Nepal Visa – Requirements, Types, Application and Fees
Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and its visa process is relatively simple. The Nepal visa can be obtained either before your trip or upon arrival. It has a lifespan of up to 90 days of stay.
Whether you are journeying on foot through the Himalayas, visiting the birthplace of Buddha, or simply taking in the stunning scenery, a Nepal visa is essential.
Read on for more information about how to obtain a Nepal visa.
About Nepal
Nepal is a landlocked nation in South Asia with 147,181 square kilometers. The population of Nepal is approximately 29 million, and the capital city is Kathmandu. The formal language of Nepal is Nepali, and their national currency is the Nepalese Rupee.
Nepal is a federal republic running on a parliamentary system of government. The President of Nepal is the head of state, and the Prime Minister of Nepal is the head of government. The unicameral parliament consists of 275 members elected by proportional representation.
Nepal ranks 145th out of 188 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI) with a value of 0.563. Life expectancy at birth in Nepal is 67 years, and the literacy rate is 65%.
Nepal has a vibrant culture, with Hinduism and Buddhism being the main religions practiced by the people.
Nepal’s diverse geography includes alpine forests, hilly terrains, and plains. The economy of Nepal relies heavily on agriculture and tourism as its mainstay. GDP per capita is $1 191 (2019), making it one of the poorest countries in the world.
However, economic growth has been steady in recent years. The government has made education free and compulsory for children ages five to15. The literacy rate is about 65%. Nepali is the official language, but English is also widely spoken.
The food in Nepal consists mainly of rice, wheat, maize, vegetables, lentils, and meat. The lifestyle in Nepal is simple and relaxed.
Nepal Visa Policy
Nepal visa policy is quite simple and easy to understand. Here are the most important things to know about getting a visa for Nepal.
First, all visitors need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Nepal. Second, visitors can obtain a visa either before arriving in Nepal or at the airport upon arrival. Third, single entry visas are valid for 15 days and cost US$30, while multiple entry visas are valid for 30 days and cost US$50. Lastly, visitors can extend their visas for an additional 30 days by paying a fee of US$30.
Nepal’s visa policy is designed to encourage tourism and investment while also protecting the country’s security. There are several reasons why Nepal has this policy in place.
First, requiring visas from most visitors allows Nepal to control who enters the country. This helps to ensure that only those with a legitimate reason for being in Nepal can come in. This helps to keep out criminals and other undesirables.
Second, the fees for visas help to raise revenue for the government. This money can improve infrastructure, support social programs, and fund other vital initiatives.
Finally, having a visa policy in place sends a message that Nepal is serious about its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It shows that the country is not open to just anyone coming in and that it takes its borders seriously.
Who Needs a Nepal Visa?
Citizens of any country (except India )who wish to enter Nepal need a visa without exception. Citizens of the countries listed below will also need a visa before traveling to Nepal, while all others can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Nepal.
Countries that require a visa before traveling are Afghanistan, Cameroon Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, and Zimbabwe.
Types of Visas
- The Nepal Tourist Visa: This is issued to all tourists participating in fun activities in Nepal.
- The Nepali Business Visa is issued to foreign citizens entering Nepal for business or investment purposes.
- A transit visa is issued to a traveler transiting for 24 hours in Nepal. The permit may be obtained from Nepal upon arrival.
- Work Visa, issued by Nepal’s Department of Immigration, following an individual has arrived in Nepal with a Tourist Visa and tendered the appropriate paperwork.
- Nepal’s relationship visa, which is issued to foreign-born family members of Nepalese citizens, is issued by the Nepal Department of Immigration.
- Nepal Student Visa, issued to foreign students who require study or research in Nepal or teachers who will be teaching in Nepal, is available to foreign nationals. International students need a recommendation from the Nepal Ministry of Education, while teachers must have a request from the highly likely Nepali government organization.
Visa Requirements
On entry to Nepal, you will need to carry the following documents on you:
- Your original passport, valid for at least a year and with at least two blank visa pages.
- Photocopies of the personal information page of your passport
- At least one current passport-size picture of you (1.5 x 1.5 inches with a white background) is required.
- Nepal Visa Application Form, duly completed and signed.
- Proof of accommodation in Nepal (such as a hotel reservation or an address) or the reservation of Accommodation in Nepal.
- A return flight ticket.
- Proof of payment of Nepal visa fee
- Proof of sufficient income, such as bank financial statements from the previous three months.
NOTE:Â If you intend to travel to Nepal for reasons other than tourism, you must procure a visa in Kathmandu at the Department of Immigration.
How to Apply for a Nepal Visa
On arrival at the nearest Nepal diplomatic post before traveling, you can apply 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.
The application process for Visa On Arrival goes thus:
- Fill up the Nepal visa application form
- Pay up the visa fee
- Request for the Visa On Arrival from the Immigration Officers on the ground.
- Completing the visa application form with all the required details.
Also Read:Guide on how to apply for a Nepal Resident visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a permit to go to Nepal?
While a visa isn’t required to go to Nepal, it is often needed. Visas are valid for 90 days but can be extended. For more information, talk to a Passport Health travel documents specialist.
Do Australians need a permit for Nepal?
Foreign nationals, excluding Indians, need a visa to enter Nepal.
Do I need a visa for Nepal from the UK?
When flying to Nepal from or through the UK, you must present certain documentation to acquire a visa on arrival. Those certified vaccinated will receive a visa for the trip.
How long does a visa take?
It takes two weeks to process an application for a tourist visa.
Can I get a Nepal visa online?
To simplify the form and avoid error, the e-Visa has been simplified and restructured at Visagov. It’s now quicker and easier to fill out and takes only a few minutes. You need to print it out and have it with you when you arrive in Nepal.
Does Nepal require a PCR test?
Upon arrival in Nepal by land or air, travelers must have a certified vaccination against COVID-19. For travelers unable to supply such a document, a negative COVID-19 test report (RT-PCR, NAAT, Gene Xpert) taken within 72 hours of departure is required.
How do I get a visa to visit Nepal?
Fill Out an Online “Tourist Visa” Form (you can do it before arrival or at the airport).
When can I apply for a Nepal visa?
Have your passport applications ready 1 to 2 months before your travel date to Nepal.
Can I travel to Nepal without a vaccine?
You must wear protective masks to access essential services (including medical care, shopping, and air travel), and minors are also required to bring and may display proof of vaccination.
How safe is Nepal?
The crime rate in Nepal is very low, but individual citizens should take reasonable precautions. Do not forget pickpockets and bag-snatching, particularly at airports, on buses, and in areas popular with foreign nationals such as Thamel, Sanepa, and Kupondol in Kathmandu. Also, watch how you act when walking around at night.
Can I wear shorts in Nepal?
The Nepalese continue to be traditional and conservative in the way they dress. To avoid embarrassment on both sides, we advise you to respect this tradition by refraining from wearing revealing clothing or sleeveless tops while visiting Nepal. Shorts are okay, but the hem must reach the knee and be modest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a Nepal visa is a relatively straightforward process that can be done in a matter of days. The most important thing to remember is to have all the necessary documents before beginning the application process. With a little planning, anyone can obtain a Nepal visa and enjoy all the country has to offer.
