Nepal visas
Whether you need a visa for Nepal, and which one, depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit — most visitors receive a tourist visa on arrival, while work, study, business, family and long-term routes each have their own conditions. Indian nationals do not require a visa, and a small number of nationalities must obtain their visa in advance rather than on arrival. Nepal's visa and entry system is administered by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with visas also issued by Nepali diplomatic missions abroad; always confirm current rules, fees and eligibility on the official Department of Immigration website before you travel or apply.
Nepali visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Nepal — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Nepal to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Nepal — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Nepal.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Nepal as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Nepal long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.1 visa
Nepali visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Nepal Visa
It is possible to acquire a tourist visa on arrival in Nepal if you are a citizen of practically any country due to Nepals very open visa policy. Citizens of all nations, with the exception of India, are required to get a visa in order to enter Nepal, according to the legislation.
Nepal launched an online visa application system in January 2014 to replace the previous paper-based approach.
In order to combat the COVID-19 epidemic, the Nepalese government has temporarily halted the issuance of visas on arrival to any foreign nationals visiting the country. Applicants must submit their applications for travel visas to the Nepali diplomatic mission in their home countries. During a calendar year, visitors are permitted to remain in Nepal for a maximum of 150 days per person. Visitors are required to have passports that are valid for at least six months after the date of their entry in the country.
Who needs a visa to Nepal
A tourist visa on arrival can be obtained by citizens from most nations. The only Country required to obtain a visa on arrival is India.
Entry into Nepal
At arrival in Nepal, all travellers older than 5 must present the following documentation:
- Documentation of vaccination OR a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours of departure
- On arrival, passengers will undergo a health screening.
- The Department of Immigration's website contains additional details regarding entry requirements and visas.
Criteria to apply for a Nepal Visa
The criteria to apply for a Nepal visa is straight forward. Travellers are encouraged to use the criteria as a guide when it comes to gathering documentation. The criteria is listed below.
- Form for Application for Nepal Tourist Visa (completed online and printed).
- Your original passport, which has at least two blank visa pages and is valid for at least another six months.
- Photocopies of your passport's page including personal information.
Appointment Waiting Times
Typically, the Embassy requires at least four to five business days to schedule an appointment. Due to the COVID-19 situation, application processing may take longer. Occasionally, visas were unable to be issued due to incomplete applications or other factors. Therefore, you should not book your flight until the visa has been issued.
Who Can Visit Nepal Without a Visa?
Citizens of almost every Country can visit Nepal without a visa and obtain a tourist visa on arrival. The only Country which cannot do this is India, so if you are an Indian citizen, you will require a visa.
What To Do If Your Nepal Visa is Refused
You have the right to appeal this verdict. The embassy of the Member State that elected to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Nepal visa and the reasons for the rejection. If the Department of Home Affairs refuses or cancels your visa, in certain instances you may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Nepal — key facts
- Visa authority
- Department of Immigration (Government of Nepal)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
- Time zone
- Nepal Time (NPT, UTC+5:45)
Nepali visas — people also ask
You must return to your native country before the expiration of your visa. However, you will not be permitted to return home if your visa has already expired. Therefore, it is essential that you extend your visa prior to your return trip.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.