Visa policy of Nepal

The visa policy of Nepal is relatively liberal, allowing citizens of almost all nations to obtain a tourist visa on arrival. In accordance with the law, citizens of all countries except India require a visa to enter Nepal.

In January 2014, Nepal introduced an online visa application system.[1]

To mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nepali government has temporarily suspended the visa on arrival for all foreign citizens. Applicants must apply for travel visas in the Nepali diplomatic mission in their respective nations.[2] All tourists are allowed to stay in Nepal for a maximum of 150 days in one calendar year. Visitors must hold passports that are valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.[3] [4]

Visa policy map

Visa policy of Nepal

Freedom of movement

Citizens of  India do not need a visa to enter Nepal, and can reside permanently as Nepali citizens with no restrictions, because Article 7 the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship allows free movement of people between the two nations on a reciprocal basis.

Indian citizens can use any acceptable documents mentioned below to enter Nepal:[5]

  • Indian Passport
  • Voter ID card with photograph
  • Registration certificate issued by the Indian embassy to the Indian citizen residing in Nepal
  • Ad hoc/temporary identity card issued by the Indian embassy to the Indian citizen in the event of emergency

Visa on arrival

Nepal free visa on arrival issued to a Chinese citizen at Kakarbhitta

With the exception of nationals of states mentioned below and holders of refugee travel documents, any foreign national can obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Multiple entry visas can be issued for a duration of stay of 15, 30 or 90 days. Holders of temporary passports are not eligible unless they hold a temporary passport issued by a European Union member state.[3]

Visa on arrival is available at:[6]

Visa required in advance

Citizens of the following states are required to apply for a visa prior to arrival in Nepal:[8]

Visa fee waiver

Nationals of SAARC member countries can receive a tourist visa free of charge for 30 days at no cost. Those countries are:[9]

In addition, residents of  China,  Hong Kong and  Macau can have their visa fees waived if they are traveling as tourists since 1 January 2016.[10][11]

Non-ordinary passports

Holders of diplomatic or service passports of following countries do not require a visa.[3][12]

Visa exemption agreement was signed with  Qatar in October 2018 and it is not yet ratified.[13]

Statistics

Most visitors arriving to Nepal for tourism purpose were from the following countries (excluding India):[14]

Country 2016 2015
 China66,984123,805
 Sri Lanka44,36737,546
 United States42,68749,830
 Thailand30,95333,422
 United Kingdom29,73036,759
 Australia18,61924,516
 South Korea18,11223,205
 Japan17,61325,829
 France16,40524,097
 Germany16,40518,028
Total538,970790,118

See also

References

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