Nepal is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world: home to Everest and seven of the highest mountains on the planet, with an ancient culture that blends Hinduism and Buddhism in a way you will not find anywhere else.
A country located in South Asia, nestled between two giants, China and India, with a population of around 30 million people and more than one million tourists a year. Nepal is not just mountains and trekking routes: it is also jungle, temples, festivals and a hospitality that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. If you are planning your trip, at Visagov we help you manage your visa quickly and without complications so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Do you need a visa to travel to Nepal?
Yes. All foreign nationals need a visa to enter Nepal, with the exception of Indian citizens, who can enter freely with a passport or photo ID under the Indo-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty.
The good news is that the process is straightforward for most travelers: Nepal has an on-arrival visa system available to citizens of more than 180 countries, including Spain and the rest of the European Union. This means the process is accessible, although arranging it in advance through a specialist agency like Visagov will save you time, queues and potential issues at the border.
Types of visa for Nepal
There are different types of visa depending on the purpose of your trip.
Tourist visa
This is the most common visa. It covers tourism, trekking, mountaineering and visits to family or friends. It is granted for periods of 15, 30 or 90 days, with the possibility of multiple entries and an extension of up to a maximum of 150 days per calendar year.
Transit visa
For travelers passing through Nepal with a maximum stay of 24 hours. A departure ticket from the country is mandatory.
Business visa
For investors and individuals who will be carrying out business activities in Nepal. It is processed through the Nepalese embassy or consulate.
Student visa
For foreign students wishing to obtain an academic degree or carry out a research project in the country.
Non-tourist visa
For people who will be working in Nepal on a temporary basis, such as journalists or other professionals on a specific assignment.
Residence visa
For those wishing to live in Nepal for an extended period, whether through investment or marriage to a Nepalese citizen.
Diplomatic and official visa
Exclusive to holders of a diplomatic passport or individuals on an official visit. Extendable to immediate family members. Requires a recommendation from the relevant diplomatic mission.
How to apply for a tourist visa for Nepal
There are several ways to obtain a tourist visa for Nepal, but the process and payment differ significantly depending on your point of entry into the country.
Apply online with Visagov
The most convenient and reliable option is to manage your application online with Visagov before your trip. You simply provide your basic details and we take care of all the paperwork. There is one important detail to bear in mind depending on your point of entry:
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If you land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu: when you process your visa with us, the government fees are paid in advance. This means that upon arrival you can skip the payment counter queues and go straight through immigration with your visa ready. No waiting and no surprises!
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If you enter through any other border crossing: Visagov will handle your mandatory pre-registration to streamline the process as much as possible. When you reach the border, all your paperwork will already be validated and your only remaining step will be to pay the visa fees to the authorities.
On-arrival visa (without prior processing)
If you decide not to complete any formalities before flying and prefer to manage the visa entirely on your own upon arrival, whether at TIA airport or at a land border crossing from India or China, the process will be fully in person. You will need to deal with electronic kiosks or counters to fill in all your details on the spot and then join another queue to pay the fees (bear in mind that at land borders payment must be made in cash). Particularly during the peak trekking season (spring and autumn), going through this entire process from scratch can significantly extend your waiting time.
Visa at the embassy
The vast majority of nationalities can process their Nepal visa online through Visagov. However, citizens of the following countries do not have access to the on-arrival visa and must obtain it in person at the Nepalese embassy before traveling: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria and Iran. If this applies to you, contact the embassy at least one month in advance.
Who needs a visa for Nepal?
Practically all foreign nationals, with the exception of Indian citizens. In addition, citizens of countries such as China often benefit from exemptions on tourist visa fees.
Citizens of SAARC member countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) are entitled to certain facilities and free visas for stays of up to 30 days on their first visit to Nepal in each calendar year, with the exception of Afghan citizens, who require prior authorization.
As mentioned, there are nationalities that cannot obtain a visa on arrival and must process it at the embassy. If you are unsure about your nationality's requirements, at Visagov we can advise you on how to proceed based on your specific situation.
Requirements to travel to Nepal
To travel to Nepal you need a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry, the corresponding visa and, depending on your country of origin, you may also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is also highly advisable to take out travel insurance, especially if you plan to go trekking or mountaineering.
If you would like full details on documentation, vaccinations, currency and practical tips before your trip, we cover everything in our article: requirements to travel to Nepal.
Would you like to process your Nepal visa without any hassle? At Visagov we handle the entire process so that all you need to think about is your trip. Apply for your visa now.
How much does a Nepal visa cost?
Tourist visa fees vary depending on the length of stay chosen (generally 15, 30 or 90 days). To give you an idea and help you plan your budget, the official amount ranges from a few dozen to just over one hundred US dollars.
As mentioned above, the payment method depends on your entry route:
- At TIA airport (Kathmandu): If you process your visa with Visagov before flying, the fees are already included and paid.
- At land borders: Payment is made upon arrival. Credit cards are not accepted at all entry points, so it is essential to bring the exact amount in cash (US dollars or euros in good condition).
The visa is free of charge in some cases, such as for children under 10 (who still need to register and obtain the visa), Chinese citizens and citizens of SAARC countries on their first visit of the calendar year.
Can the Nepal visa be modified once processed?
The tourist visa form cannot be modified once submitted to the government, but it is possible to cancel it and apply for a new one (forfeiting the fees already paid). If you have made an error in your application, it is best to have professional support. When you process it with the Visagov team, we review your details beforehand to avoid these issues.
How far in advance do you need to apply for a Nepal visa?
Official forms expire 15 days after being generated, so if you do it on your own online, you must do so between 2 and 10 days before arrival. However, if you manage your visa with Visagov, you can do it whenever you like: our team will schedule the submission for the ideal moment based on your travel date. If you are processing it at the embassy, it is advisable to do so at least one month in advance.
Can the Nepal visa be extended?
Yes. The tourist visa can be extended in Nepal in one-month increments, up to a maximum of 150 days per calendar year. Extensions are processed both online and in person at the Department of Immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, before the current visa expires. Exceeding the limit without an extension results in daily fines and may complicate future travel to the country.
Is a visa required for a layover in Nepal?
Yes. If your layover involves leaving the airport transit zone, you need a transit visa that can be obtained at the airport itself by paying a small fee. A departure ticket from the country within 24 hours is mandatory.
Entry points into Nepal
The main entry point for international tourists is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, where pre-processing of fees will save you a great deal of time.
It is also possible to enter by land from India through several border crossings: Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, Biratnagar, Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj, among others. From China, the main crossing is Timure, although its opening may be subject to seasonal conditions. Bear in mind that if you enter through a land border, visa fee payment must be made on the spot and in cash.
Processing a visa for Nepal is simpler than it seems, especially with professional assistance. At Visagov we have been helping travelers from all over the world manage their visas quickly, safely and without errors for years. Start your application here.
