Visitor & short-stay visas
Nepali Visa on Arrival (Gratis / Free Visa)
Free tourist entry granted to certain nationalities and categories of visitor, including children under a set age and SAARC nationals, so eligible travellers pay no visa fee on arrival.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Official name
- Gratis (free) visa
- Route type
- Fee-exempt visitor entry
- Typical eligible groups
- Children under a set age, SAARC nationals, Chinese nationals
- Confirm exact categories and any duration cap on the official site.
- Cost
- No visa fee (gratis)
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- For SAARC nationals on the first visit within a visa year
- Number of entries
- Multiple entry
- Annual limit
- 150 days per calendar year
- Total tourist stay allowed in Nepal in any calendar year
- Where to apply
- On arrival at Tribhuvan (Kathmandu), Pokhara and Gautam Buddha (Lumbini) international airports and other entry points
Who it is for
- Children below the age threshold set by the Department of Immigration
- Nationals of SAARC member states (subject to conditions, usually first visit of the visa year)
- Chinese nationals as provided under current policy
How to apply
- Present a valid passport at the on-arrival immigration counter
- Indicate eligibility for the gratis category
- Receive the free tourist visa endorsement
Requirements
The gratis (free) visa is a fee waiver applied to the standard tourist visa on arrival, not a separate visa. You must fall within a qualifying category and complete the normal arrival visa process at the immigration desk.
- SAARC nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India) receive a free 30-day visa on their first visit within a visa year; a second visit in the same year is charged the standard fee.
- Afghan citizens are eligible for a gratis visa only on the recommendation of the Department of Immigration.
- Children under 10 years (except US citizens), Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) cardholders and Chinese nationals are also issued the visa free of charge.
- A valid passport is required, and total tourist stay is capped at 150 days per calendar year regardless of how many entries you make.
Documents you may need
- Valid passport
- One passport-size photograph on a light background
- Evidence of your gratis category (SAARC passport, NRN card, or a child's passport showing age under 10)
- Completed arrival visa application form
Frequently asked questions
The free 30-day visa applies to the first visit within a visa year. A second visit in the same calendar year is charged the standard tourist visa fee.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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