Introduction: Nepal Travel Visa
Looking for a getaway to himalayas surrounded by natural beauty and spiritual presence? The Nepal Travel visa is for you. The visa process is plain and simple, so travelers can enjoy trekking, sightseeing, cultural tours, or spiritual presence without any worries.
A Nepal travel visa can be obtained on arrival without any complications, making it a visitor-friendly and hassle-free entry.
This guide gives you all the things you need to learn about the Nepal Travel Visa.
Tourist Visa Types in Nepal
To make the traveling easy and convenient, the Nepali government offers a variety of visas catered towards international travelers. Tourist, Transit, and Gratis are some of the travel visas issued by the government, and the tourist visa is the most popular among them.
Despite being categorized as a “Tourist visas,” each has its own set of rules and liberties. Choosing the right Nepal visa offers full enjoyment without possible complications. Tourists can also extend their stay or adjust it, as the immigration system is designed to support tourism.
The visa types are explained below:
Tourist Visa
The easiest way to enter Nepal is by applying for a tourist visa. Most of the foreigners use this visa, and it is issued on arrival. Tribhuvan International Airport and other major offices offer this visa on-site if the documents and visit purpose are clear. Tourists can choose 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day options based on their travel plan. This visa is perfect for outdoor adventure and city exploration with the option to increase the stay.
Key points:
- Made for travel and tourism.
- On arrival entry for most countries (list)
- Passport is required.
- Quick and simple process.
- Pre-arrival form available online.
- Multiple entry points.
- Stay periods up to 15, 30, or 90 days.
- Visa extension up to 150 days per year
Transit Visa
Transit visa is for those people who are passing through Nepal towards another destination but want a short stay. When onward travel is verified, a one-day stay is granted for a brief city tour. Despite being a short stay, it can be obtained on arrival.
Key points:
- One-day validity
- Suitable for layover visits
- Visa extension is not available.
- Cheap fee
Gratis Visa
A special travel visa is offered to certain foreigners based on nationality or visit purpose with no charge. This is beneficial to those who qualify and want to enjoy Nepal on a budget. Gratis visa follows the same entry rules as a tourist visa minus the cost, making it ideal for quick, short, regional trips. This supports friendly diplomatic relations and encourages tourism from neighboring countries.
Key Points:
- SAARC citizens (except Afghanistan) get 15 days free.
- Children under 10 receive a free pass.
- Requires passport and arrival form.
- Same entry rules as a tourist visa.
- Free entry to Government-invited tourists.
Cost of Tourist Visa in Nepal
Cost of a Nepal Tourist Visa depend on the length of the chosen stay period. Nepal is known to provide options with flexibility so people can plan the trip according to their timetable and budget.
Below is the complete breakdown of each visa option:
15 days – USD $30
- Ideal for short and quick visits.
- Affordable and convenient.
- Multiple entries are allowed.
- Visa extension is available.
30 days – USD $50
- Popular among international travelers.
- Best for vacations and culture exploration.
- Ideal for mid-level treks.
- Multiple entries are allowed.
- Visa extension is available.
90 days – USD $125
- For long-term stays or extended exploration.
- Best for high-level treks.
- Multiple entries are allowed.
- Great value for slow travellers.
- Visa extension is available.
Visa Extension
Travelers who wish to stay additional days can apply to extend their visa by visiting the immigration office and paying the required fee. Some of those fees are listed below:
1. 15 days—USD $45
- Minimum extension period is 15 days.
- Best for last-minute changes, delays, or personal reasons.
- Must pay full price despite few-day stays.
- Fixed price for all travelers.
2. Beyond 15 days—USD $3 (per day)
- Charged up to $3 USD for every extra day.
- Can stay up to a total of 150 days per calendar year.
- Best for day-to-day extension.
- Rule applies to all tourists.
Overstay Penalties:
Travelers who stay without extension permission must pay penalties and face consequences.
- USD $5 per day fine.
- Mandatory minimum extension fee of USD $45.
- Possible questioning by an immigration officer.
- Long processing time before departure.
Consequences:
- Negative record in the system.
- Complication for future Nepal travel.
- Risk for visa rejection for repeated overstays.
Note: Always renew your visa before expiration to avoid any problems.
How to Apply for Tourist Visa
Applying for a Nepal Tourist Visa is simple. Steps are listed below:
- Fill the e-form before travelling (optional but advised).
- Visit the visa on arrival section after landing to fill out a form. (if not filled)
- Pay the fee based on stay duration. (USD 30, 50, or 125)
- Submit all necessary documents at the immigration office.
- Receive your Nepal Tourist Visa
Note: Visa on arrival is available, but it’s best to fill out the E-form, as it makes the processing smooth. Always carry cash for transactions.
Rules and Regulations for Each Visa Type of Nepal
Rules for different visas are given below:
Tourist Visa
- Not allowed to work.
- The passport must be valid for 6 months.
- Must submit the application form & pay the fee.
- Must follow travel laws.
- Overstay fines and deportation.
Transit Visa
- 1-day validity.
- Proof of onward flight.
- Available on arrival.
- Low cost.
- Must do a quick interview.
Gratis Visa
- Visa-free entry for eligible travelers.
- Passport validity up to 6 months.
- Fill out and submit the travel application form.
- Free stay (conditions applied).
- Must follow stated rules.
Entry points for International Tourist
An international traveler can enter Nepal through two routes: land and air. All borders follow the same travel rule stated by the Nepali government. The air entry point is faster and maintains a standard, whereas a land entry point can take more time based on the crowd and location. Some of the air and land entries are listed below:
Air Entry Points:
- Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)
- Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airport (restricted services).
Land Entry Points:
- Kakarbhitta (Eastern Nepal)
- Birgunj (Central Nepal)
- Bhairahawa (Near Lumbini)
- Nepalgunj (Western Nepal)
- Dhangadhi (Far West)
- Rasuwagadhi (China border)
Documents Required for Tourist Visa Application in Nepal
All the required documents for the tourist visa application are listed below:
- Valid passport – Must be valid for 6 months from the arrival date.
- Visa application form—Fill out the travel form online or at the immigration desk on arrival.
- Passport-sized photos— Recent photos for visa processing or future extensions. (not older than 6 months).
- Payment receipt—Must have the proof of visa payment.
- Arrival card—Fill out a card that will be provided during the flight or at the airport.
- Round or onward travel proof— To verify future plans or stay intentions.
- Stay details—Information about stay location and conditions.
Visa Renewal, Transfer, and Conversion Rules
Tourists can easily renew the visa by visiting the designated immigration office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. It allows them to increase their stay period and explore more of what Nepal has to offer. Transfer is applicable for those situations where the traveler wants to change passports without losing visa status. Conversion is only allowed under special conditions but is uncommon and rare for tourists.
Nepal Visa Information on Refusal and Delay
Nepal is one of the most visa-friendly countries, but visa delays and rejections can happen. Factors like documentation errors, incomplete information, and fees due can cause issues for visa approval. Tourist volume can also cause delays as a large number of people visit during peak seasons like October–November and March–April.
Common reasons for visa refusal or delays are given below:
- Invalid document.
- Purpose of visit not clear.
- Bad travel history.
- Lack of funds.
- Security verification
- Peak tourism season
Igloo Himalaya Treks Support
Igloo Himalaya Trek is one of the most experienced trekking company available in Nepal. We provide professional guides with accommodation to our customers. Along with trekking expertise, we also offer visa support services like booking confirmation, travel documentation, local guidance, and on-ground assistance for foreigners.
To learn more about available service, contact us today.
FAQs
Is a Nepal visa required for all international tourists?
Yes, a Nepal visa is required for all international tourists, and it can be obtained on arrival.
What is the Visa on Arrival process in Nepal?
The tourist must fill out a form and submit a passport and visa fee at the immigration office to complete the visa on arrival process in Nepal.
Can I extend my Nepal tourist visa?
Yes, you can extend your Nepal tourist visa up to 150 days per calendar year simply by visiting the authorized immigration offices.
Do children need a visa to enter Nepal?
Children under the age of 10 receive Gratis Visa to enter Nepal.
Is online visa application available?
Yes, Nepal offers an online form for the Nepal visa process, which is available on the Department of Immigration website.