Nepal

Professional Immigration Services: Comprehensive Nepal Visa Framework

If you're planning to explore Nepal's magnificent Himalayas, conduct business in Kathmandu, or pursue academic opportunities, understanding visa requirements is crucial for seamless entry. Nepal maintains a highly accessible visa policy, welcoming international visitors through visa-on-arrival facilities at Tribhuvan International Airport and designated land border crossings, as well as an online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) pre-registration system.

Key Traveler Categories Requiring Nepal Visas:

• Tourism Visitors: Trekking, cultural exploration, adventure tourism, mountaineering, visiting friends and families
• Business Professionals: Commercial activities, conferences, investments (all travelers must initially enter on tourist visas and convert visa category after arrival)
• Academic Researchers: Educational programs, cultural studies, Buddhist and Himalayan studies
• Transit Passengers: Specific duration requirements

Tourist Visa on arrival is the only entry visa to Nepal. If you are visiting Nepal for purposes other than tourism, you should still obtain a tourist visa to enter the country, then change the visa category as per your purpose and length of stay from the Department of Immigration by producing required documents. Tourists obtaining visas on arrival may stay no more than 150 days in any given calendar year. Visas are issued in 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day increments, and may be extended at Department of Immigration offices.

Our expert team specializes in transforming complex immigration processes into clear, actionable strategies. Whether you're pursuing professional opportunities in this strategically located South Asian nation or seeking personal growth through Nepal's rich cultural heritage, we provide end-to-end guidance tailored to your unique situation.

Authoritative Reference: Nepal Department of Immigration (Updated January 2026)

The answer depends on your nationality and travel purpose. While Nepal offers visa-on-arrival and visa-free access to many countries, most travelers will need to obtain a visa before or upon entry.

Visa-Free Entry

Indian nationals enjoy complete visa-free access to Nepal for unlimited duration. Indian citizens may enter with a valid Indian passport or an Election Commission voter identity card to establish their nationality. No visa is required for any purpose or length of stay.

Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports from China, Brazil, Russia, Thailand, Mongolia, and Myanmar are exempt from the visa requirement under bilateral reciprocal agreements. Officials from Vietnam and Cambodia also benefit from a similar waiver. Ordinary (regular) passport holders from all of these countries require a standard tourist visa on arrival.

Visa-on-Arrival Countries

Nepal provides tourist visa on arrival — also commonly referred to as a "visit visa" — at all designated entry points, including Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), Pokhara International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport (Lumbini), and major land border crossings. The visa on arrival is available for citizens of the vast majority of countries, including:

• United States, Canada, Australia — 15, 30, or 90 days
• European Union countries — 15, 30, or 90 days
• United Kingdom — 15, 30, or 90 days
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia — 15, 30, or 90 days

SAARC citizens from Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival once per calendar year (January to December). Standard fees apply for subsequent visits within the same year or for stays exceeding 30 days.

Visa Required in Advance

Nationals of the following countries are not eligible for visa on arrival and must obtain a visa at a Nepalese embassy or consulate prior to travel: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland (Eswatini), Syria, and Zimbabwe. These nationals will not be issued an on-arrival visa unless they carry an official letter from Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Nepal and must have at least one blank page for visa stamping. Nepal does not accept handwritten passports; a valid Machine Readable Passport is required for entry and departure.

Transit Rules

Transit visas are valid for a maximum of 24 hours and cannot be extended. If you plan to leave the airport transit area during your layover, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa authorization for Nepal.

Always verify current requirements through the official Nepal Immigration website or your nearest Nepalese embassy before travel, as policies can change.

Nepal offers multiple visa categories designed to accommodate diverse travel purposes, from short-term tourism to extended business engagements. Understanding the specific visa type requirements ensures smooth application processing and appropriate legal status during your stay.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Tourist Visa on Arrival is the only entry visa to Nepal. Tourist visas are available in 15-day (multiple-entry) and 30-day (multiple-entry) durations, as well as 90-day increments. All tourist visas bear multiple re-entry facility.

Tourists may stay no more than 150 days in any given calendar year, and visas may be extended at the Department of Immigration offices. Tourist visa extension is done for minimum 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days.

Business and Commercial Visas

If you are coming to Nepal for a business meeting, you will need to get a Tourist visa as an entry visa on arrival. The business visa is specifically designed for individuals who are visiting Nepal for long term business purposes. Business visas require government recommendations and company documentation, and the duration of stay depends on the length of the visa and the rules of the Department of Immigration in Nepal.

Student and Academic Visas

Study visa is issued to foreign students pursuing academic or non academic degree and research in Nepal upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Education. It is also issued to teachers or professors involved in academic work in Nepal upon recommendations from the concerned agencies of Nepal Government, issued for maximum of one year as per the recommendation or length of study. Applicants must show proof of admission and the financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses.

Employment and Work Visas

Only foreign nationals holding working visa are allowed to accept job and work in Nepal, issued by the Department of Immigration only upon the recommendation from line agency, Labour Permit from the Department of Labour and Work Agreement from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Foreign nationals undertaking paperwork and legal formalities for Work Visa with concerned institutions can stay in Nepal under Tourist Visas, with category of visa changing from Tourists to Non Tourist once all necessary paperwork is completed. Processing times commonly range from 4 to 8 weeks once all documents are complete, with short-term business or work visas processed more quickly, often in 2 to 4 weeks.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visa is valid for a maximum of 24 hours and cannot be extended. Nepal Relationship Visa is issued to foreign-born family members of Nepalese citizens by the Nepal Department of Immigration. Residence visa is for retirees aged 60 and above, spouses of Nepalis, or large investors, with stricter document checks.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist Visa: On-arrival processing at Tribhuvan International Airport typically takes 15-60 minutes, depending on queue length. Online pre-registration reduces processing time to 5-15 minutes compared to 1-3 hours for standard visa-on-arrival. Online application confirmations are valid for 15 days from submission.

Business and other visa types processed through Nepal consulates require 2-3 business days for standard processing. Embassy visa processing typically takes 1-4 business days.

Student Visa: Initial processing takes 7-10 business days, requiring educational institution verification.

Visa Fees and Costs

• 15-day tourist visa: 30 USD
• 30-day tourist visa: 50 USD
• 90-day tourist visa: 125 USD
• Business visa: 30 USD for one month, 300 USD for one year, 1,000 USD for five years
• Children under 10 years old are exempt from tourist visa fees

Application Locations

On-arrival: Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Pokhara International Airport, and major land border crossings accept cash payments in USD or other major convertible currencies. Immigration officers typically refuse Nepali rupees and Indian currency at payment counters.

Online: Complete pre-registration through the official Department of Immigration portal before arrival to expedite processing.

Consulates: Nepal diplomatic missions worldwide process advance applications, with visas valid for entry within six months from the issue date.

Peak Season Considerations

High season during October-November and March-April can result in very long airport queues. Online pre-registration is strongly recommended during peak trekking seasons and does not cost extra.

Essential Documents

• Valid passport with 6 months or more validity and 2 blank pages
• Passport-sized photograph (or digital photo taken at airport)
• Completed application form (online or at arrival)
• Cash for exact visa fee in USD or other accepted currency
• Proof of accommodation and return flight itinerary (may be requested but not mandatory)

Validity and Extensions

Tourist visas are multiple-entry, allowing you to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period. Extensions are available for a minimum 15 days at 45 USD, with 3 USD per day charged for additional days. Maximum tourist stay is 150 days per calendar year (January to December). Overstay penalties are 5 USD per day for delays under 150 days.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Select the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose: tourist, business, transit, or diplomatic. Tourist visas are available for 15, 30, or 90 days and are multiple-entry, while business visas require additional documentation including invitation letters from registered Nepalese companies.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Compile essential documents including:

• Passport with minimum 6 months validity and at least one blank visa page
• Recent passport-sized photograph with light background
• Completed visa application form
• Supporting documents specific to visa category
• Payment in USD or other major currencies (EUR, GBP, AUD accepted)

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Fill out the online application through the Nepal Department of Immigration website (nepaliport.immigration.gov.np) to receive a barcode receipt, print or save it, and bring it with you. On arrival, go to the visa counter, present your ETA receipt and passport, pay the fee, and get the visa. If you fill it from the website, you will get submission Receipt with barcode, please print it out and bring it along for acquiring visa. It works for fifteen days and becomes invalid then after. Alternatively, you can fill out the online Nepal Tourist Visa form using the Kiosk machines at the airport upon arrival. Double-check all information for accuracy before submission to avoid processing delays.

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit your application at:

• Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country
• Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Pokhara International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini, and Entry Points of Nepal
• Authorized land border crossings including Kakarvitta, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Belahiya/Bhairahawa, Gadda Chauki/Mahendranagar, and Timure

Step 5: Pay Visa Fees

Tourist visa fees are $30 (15 days), $50 (30 days), or $125 (90 days). Payment is accepted in US dollars or other major convertible foreign currencies; card machines are available at major airports but connectivity can be unreliable. Always carry sufficient USD cash in clean, undamaged notes as a primary payment method, with a card as backup. At some land border crossings, card payment facilities may not be available and cash in a major currency is required.

Step 6: Track Processing Status

The Nepal visa on arrival airport process typically takes 30-60 minutes during normal periods and 60-120 minutes during peak trekking seasons (September-November, March-May). Processing time depends on number of arriving flights, queue lengths at kiosks and payment counters, and immigration desk staffing. Off-season months (June-August, December-February) see fastest processing at 30-45 minutes total. For embassy applications, visa processing time is up to 2-3 business days. Complete online pre-registration before arrival to save 10-15 minutes by skipping kiosk queues.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa (Nepal Visa Stamp)

Retrieve your processed visa from the submission location. The Nepal e-visa is a pre-registration system, not a visa waiver. You must still obtain a physical Nepal visa stamp in your passport at the port of entry (airport or land border crossing). Present your printed e-visa barcode receipt to the immigration officer, pay the visa fee, and receive the visa stamp. E-visa pre-registration speeds up the process — it does not eliminate the passport stamp requirement. Verify all details immediately and report any discrepancies before departure.

Nepal's visa policy varies significantly by nationality. The sections below address the most commonly searched country-specific questions about Nepal tourist visa and visit visa eligibility, covering Indian, Pakistani, and Malaysian citizens as well as UAE-resident travelers.

Nepal Visa for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani passport holders are fully eligible for visa on arrival in Nepal. As a SAARC member country, Pakistan qualifies for a special benefit: Pakistani nationals receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival once per calendar year (January to December). For a second visit within the same year, or for stays exceeding 30 days, standard tourist visa fees apply — USD 30 (15 days), USD 50 (30 days), or USD 125 (90 days). Pakistani nationals may also pre-register online through the Nepal ETA portal at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np, or apply in advance at any Nepalese embassy or consulate.

Nepal Visa for Pakistani Nationals Residing in the UAE

Pakistani passport holders who reside in the UAE or any other third country travel to Nepal on the strength of their Pakistani passport, not their country of residence. UAE-resident Pakistanis therefore retain their full SAARC entitlement and may obtain the free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. No UAE residence permit or proof of UAE residency is required for Nepal entry. Travelers who prefer to apply in advance may do so at the Nepalese Embassy in Abu Dhabi or at other Nepalese diplomatic missions in the UAE.

Nepal Visa for Malaysian Citizens

Malaysian citizens are eligible for Nepal tourist visa on arrival or through online e-visa pre-registration at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np. Standard tourist visa fees apply: USD 30 (15 days), USD 50 (30 days), or USD 125 (90 days). Malaysia is not a SAARC member, so the free 30-day SAARC benefit does not apply to Malaysian passport holders. Entry is available at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), Pokhara International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport (Lumbini), and all designated land border crossings.

Nepal Visa for Indian Citizens

Citizens of India do not require a visa to enter Nepal. Entry is permitted with a valid Indian passport or a voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India. There is no restriction on duration, purpose, or frequency of stay. This arrangement is governed by the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between India and Nepal. No visa fee is payable.

Nepal Tourist Visa vs. Visit Visa: Terminology

Nepal's principal entry permit for foreign visitors is officially titled the "Tourist Visa." It is widely referred to in general usage as a "Nepal visit visa" or "Nepal visitor visa." The tourist/visit visa covers all standard short-stay purposes: tourism, trekking, mountaineering, cultural visits, visiting friends and relatives, short business meetings, and initial entry for employment or study purposes. It is issued in 15-day, 30-day, and 90-day increments, all with multiple-entry facility, and may be extended at the Department of Immigration for cumulative stays of up to 150 days per calendar year.

This section answers the widely searched question about where Nepali passport holders can travel without a pre-arranged visa. While the Nepali passport provides unrestricted access to India and limited visa-free access elsewhere, a growing number of countries offer visa on arrival or e-visa options to Nepali citizens.

India: Principal Visa-Free Destination

Nepali citizens may enter and reside in India without a visa under the bilateral Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Nepal and India. Entry is permitted with a valid Nepali passport or a citizenship certificate. There is no restriction on duration, purpose, or frequency of stay.

Visa on Arrival for Nepali Passport Holders

A number of countries grant visa on arrival to Nepali passport holders. Confirmed destinations as of 2026 include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Laos, Madagascar, Maldives, Mozambique, Palau, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, and Tuvalu, among others. Permitted stay durations, entry conditions, and any applicable fees vary by country and are subject to change. Always verify current rules with the official immigration authority of your destination before travel.

E-Visa Destinations

Several countries offer online e-visa facilities to Nepali passport holders. E-visa applications are typically submitted online before departure; travelers should carry a printed or digital copy of the approval at the port of entry. The list of e-visa eligible destinations for Nepali citizens is expanding; check the latest status at the relevant official embassy or consulate website before booking.

Countries Requiring a Visa in Advance

A large number of countries — including most of Europe, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states — require Nepali citizens to obtain a visa from the relevant embassy or consulate prior to travel. Requirements, fees, and processing times vary considerably by destination.

For a complete and regularly updated list of countries accessible to Nepali passport holders, consult the Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a current edition of the Henley Passport Index.