Demystifying the Nepal Visa Process 2023

Nepal Visa

Irsa GulJune 29, 2023Last Updated: June 29, 2023

0 7 minutes read

If you are planning to visit Nepal in 2023, obtaining a Nepal visa is a crucial step that you must complete before your arrival. The Nepal visa process can be daunting and confusing, with different categories, requirements, and procedures to follow. However, with the right information and guidance, you can demystify the Nepal visa process and make your travel experience smoother and hassle-free. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding the Nepal visa process in 2023, including the types of visas available, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and fees. Nepal, with its majestic Himalayas, diverse culture, and rich heritage, attracts a significant number of tourists from all over the world.

Demystifying the Nepal Visa Process 2023

Who must require a Nepal Visa?

Most foreign nationals who wish to enter Nepal must obtain a visa before their arrival, with a few exceptions. The list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival (VOA) is limited, and it is recommended to check the latest information with the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country or visit the Nepal Immigration Department’s official website.

Travelers from any country except India need a Nepal visa to enter and stay in Nepal.

Nepal Visa Types

There are several types of visas available for Nepal, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Here are the most common types of Nepal visas:

Tourist Visa: This type of visa is for those who want to visit Nepal for tourism or leisure purposes. It is valid for 15, 30, or 90 days and can be extended up to a maximum of 150 days in a visa year (January to December).
Business Visa: This visa is for those who are traveling to Nepal for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs. It is valid for 15, 30, or 90 days and can be extended up to a maximum of 150 days in a visa year.
Study Visa: Students who wish to study in Nepal must obtain a study visa. It is valid for the duration of the academic program, with a maximum validity of five years.
Work Visa: Foreign nationals who are employed or want to work in Nepal must obtain a work visa. It is valid for one year and can be renewed annually for up to five years.
Transit Visa: This visa is for those who are passing through Nepal to another destination and do not have a stopover of more than 72 hours. It is valid for up to three days.

Required Documents

Here are the required documents for each type of Nepal visa based on the purpose of your visit:

Tourist Visa

A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Nepal.
A recent passport-sized photograph.
Completed visa application form.
Visa fee payment.
Itinerary or flight details.
Proof of accommodation in Nepal or a letter of invitation from a Nepalese host.

Business Visa

A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Nepal.
A recent passport-sized photograph.
Completed visa application form.
Visa fee payment.
Letter of invitation from the Nepalese company or organization you are visiting.
Letter from your employer or company stating the purpose of your visit and your position in the organization.

Study Visa

A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Nepal.
A recent passport-sized photograph.
Completed visa application form.
Visa fee payment.
Admission letter from a recognized educational institution in Nepal.
Evidence of financial support or sponsorship for the study program.
Health certificate with HIV test results.

Work Visa

A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Nepal.
A recent passport-sized photograph.
Completed visa application form.
Visa fee payment.
Work permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment in Nepal.
Letter of appointment from the employer in Nepal.
Evidence of educational and professional qualifications.

Transit Visa

A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Nepal.
A recent passport-sized photograph.
Completed visa application form.
Visa fee payment.
Travel itinerary with proof of onward travel within 72 hours.

Application Procedure

The application process for a Nepal visa generally involves the following steps:

Gather the required documents based on the purpose of your visit.
Complete the visa application form.
Make the payment for the visa fee.
Apply and supporting documents to the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country or apply online through the Nepal Immigration Department’s website.
Wait for the visa processing time, which can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the type of visa and the workload of the embassy or consulate.
Receive the visa decision and either collect the visa from the embassy or consulate or receive it electronically if applied online.
Check the visa validity and conditions before traveling to Nepal.
Upon arrival in Nepal, present your passport and visa to the immigration officer and comply with the entry requirements, such as filling out arrival cards, getting your passport stamped, and undergoing health screenings if required.
For more details visit the Nepal Immigration Department’s official website.

Nepal Visa-on-Arrival

Nepal Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for citizens of certain countries who are visiting Nepal for tourism purposes.

Travelers from the following countries are eligible to apply for a Nepal visa on arrival only at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, Mahendranagar, and Kodari land borders;

Afghanistan
Cameroon
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Ghana
Iraq
Liberia
Nigeria
Palestine
Somalia
Syria
Zimbabwe

Here are the requirements and procedures for getting a Nepal VOA:

Requirements

A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Nepal.
A recent passport-sized photograph.
Visa fee payment in cash in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF, CAD, SGD, or HKD.
Proof of travel itinerary or return ticket.

Procedure

Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or other designated entry points, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter.
Fill out the visa application form and affix the passport-sized photograph.
Make the payment of the visa fee according to the duration of stay (15, 30, or 90 days) and visa type (tourist or transit visa).
Wait for the visa processing time, which usually takes about 15-30 minutes.
Receive the visa sticker and affix it to your passport.
Proceed to the immigration desk and present your passport, visa sticker, and other required documents.
Comply with the entry requirements, such as filling out arrival cards, getting your passport stamped, and undergoing health screenings if required.
For more details visit the official website.

Nepal Visa Costs

The cost of a Nepal visa varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. Here are the current visa fees for Nepal:

Tourist Visa

15-day multiple-entry visa: USD 30
30-day multiple-entry visa: USD 50
90-day multiple-entry visa: USD 125

Business Visa

30-day multiple-entry visa: USD 50
90-day multiple-entry visa: USD 125
6-month multiple-entry visa: USD 200
1-year multiple-entry visa: USD 300

Study Visa

90-day multiple-entry visa: USD 50
6-month multiple-entry visa: USD 125
1-year multiple-entry visa: USD 250

Work Visa

30-day single-entry visa: USD 50
90-day single-entry visa: USD 125
6-month multiple-entry visa: USD 200
1-year multiple-entry visa: USD 300

Transit Visa

3-day single-entry visa: USD 5
5-day single-entry visa: USD 10

Nepal Visa Extension

If you wish to stay in Nepal beyond the validity of your visa, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
You must apply for the extension before your current visa expires, and you may be required to provide additional documents or information to support your application.
The extension fee depends on the duration of the extension and the type of visa, and it must be paid in Nepalese currency (NPR).
You can apply for a maximum of two visa extensions, each for up to 90 days, in a visa year (January-December).
Overstaying your visa without proper extension is illegal and may result in fines, deportation, or other penalties.

Fun facts about Nepal

Nepal is home to the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, which stands at a towering height of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet).
Nepal has over 100 different ethnic groups and 92 different languages spoken throughout the country.
The national flag of Nepal is the only non-quadrilateral flag in the world. It is a combination of two pennants (triangular flags) joined together.
Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and has many ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.
The Gurkhas, a legendary Nepalese army regiment, are renowned for their bravery and loyalty, and have been serving in the British Army for over 200 years.
Nepal is one of the few countries in the world that does not have a rectangular or square-shaped flag or coat of arms.
The famous “Yeti” or “Abominable Snowman” is said to reside in the Himalayas, and many people have reported sightings of the elusive creature over the years.
Nepal has a rich tradition of colorful festivals and celebrations, including the famous Dashain and Tihar festivals which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy throughout the country.
Nepal is a landlocked country surrounded by two of the world’s most populous countries, India and China.
The Nepalese national dish is called “dal bhat,” which consists of lentil soup (dal) and rice (bhat) and is typically served with vegetables and curry.