Visa requirements

Nepal

General visa requirements for travelling to Nepal. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Tourist Visa - Embassy/Consulate Required)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: Varies by embassy, typically 5-15 business days
Fee: Varies by embassy
Validity: As approved by embassy
Entry: Single entry

Nationals of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria must obtain tourist visa from Nepalese diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) prior to departure. These nationals will not get visa on arrival unless they have an official letter issued from Ministry of Home Affairs Nepal.

Eligibility

Nationality
Only for nationals of restricted countries who must obtain visa prior to arrival

Eligible countries: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, State of, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic, Zimbabwe

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host in Nepal; Must cover full stay: Yes
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Nepal Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/onlinevisa-mission/application
Travel itinerary
Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.

Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: Yes

How to apply

Online application
Complete online visa application form
Document gathering
Gather required documents: passport, photos, flight bookings, accommodation proof, travel itinerary
Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at nearest Nepalese embassy or consulate
Document submission
Submit application and documents at Nepalese embassy/consulate
Fee payment
Pay visa fee as per embassy instructions
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with visa from embassy/consulate

Tourist visa (SAARC Tourist Visa - Free 30 Days)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: Immediate on arrival
Fee: Free
Validity: 30 days from date of entry
Entry: Single entry

Citizens of SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka - excluding Afghanistan) can obtain a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days for the first time in a given visa year. If the stay exceeds 30 days or for subsequent visits in the same calendar year, standard visa extension fees apply. Indian citizens do not require a visa.

Eligibility

Nationality
Only for citizens of SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) - one free 30-day visa per calendar year

Eligible countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-size photograph
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Tourist Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare passport (valid for 6+ months) and passport photo
Document submission
Submit application on arrival at airport or land border
Visa collection
Receive free 30-day visa stamp immediately

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry for Indian Citizens)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Processing time: N/A
Fee: Free
Validity: Unlimited
Entry: Multiple entry

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal and may reside permanently under Article 7 of the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which allows free movement of people between the two countries on a reciprocal basis.

Eligibility

Nationality
Only Indian citizens are eligible for visa-free entry and permanent residence rights

Eligible countries: India

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

How to apply

Document gathering
Present valid Indian passport or other acceptable ID at border

Tourist visa (Tourist Visa on Arrival - 30 Days)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: Immediate on arrival
Fee: $50 USD
Validity: 30 days from date of entry
Entry: Multiple entry

All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. Maximum stay of 150 days per calendar year for all tourist visas combined. Can be extended for additional fees ($45 for first 15 days + $3 per day thereafter). Online pre-registration available via Nepaliport portal (valid for 15 days).

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For tourism and leisure purposes only
Includes
- Tourism
- sightseeing
- trekking
- visiting friends and family

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-size photograph
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Tourist Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01

How to apply

Online application
Optional: Complete online pre-registration via Nepaliport portal (valid for 15 days)
Document gathering
Prepare passport (valid for 6+ months), passport photo, and payment in USD or convertible currency
Document submission
Submit application on arrival at airport or land border entry point
Fee payment
Pay visa fee at immigration counter
Visa collection
Receive visa stamp in passport immediately

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Business visa (Business Visa - Investment 10-100 Million NPR)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 1825 days
Processing time: After Department of Industry recommendation and site inspection
Fee: $20 USD per month, $200 USD per year, or $500 USD for 5 years
Validity: Minimum 1 month up to 5 years
Entry: Multiple entry

Business visa requires recommendation letter from Department of Industry. Reduced fees apply for investors with 10-100 million NPR investment. Department of Industry conducts site inspection to verify investment before issuing recommendation.

Eligibility

Financial
Investment amount between 10 million and 100 million NPR

Minimum funds: 10-100 million NPR

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Recommendation letter from Department of Industry, Foreign Investment Acceptance Letter
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Business Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

Accepted documents: Copy of Company Registration Certificate, PAN/VAT certificate, Share certificate, Industry registration certificate, latest tax clearance
Business plan
Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

Minimum investment: 10-100 million NPR; Must include financials: Yes

How to apply

Document gathering
Establish business entity and obtain company registration, foreign investment acceptance
Document submission
Submit documents to Department of Industry for site inspection
Processing wait
Wait for site inspection and recommendation letter
Fee payment
Pay reduced business visa fee
Visa collection
Collect passport with business visa

Student visa (Student Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 5-15 business days
Fee: Varies by duration
Validity: Maximum 1 year as per recommendation or length of study
Entry: Single entry

Study visas are issued by the Department of Immigration upon recommendation of the Ministry of Education. The visa is issued for a maximum of one year as per the recommendation or length of study. Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution registered with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled in recognized educational institution for academic or non-academic degree or research
Includes
- Academic study
- research
- degree programs at institutions registered with Ministry of Education
Financial
Must demonstrate financial capability to support stay and studies

Minimum funds: USD $3,000 per year minimum

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
Bank statement
Minimum balance: USD $3,000 per year minimum annual deposit; Months required: 1
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Nepal Study Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
No objection certificate
Provide a no-objection letter from the employer, school, sponsor or authority when the route asks for it.

Issuing authority: Issuing authority

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain acceptance letter from recognized Nepali educational institution and gather supporting documents
Online application
Complete online study visa application form
Document submission
Submit application with Ministry of Education recommendation letter to Department of Immigration
Fee payment
Pay study visa fee based on duration
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with study visa

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: Varies by diplomatic mission
Fee: Free
Validity: 30 days (extendable)
Entry: Multiple entry

Diplomatic visas issued to diplomatic passport holders and their family members on reciprocal basis upon recommendation of their respective diplomatic missions. Handled by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Duration can be extended if required from Department of Consular Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic and official/service passport holders of certain countries are exempted from visa requirement.

Eligibility

Employment
Must hold diplomatic or official passport and be on official government business

Required status: Diplomatic passport holder or family member

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Note verbale from Ministry of Foreign Affairs or foreign mission stating purpose and duration of visit
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Diplomatic Visa Application

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain note verbale from Ministry of Foreign Affairs or diplomatic mission
Document submission
Submit diplomatic passport and note verbale to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Processing wait
Wait for diplomatic visa processing
Visa collection
Collect diplomatic passport with visa

Tourist visa (Tourist Visa on Arrival - 15 Days)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay: 15 days
Processing time: Immediate on arrival
Fee: $30 USD
Validity: 15 days from date of entry
Entry: Multiple entry

All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. Maximum stay of 150 days per calendar year for all tourist visas combined. Can be extended for additional fees. Online pre-registration available via Nepaliport portal (valid for 15 days). Payment accepted in USD or convertible foreign currency; international credit cards also accepted.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For tourism and leisure purposes only
Includes
- Tourism
- sightseeing
- trekking
- visiting friends and family

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-size photograph
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Tourist Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01

How to apply

Online application
Optional: Complete online pre-registration via Nepaliport portal (valid for 15 days)
Document gathering
Prepare passport (valid for 6+ months), passport photo, and payment in USD or convertible currency
Document submission
Submit application on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), Pokhara International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport (Lumbini), or land border entry points
Fee payment
Pay visa fee at immigration counter
Visa collection
Receive visa stamp in passport immediately

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Tourist visa (Tourist Visa on Arrival - 90 Days)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: Immediate on arrival
Fee: $125 USD
Validity: 90 days from date of entry
Entry: Multiple entry

All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. Maximum stay of 150 days per calendar year for all tourist visas combined. Can be extended for up to 60 additional days (total 150 days maximum). Extension fees: $45 for first 15 days + $3 per day thereafter.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For tourism and leisure purposes only
Includes
- Tourism
- sightseeing
- trekking
- visiting friends and family

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-size photograph
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Tourist Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01

How to apply

Online application
Optional: Complete online pre-registration via Nepaliport portal (valid for 15 days)
Document gathering
Prepare passport (valid for 6+ months), passport photo, and payment in USD or convertible currency
Document submission
Submit application on arrival at airport or land border entry point
Fee payment
Pay visa fee at immigration counter
Visa collection
Receive visa stamp in passport immediately

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 30-45 days
Fee: Varies by position
Validity: 1 year (renewable annually)
Entry: Single entry

Working visa is issued by the Department of Immigration only upon recommendation from concerned Ministry of Government of Nepal, Labour Permit from the Department of Labour, and Work Agreement from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Foreign nationals must possess specialized skills, knowledge, or experience not readily available among Nepali citizens. Work permit granted for one year at a time and must be renewed annually.

Eligibility

Employment
Must possess specialized skills, knowledge, or experience not readily available among Nepali citizens. Employer must demonstrate necessity of hiring foreign worker through labor market tests.

Required status: Specialized skills not available locally, approved by Department of Labour

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Work Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

Accepted documents: Company Registration Certificate, Project Agreement
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No
Work permit notification
Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.

Issuing authority: As required by issuing authority; Permit number: Required

How to apply

Document gathering
Employer obtains recommendation from relevant ministry and labor market test approval
Document submission
Employer submits work permit application to Department of Labour and Occupational Safety with all required documents
Processing wait
Wait for Ministry of Home Affairs work agreement and labour permit approval
Fee payment
Pay work visa fee
Visa collection
Collect passport with work visa

Business visa (Business Visa - Investment under 10 Million NPR)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 1825 days
Processing time: After Department of Industry recommendation and site inspection
Fee: $35 USD per month, $400 USD per year, or $1000 USD for 5 years
Validity: Minimum 1 month up to 5 years
Entry: Multiple entry

Business visa requires recommendation letter from Department of Industry or concerned government agency. Department of Industry conducts site inspection to verify investment and business operations before issuing recommendation. Applicable for investors with less than 10 million NPR investment.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For foreign investors and business owners conducting business operations in Nepal
Includes
- Business operations
- investment activities
- company management
Financial
Investment amount less than 10 million NPR

Minimum funds: Less than 10 million NPR

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Recommendation letter from Department of Industry, Foreign Investment Acceptance Letter from Department of Industry
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Business Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

Accepted documents: Copy of Company Registration Certificate, PAN/VAT certificate, Share certificate, Industry registration certificate
Business plan
Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

Minimum investment: Less than 10 million NPR; Must include financials: Yes

How to apply

Document gathering
Establish business entity and obtain company registration, foreign investment acceptance from Department of Industry
Document submission
Submit documents to Department of Industry for site inspection and recommendation
Processing wait
Wait for Department of Industry site inspection and recommendation letter
Online application
Complete online business visa application
Fee payment
Pay business visa fee based on duration chosen
Visa collection
Collect passport with business visa

Transit visa (Transit Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay: 1 days
Processing time: Immediate
Fee: Varies
Validity: 24 hours
Entry: Single entry

Transit visa valid for 24 hours. Immigration Officer may issue interim (transit) visa to any foreign national who needs to spend a night in Nepal before traveling to third country or to any passenger of aircraft that has made emergency landing at Nepalese airport. Such visa will be valid for one day.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For passengers in transit to third country or emergency landing situations
Includes
- Transit to third country
- emergency landing passengers

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

How to apply

Document gathering
Present passport and onward travel confirmation
Document submission
Request transit visa from Immigration Officer at airport
Visa collection
Receive 24-hour transit visa

Journalist visa (Journalist/Press Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 120 days
Processing time: Varies
Fee: Varies
Validity: Maximum 4 months at a time, can be extended up to 1 year
Entry: Single entry

Press visa issued for maximum of 4 months at a time. Can be extended up to one year. Requires recommendation from Department of Information and press pass from Nepal Press Council. International visitors must initially obtain tourist visa, then convert to press visa by applying to Department of Immigration with supporting documentation.

Eligibility

Employment
Must be working journalist or press representative with valid press credentials

Required status: Accredited journalist with press pass from Nepal Press Council

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Recommendation letter from Department of Information
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Press Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
Professional license
Accepted licenses: Identity Card issued by Nepal Press Council, Press pass for journalists; Must be translated: No

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain recommendation from Department of Information and press pass from Nepal Press Council
Online application
Complete online press visa application form
Document submission
Submit application with recommendation letter, press pass, and supporting documents to Department of Immigration
Fee payment
Pay press visa fee
Visa collection
Collect passport with press visa

Business visa (Business Visa - Investment over 100 Million NPR)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 1825 days
Processing time: After Department of Industry recommendation and site inspection
Fee: Free
Validity: Minimum 1 month up to 5 years
Entry: Multiple entry

No visa fees for investors with over 100 million NPR investment. Requires Department of Industry recommendation letter after site inspection. This is to encourage major foreign investment in Nepal.

Eligibility

Financial
Investment amount over 100 million NPR

Minimum funds: Over 100 million NPR

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Recommendation letter from Department of Industry, Foreign Investment Acceptance Letter
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Business Visa Application Form; Form url: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

Accepted documents: Company Registration Certificate, PAN/VAT certificate, Share certificate, Industry registration certificate, latest tax clearance, proof of investment over 100 million NPR
Business plan
Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

Minimum investment: Over 100 million NPR; Must include financials: Yes

How to apply

Document gathering
Establish business entity and obtain company registration, foreign investment acceptance, proof of over 100 million NPR investment
Document submission
Submit documents to Department of Industry for site inspection
Processing wait
Wait for site inspection and recommendation letter
Visa collection
Collect free business visa

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.