About Nepal Footprint Holiday

We are a team of full service-oriented travel entrepreneurs based in Kathmandu. Offering the best depth guidance services and travel advice, exciting, customized holiday packages or tailor-made trips in Nepal’s most admired and preferred off-beat destinations. We specialize in small group treks and tours in the Himalayas which is the beauty of Nepal.

Follow Us

Nepal Visa Guide: How to Apply

Home Nepal Nepal Visa Guide: How to Apply

Introduction 

Traveling to Nepal is a dream for many adventurers, trekkers, and culture travelers who want to experience the beauty. Before you pack your bags, it is essential to understand the visa process. Nepal makes it relatively easy for most travelers to enter the country, whether for trekking, sightseeing, or other purposes. 

This guide will cover everything you need to know about Nepal visas, including types, fees, how to apply, and important tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry. 

Nepal Tourist Visa 

Nepal offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. The most common is the tourist visa, but there are also transit visas for travelers passing through, work visas for employment, and student visas for those planning to study. Each visa has its own rules, fees, and application process, making it important to choose the right one before traveling to Nepal. 

Tourist Visa 

The tourist visa is the most popular for travelers visiting Nepal for various purposes. Most nationalities can get the on-arrival visa at the airport or major land borders of Nepal. You can choose from 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day options. Obtaining this visa is easy to apply and all you need is a valid passport, a completed form, and the visa fee. Below are the countries that are not eligible for the visa on arrival for Nepal. 

  • Nigeria
  • Ghana
  • Zimbabwe
  • Swaziland 
  • Cameroon 
  • Somalia 
  • Liberia 
  • Ethiopia 
  • Iraq 
  • Palestine 
  • Afghanistan 
  • Syria 

Note: Almost all nationalities can get the visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or major land border, except for a few countries that are listed above. They must apply in advance to get a visa for Nepal. 

How to obtain a Nepal Visa?

Obtaining the Nepal visa is an easier process, especially for travelers arriving at the Kathmandu Airport. Most nationalities can easily get a visa on arrival by following a few quick steps. Here is a simple breakdown of how to obtain your Nepal visa smoothly and without hassle. 

  • Fill out the arrival form, as it is easily available at the immigration area when you land. 
  • Complete the online visa form before you arrive in Kathmandu.
  • Pay the Visa Fees, as per your days of stay, as you get to choose 15, 30, and 90 days.  
  • Submit your valid documents and provide your passport, payment receipt, and immigration form. 
  • After your verification, your tourist visa is stamped, as you prepare to enter and travel in Nepal. 

Do SAARC Nationals Need a Visa to Travel to Nepal?

The SAARC Nationals, which include citizens of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, can enjoy the special visa privileges when traveling to Nepal. Most travelers can enter Nepal without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival, depending on their nationality. Like, Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal, but should have a valid passport or even a voter ID Card. 

Other SAARC nationals can get a tourist visa on arrival at major airports or land borders by presenting a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and paying the visa fee. 

What are the most popular entry points to Nepal?

Nepal can be entered through airports and several land border crossings, making it easy for travelers coming from different countries. Whether you are flying in or arriving by road from India or China, here are the most commonly used entry points to Nepal. 

  • Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu): The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the main international airport in Nepal, and the most popular entry point for tourists. With immigration, visa-on-arrival facilities, and easy access to major hotels and attractions, it offers the most convenient and popular way to enter Nepal.  
  • Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairahawa): The Gautam Buddha International Airport, located in Bhairahawa, is the newly opened airport in Nepal. This is a convenient entry point for travelers coming from India. The airport handles international flights, offers modern facilities, and is becoming a major hub for travelers in the southern region of Nepal.  
  • Tatopani (Kodari Border), China: The Tatopani/ Kodari border is one of the major entry points between Nepal and Tibet, China. This was the main trade and travel route, offering direct access from Kathmandu to Tibet. Travelers use this for overland trips, cultural travel, and trade between the two regions.  
  • Rasuwagadhi Border (China): The Rasuwagadhi border is a major overland entry point connecting Nepal with Tibet, China. Located along the scenic Langtang region, it serves as an important route for both travelers and trade. 

Do Chinese Nationals Need a Visa to Travel to Nepal?

Yes, Chinese nationals do need a visa to enter Nepal. Most Chinese travelers visit Nepal for trekking, so they can easily obtain the tourist visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or major land border crossings. For Chinese nationals, the process is easy, as they need a valid passport, a completed arrival form, passport-sized photos, and the visa fee in USD. 

For Chinese Nationals, it is highly recommended to check the latest regulations before traveling, as rules and fees may change periodically. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free entry into Nepal. 

What is the Nepal Visa Extension Fee?

If you plan to stay in Nepal longer than your visa duration, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. The extension fee depends on the additional days you wish to stay. 

  • 15-day extension: Around USD 20
  • 30-day extension: Around USD 40
  • 90-day extension: Around USD 120 

Tourist visas can usually be extended up to 150 days; however, to extend, you need your passport, current visa, passport-sized photos, and the fee. It is highly recommended to apply before your current visa expires to avoid any kinds of fines or penalties.