Are you planning a trip to Nepal? It’s important to know that all foreign tourists need a visa to enter Nepal, except for Indian nationals. Fortunately, securing a Nepal visa is a straightforward process. This article provides you with up-to-date information on obtaining a Nepal tourist visa, including the visa duration, cost, and the application process.
Nepal Visa Duration and Price
Nepal offers tourist visas with different durations:
- 15 Days (single/multiple entries): 30.00 USD
- 30 Days (single/multiple entries): 50.00 USD
- 90 Days (single/multiple entries): 125.00 USD
Visa Extension
If you wish to extend your stay, the tourist visa can be extended for a minimum charge of 45 USD for 15 days or 3 USD per day. For delays less than 150 days, a late fine of 5 USD per day is applicable.
Obtaining Your Nepal Tourist Visa
There are three primary ways to secure a tourist visa for Nepal:
- On Arrival at Kathmandu’s International Airport (KIA): This is the most straightforward method for many travelers.
- Land Border Crossings: You can obtain a visa at any land border crossing equipped with an Immigration Office.
- From Abroad: Apply at one of Nepal’s foreign consulates before your trip.
Eligibility for a Nepal Visa
Before applying, ensure you meet the following criteria:
- Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date and at least one blank page for stamping.
- Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Somalia, Liberia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Iraq are not eligible for visa on arrival. They must apply directly at a Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission in their country.
Required Documents
Ensure you have the following ready:
- One passport-sized photo with a light background.
- Cash for the visa fee (USD is preferred, though EUR, CHF, GBP, AUD, CAD, HKD, SGD, JPY are also accepted).
Online Visa Application (In Advance)
You have the option to apply for a tourist visa online within 15 days prior to your arrival date in Nepal. The online application requires your hotel address in Nepal and a recent digital passport-sized photo. After submitting the form, print the confirmation receipt to present to the Immigration Officer along with your passport and visa fee.
Gratis Visa
Gratis Visas are issued free of cost in specific cases:
- Children under 10 years old (except for US nationals).
- SAARC Citizens (except Afghanistan) for stays up to 30 days, provided it’s their first visit in a visa year.
- Non-Residential Nepalese (NRN) cardholders.
- Chinese Nationals, as well as nationals from Brazil, Russia, and Thailand, due to reciprocal visa waiver agreements.
Visas, including Gratis ones issued at the airport, are Tourist Visas. For visa extensions or changes in visa category, contact the Department of Immigration. Tourist visa extensions can also be processed at the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
Conclusion
Securing a tourist visa for Nepal is a relatively simple process, whether on arrival, online, or through a consulate. By ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and have the necessary documents prepared, you can look forward to an unforgettable journey exploring the natural and cultural wonders of Nepal.
