sized photo, and visa fee.
Payment: Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or major currencies).
Visa Issuance: After processing, your visa will be issued, and you can proceed with your journey.

3. Special Visas for Long-Term Stays or Specific Purposes

If you’re planning to stay in Nepal for reasons other than tourism—such as business, study, employment, or volunteering—you will need to apply for a specific visa.

Business Visa: Issued to foreign nationals wishing to engage in business activities or establish a company in Nepal. The visa fee varies depending on the type of business.
Student Visa: Required for those coming to study in Nepal for more than 6 months. You’ll need an admission letter from an accredited Nepali educational institution.
Work Visa: For those employed in Nepal by a local company or NGO.
Non-Tourist Visa: There are also specific visas for journalists, diplomats, and volunteers.

These visa categories require additional documentation, including invitation letters, proof of financial resources, and sometimes approval from the Nepalese authorities. The application process for these visas can take longer than for a tourist visa.

4. Visa for Children and Minors

Children under 10 years old: They are exempt from visa fees but must carry a valid passport and other required documentation.
Children above 10 years old: They will be required to pay the regular tourist visa fees, which are the same as for adults.

If you’re traveling with children, ensure you carry their birth certificates, especially if they are traveling with one parent or a guardian.

5. Visa for Transit Travelers

If you are passing through Nepal as a transit passenger, you typically do not need a visa if you do not leave the airport’s international transit area. However, if you plan to leave the airport during a layover, even for a few hours, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa on arrival.

6. Who Cannot Get a Visa on Arrival?

Certain nationals cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Nepal and must apply for a visa at a Nepali embassy before traveling. These countries include:

China (due to political reasons)
Afghanistan
Iraq
Pakistan

Nationals from these countries must apply for a visa at a Nepali diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in their home country or abroad.

7. Additional Information on Visa Policies

Visa Processing Time: The visa on arrival process typically takes 10-15 minutes, though it may take longer during peak travel times. Make sure to arrive with all the necessary documents to avoid delays.
Overstaying Your Visa: If you overstay your visa in Nepal, you’ll be charged a fine of NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 10) per day for the first 30 days. After 30 days, you may face additional fines or be required to exit Nepal immediately.
Multiple Entries: If you leave Nepal and re-enter, you can apply for a new visa. However, it’s worth noting that the 90-day limit applies to the total duration of stay within a 6-month period. Repeatedly exiting and entering may result in questioning by immigration officials.

Conclusion: Visa Requirements for Nepal

For Indian travelers, visiting Nepal is hassle-free as no visa is required, and entry can be made with just an ID card or passport. For non-Indian travelers, obtaining a tourist visa on arrival is a straightforward process, with visa fees varying based on the duration of stay. You can also extend your visa within Nepal if needed.

Always double-check the latest visa fees, extension costs, and entry requirements for your nationality before traveling. Whether you’re coming for a trek in the Himalayas, cultural exploration, or a spiritual retreat, Nepal’s welcoming visa policies make it an easy destination to visit.