If you are planning to visit Nepal, you need a visa to enter the country. The process is not too complicated, and you can get your visa in different ways. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how to apply for a Nepal visa.

Types of Nepal Visas

Nepal offers different types of visas depending on your reason for visiting. The most common visa for tourists is the Tourist Visa. Other types include Business Visa, Student Visa, Working Visa, and Transit Visa. However, most travelers will only need a tourist visa.

Ways to Get a Nepal Visa

There are three main ways to get a Nepal visa:

• Visa on Arrival – Available at the airport and border crossings
• Applying at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate – Before arriving in Nepal
• Online Application (Pre-Arrival) – Filling out a form online before reaching Nepal

Each method has its own process, which we will explain below.

Getting a Visa on Arrival

This is the easiest way to get a Nepal visa if you are coming for tourism. It is available at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and at certain border entry points. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Fill Out the Arrival Card

When you arrive at the airport, you will need to fill out an arrival card with your details. You can also use electronic kiosks at the airport to complete the form.

Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

You can fill this form at the electronic machines at the airport. If the machines are not working, you can complete a paper form instead.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

After filling out the form, you need to pay the visa fee. The cost depends on how long you plan to stay:

• 15 days – USD 30
• 30 days – USD 50
• 90 days – USD 125

You can pay using cash in USD, Euro, Pound Sterling, or other major currencies. Some places may accept cards, but carrying cash is a safer option.

Step 4: Get Your Visa Stamp

After paying, take your passport, visa application form, and payment receipt to the immigration officer. They will stamp your visa in your passport, and you are ready to enter Nepal.

Applying at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate

If you prefer, you can apply for a visa before traveling. This can be done at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country. Here’s what you need to do:

• Find a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate – Check online for the nearest Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country.
• Complete the Visa Application Form – You can download the form from the embassy’s website or fill it out at the office.
• Prepare Required Documents – These usually include:
• A valid passport (at least 6 months valid)
• Passport-size photos
• Visa fee (amount depends on the duration of stay)
• Submit the Application – Visit the embassy, submit your form, and pay the visa fee. Some embassies allow you to send your application by mail.
• Receive Your Visa – Once approved, you will get your passport back with the visa stamp. This can take a few days, so apply early if you choose this option.

Online Visa Application (Pre-Arrival)

Nepal also offers an online visa application system to speed up the process at the airport. You can fill out the form online 15 days before your arrival.

How to Apply Online

• Visit the official Nepal Immigration website (https://www.immigration.gov.np)
• Fill out the visa application form – Enter your personal details, travel information, and upload a passport-sized photo.
• Print the confirmation receipt – After completing the form, you will receive a receipt. Print it and bring it with you to Nepal.
• Pay the visa fee upon arrival – Even if you apply online, you still need to pay the visa fee at the airport.
• Get your visa stamped – Show your receipt and passport to the immigration officer, pay the fee, and receive your visa.

This option can save time at the airport, as you won’t have to fill out the form on arrival.

Visa Extensions

If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, you can apply for an extension. Visa extensions are available at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.

• How to Extend Your Visa
• Visit the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara
• Fill out the visa extension form
• Pay the extension fee
• Receive your new visa stamp

The cost for extension is USD 45 for the first 15 days. After that, it is USD 3 per extra day.

Important Things to Know

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
• Visa fees are non-refundable
• Tourist visas can be extended up to 150 days per year
• Overstaying your visa can result in fines
• Certain nationalities may not be eligible for a visa on arrival, so check with Nepal Immigration before traveling

Special Cases

• Indian Citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal
• SAARC Nationals (citizens from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) get a free 30-day visa
• Chinese citizens get a free Nepal visa

Entry Points for Visa on Arrival

If you are flying, you can get a visa at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu).

If you are coming by land, visas on arrival are available at these border points:

• Kakarbhitta (India-Nepal border)
• Birgunj (India-Nepal border)
• Belahia, Bhairahawa (India-Nepal border)
• Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (India-Nepal border)
• Mohana, Dhangadhi (India-Nepal border)
• Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (India-Nepal border)
• Kodari (China-Nepal border, but often closed)

Final Tips

• Bring passport-size photos in case they are needed
• Carry cash for visa fees, as card payments may not always work
• Double-check visa requirements if you are not eligible for a visa on arrival

Applying for a visa to Nepal is not difficult, and there are different options to choose from. Whether you get a visa on arrival, apply at an embassy, or fill out an online form, the process is straightforward. By preparing in advance, you can avoid delays and start your Nepal adventure smoothly.