Visa Information

Complete guide to Nepal visa application, the required documents, types of visas and procedures:

Nepal, located in Asia, is renowned for its exquisite temples, rich cultural heritage, and being the home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, with Mount Everest being the pinnacle. However, beyond the allure of trekking in the Himalayas, Nepal has much more to offer to tourists. Exploring the countless temples, immersing oneself in the local culture, interacting with friendly Nepalese people, and browsing through vibrant markets to find beautiful handicrafts are just a few of the experiences awaiting visitors.

Regrettably, Nepal has been plagued by poverty resulting from prolonged civil strife and political instability. Moreover, the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters and challenging mountainous terrain have hindered transportation and resource development. These factors, along with government corruption, have collectively contributed to Nepal being one of the world’s poorest developing nations. Consequently, the country is in dire need of volunteers, and this is where you can make a significant difference.

There are numerous fulfilling opportunities available, including volunteering at orphanages, teaching English, providing healthcare services, engaging in conservation efforts, and more. By channeling your compassion and enthusiasm, you can bring about positive change to families and communities that are in desperate need of assistance. However, it’s important to note that obtaining a tourist visa is a prerequisite for volunteering and visiting Nepal.

Thankfully, the Nepalese government has simplified the visa application process. Most foreign nationals are eligible to obtain a Nepal visa upon arrival at the country’s airport or any of its land borders. This article will delve into the details of the Nepal visa, covering topics such as eligibility requirements, the application process, necessary documents, associated fees and other relevant inquiries.

Who Needs a Nepal Visa?

A visa is required for all foreign volunteers entering Nepal, with the exception of Indian nationals. However, citizens of certain countries must obtain a visa prior to their travel to Nepal, while others have the option to obtain a Nepal visa upon arrival. The countries whose citizens need to obtain a visa in advance are Afghanistan, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, and Zimbabwe.

What Types of Visas do you require to volunteer in Nepal?

You will have to obtain Nepal tourist visa to volunteer and visit in Nepal.

Nepal Tourist Visa

A Nepal Tourist Visa is specifically granted to foreigners who are traveling to Nepal for tourism or volunteering purposes. The Visa On Arrival option is one of the methods available to apply for a Nepal Tourist Visa. It is important to note that the Visa On Arrival is essentially a type of Tourist Visa. However, the key distinction is that a Nepal Tourist Visa can also be obtained from Nepalese diplomatic missions located abroad, in addition to the option of acquiring it upon arrival in Nepal.

Nepal Tourist Visa Requirements

When you apply for a Nepal Tourist Visa, you need the following documents:

• The Nepal Tourist Visa Application Form (completed online and printed)

• Original passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Nepal and should have at least two blank visa pages.

• Photocopies of passport: Prepare photocopies of the personal information page of your passport.

• Passport-size photos: Provide at least one recent passport-size photograph of yourself (1.5 inches x 1.5 inches) with a white background. It is advisable to carry additional photos as they may be required for visa extensions or other purposes.

• Proof of accommodation: Present evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Nepal, such as a hotel reservation or a verified address.

• Return flight or travel ticket: Show a valid return flight ticket or travel itinerary that demonstrates your intention to leave Nepal within the designated visa period.

• Proof of financial means: Provide proof of sufficient financial means to support your stay in Nepal. This can be in the form of bank statements covering the last three months.

• Payment receipt for visa fee: Ensure you have paid the applicable Nepal visa fee and retain the payment receipt as evidence.

How to Apply for a Nepal Tourist Visa?

There are two ways through which you can apply for a Nepal tourist visa:

• On arrival at the Nepal airport or a land border crossing
• At the nearest Nepal diplomatic abroad before traveling

Applying for a Nepal Visa On Arrival

If you are eligible for a Nepal Visa On Arrival, you can obtain it from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or any of the following land border crossings: Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, Mahendranagar, Kodari.

The application process for a Nepal Visa On Arrival is as follows:

• Complete the Nepal visa application form
• Pay the Nepal visa fee
• Apply for the Nepal Visa On Arrival from the Immigration Officers

Completing the Nepal visa application form

There are two ways through which you can complete the visa application form for Nepal:

• Online, in advance of traveling to Nepal. You can submit an application here 15 days before you travel, then print the application form and bring it with you when you travel. This is the preferred method of the Nepal Department of Immigration because it prevents long queues at the airport or other border crossings.
• At the airport or land border crossing. There are usually application forms or electronic machines that you can use to complete and download your visa application form at the arrival hall at the airport in Nepal.

When completing the Nepal application form (either online or at the airport) you will need to have the following on hand:

• Your valid passport
• A recent passport-size picture, 1.5inch x 1.5inch (electronic or printed, depending on the manner of application)
• The address of where you are staying in Nepal

Note: It is best if you complete the online application form before you travel to Nepal because after you print it, you will also receive the exact documents you must have with you when you submit the Visa On Arrival application.

Paying the Nepal Visa fee

Once you have printed your Nepal visa application form, you must proceed to pay the visa fee at the designated area. The visa fee changes depending on the amount of time you want to spend in Nepal. As such, Nepal visa fees are as follows:

For 15 Days: USD 30

For 30 Days: USD 50

For 90 Days: USD 125

Applying for the visa

After completing the Nepal Tourist Visa Application Form online and paying the visa fee, you must submit the printed application form and required documents at an Immigration Desk to have your Nepal visa issued.

Can I Apply for a Nepal Visa Online?

No, you cannot submit a Nepal visa application entirely online. It’s important to note that the Nepal visa application process is not conducted entirely online, and you need to submit the physical documents for processing. Online submission is limited to completing the application form through the server of the Immigration Department of Nepal. Once you have completed the online form, you must print it, sign it, and submit it along with the necessary documents when applying for the visa on arrival at the designated entry points or at a Nepalese diplomatic mission abroad. It is important to mention that Nepal does not issue eVisas, and Tourist Visas can only be obtained on arrival or from Nepalese diplomatic missions. The Nepalese government does not issue eVisas. Also, Nepal Tourist Visas can only be obtained on arrival or from one of the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.

How Long Can I Stay in Nepal with a Tourist Visa?

A Nepal Tourist visa can be issued for 15, 30, 90 days or 150 days with the fees changing depending on the number of days you will remain in the country.

How Can I Extend a Nepal Visa?

You can extend your Nepal Visa at the headquarters of the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. The office in Kathmandu is the only office of the Immigration Department which extends both tourist and non-tourist visas. The Immigration Office in Pokhara is only authorized to extend tourist visas.

You have to apply for an extension of your Nepal visa before it expires. If you apply afterward, you will have overstayed your visa, and you can be fined or even detained or arrested. You can extend a tourist visa for 15 days for a fee of USD 45. You have to pay an additional USD 3 for every day after that.