Nepal Diary: Nepal Visa Guide – What You Need to Know

Nepal is a land of towering mountains, rich culture, and warm hospitality, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Whether you are planning to trek in the Himalayas, explore ancient temples, or study in Nepal, understanding the visa process is essential. This Nepal visa guide will help you learn everything you need to know — from visa types and costs to the step-by-step application process — so your journey can begin smoothly.

Types of Nepal Visas for Tourists

Nepal offers different visa types depending on your travel purpose. Knowing which visa suits your trip is the first step in your journey. This section of our Nepal visa guide explains the main visa categories:

• Tourist Visa: The most common type for visitors. It is issued for short stays, such as trekking, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.
• Non-Tourist Visa: For those working in INGOs, diplomatic missions, or volunteering projects.
• Business Visa: For foreigners wishing to invest or trade in Nepal. Requires additional documents such as company registration certificates or investment papers.
• Transit Visa: Issued to travelers passing through Nepal for less than 24 hours, available at certain border points.
• Student Visa: For those enrolling in Nepali institutions. Requires proof of admission and financial resources.

How to Get a Nepal Visa

There are two main ways to obtain a Nepal visa:

a) Visa on Arrival

Most nationalities are eligible. You can get this visa at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and selected land borders such as Bhairahawa, Birgunj, and Kakarbhitta.

Requirements:

• Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
• One passport-sized photograph
• Visa fee in USD cash

b) Visa from a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Abroad

Applying beforehand saves time and avoids long queues at the airport.
Requirements generally include:

• Valid passport
• Recent passport photo
• Completed application form
• Visa fee (varies by embassy)

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

Following this step-by-step process in the Nepal visa guide will make your visa application smooth and stress-free:

1. Check eligibility and visa type — Ensure your nationality qualifies for visa on arrival or if advance application is required.
2. Prepare documents — Passport, photos, and any additional paperwork for business, student, or non-tourist visas.
3. Complete the online visa application — Nepal’s Immigration Department offers an online form for convenience. Print the confirmation slip.
4. Submit application — At the embassy before traveling or at the airport on arrival.
5. Pay visa fees — As per the embassy’s instructions or in USD cash for visa on arrival.
6. Receive visa — Check all details before leaving the counter.

Visa Fees & Duration

Note: Tourists cannot exceed 150 days of stay per year without special permission.

Key Requirements for Nepal Visa

• Valid passport (at least six months validity)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Completed visa application form
• Payment for visa fees (USD cash for on arrival; embassies may accept other methods)

Our Nepal visa guide shows that with proper preparation, getting a Nepal visa is straightforward and quick. Whether you apply in advance at an embassy or obtain it on arrival, the process is user-friendly. Remember to check the latest requirements on the Department of Immigration website before your trip. With your visa in hand, you’re ready to explore Nepal’s breathtaking mountains, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.