Getting your visa for Nepal is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to this beautiful Himalayan nation. Whether you’re planning a trekking to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, Annapurna Circuit etc, exploring the vibrant culture of Kathmandu, jungle safari in Chitwan National Park, or seeking spiritual solace in Lumbini, obtaining the right visa is essential.
Nepal is a beautiful country of the Himalayas, and every year, thousands of tourists influx here to observe cultural, geographical, and traditional diversities. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the visa process in Nepal.
Nepal offers various types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and residential visas. For most travellers, a tourist visa is the relevant option. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the visa application process:
Getting Your Visa for Nepal at a Nepali Embassy:
Prior to departing your home country, you can apply for a Nepali visa at the local Nepali Embassy or by mailing your application to them well in advance.
Most travellers can get a Nepali visa on arrival:
For most travellers, the entry requirements for Nepal are fairly simple and pain-free. Indian citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit the country, and most other tourists can get a 15-, 30- or 90-day visa on arrival. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and most other Western European countries.
When you land at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you need to fill in an arrival card and have your photo taken at one of the automatic registration machines – to save time, you can do this online in advance (this must be done less than 15 days before you arrive). If you leave it till you land in Kathmandu, expect the process to take over an hour, with lots of queuing.
Getting Your Visa for Nepal at a Land Border Crossing:
There are also Immigration Offices at all of the land border crossings that are open to foreigners. You’ll be able to apply for and receive a visa at these border crossings, as well.
Getting Your Visa for Nepal Price and Duration:
There are three options for the length of a tourist visa (for nationals of SAARC countries, the first 30 days are free):
| Duration of Stay | Price |
|---|---|
| 15 days | $30 USD |
| 30 days | $50 USD |
| 90 days | $125 USD |
| Multiple-entry | $25 USD (Useful for going back and forth between Tibet and India) |
Extending Your Visa:
After getting your visa for Nepal, you can extend your Nepal visa for up to 150 days at the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara. It costs $30 for 15 days and $2 per day after that. Usually, the turn-around is the same day, and you’ll need to submit your passport, extension fee, one photo, and the application extension form to complete the process.
Getting Your Visa for Nepal Additional Expert Tips:
- It is a good idea to bring 4-5 passport photos from home as they come in handy for official documents or purchasing sim cards.
- Kathmandu’s airport has bank counters where you can exchange currencies.
- Having a couple of photocopies of your passport is always handy while travelling.
- While there are various payment methods now available in the airport along with the visa application kiosks, malfunctions can occur and we strongly recommend that you carry the correct money (US$ is recommended) and a passport photo with you just in case.
Getting Your Visa for Nepal is a crucial step in planning your visit. By following the proper procedures, preparing the required documents, and staying informed about the latest regulations, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in this enchanting Himalayan nation.
