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 relatively accessible visa policy, welcoming international visitors through multiple channels including visa-on-arrival and e-visa systems.

Key Traveler Categories Requiring Nepal Visas:

• Tourism Visitors: Trekking, cultural exploration, adventure tourism
• Business Professionals: Commercial activities, conferences, investments
• Academic Researchers: Educational programs, cultural studies
• Transit Passengers: Specific duration requirements

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 2025)

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

Only Indian nationals enjoy complete visa-free access to Nepal for unlimited duration. Chinese citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes.

Visa-on-Arrival Countries

Citizens from over 100 countries can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport or land borders, 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 - 15, 30, or 90 days

Visa Required in Advance

Citizens from certain countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan must obtain a visa before travel through Nepalese diplomatic missions.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with at least one blank page for the visa stamp.

Transit Rules

Transit passengers staying airside for less than 24 hours generally don't need a visa. However, leaving the airport requires appropriate visa authorization.

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 visas remain the most popular entry option, available in multiple durations:

• 15-day tourist visa: Ideal for short leisure trips
• 30-day tourist visa: Standard tourism duration
• 90-day tourist visa: Extended tourism and cultural exploration

Tourist visas support multiple-entry options and can be extended up to 150 days per calendar year through Department of Immigration offices.

Business and Commercial Visas

Business visas facilitate commercial activities, conferences, and professional meetings. Available in 15, 30, and 90-day formats, these visas require invitation letters from Nepali business partners and detailed purpose statements.

Student and Academic Visas

Student visas accommodate enrolled students in recognized Nepali educational institutions. These visas require admission confirmation, financial guarantees, and educational credentials verification.

Employment and Work Visas

Non-tourist visas serve employment purposes, requiring work permits and employer sponsorship. Processing typically takes 5-7 business days with comprehensive documentation requirements.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visas facilitate airport connections, while diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives. Family reunion visas accommodate relatives of Nepali citizens through specialized application processes.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist Visa: On-arrival processing takes 15-30 minutes at Tribhuvan International Airport. Online applications process within 2-3 business days.

Business/Work Visa: Standard processing requires 5-7 business days through Nepal consulates, with expedited service available in 2-3 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: $100-200 USD depending on duration
• Express processing fee: Additional $20-50 USD

Application Locations

On-arrival: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and major land border crossings accept cash payments in USD.

Online: Official portal at online.nepalimmigration.gov.np for pre-arrival processing.

Consulates: Nepal diplomatic missions worldwide process advance applications with appointment scheduling required.

Peak Season Considerations

High season (October-December, March-May): Airport processing may extend to 45-60 minutes due to increased tourist volume. Online pre-approval recommended during peak periods.

Essential Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Completed application form
• Return flight itinerary
• Proof of accommodation

Validity and Extensions

Tourist visas allow single or multiple entries with extensions available through Department of Immigration, Kathmandu. Extension fees: $2-3 USD per day beyond initial validity.

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, while business visas require additional documentation from Nepalese sponsors.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Compile essential documents including:

• Passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Completed visa application form
• Supporting documents specific to visa category

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Fill out the online application through Nepal's official immigration portal or complete paper forms if applying at 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
• Immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport (visa on arrival)
• Authorized land border crossings

Step 5: Pay Visa Fees

Process payment using accepted methods: cash (USD), major credit cards, or local currency at designated locations. Tourist visa fees range from $30-125 depending on duration.

Step 6: Track Processing Status

Monitor application progress through official channels. Processing typically takes 3-5 working days for embassy applications, while visa-on-arrival is processed immediately.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

Retrieve your processed visa from the submission location. Verify all details immediately and report any discrepancies before departure.