Nepal Visa on Arrival and Visa Fee

Nepal, which is geographically located in the lap of Himalayas and culturally a melting pot of diverse influences, is a leading tourist destination in the world. Whether you have an interest in the great Himalayan ranges, the peaceful trails for trekking or the active and colorful religious practices, Nepal provides a different kind of experience.

Today, Nepal has turned into a dream destination for the travellers who are on an adventurous trip, those who are interested in mountaineering and the ones who are interested in exploring the cultural tourisms. Nevertheless, there are important things that a traveller must know before setting foot on this beautiful country and these include visa requirements that make traveling to this country a breeze.

The Visa on Arrival system is one of the easiest means of travelling to Nepal for the tourists. It enables the traveler to get the visa as soon as they arrive at the airport or some of the border posts thus making the process easy. Being the first step to the Nepal tour, the Visa on Arrival makes it easier and motivates people from all over the world to come and experience the beauty of Nepal. 

In this blog, we will provide all the necessary information regarding the Visa on Arrival in Nepal ranging from the qualifying factors, the process of acquiring the visa, the charges to be incurred and how the visa can be renewed. So by the time you finish reading this guide, everything would have been made clear for you to get that visa and be ready for your trip in this unique country.

What is a Nepal Visa on Arrival? 

Nepal Visa on Arrival refers to the kind of visa that the traveler can secure when they get into the country of their destination and not before. One of the advantages of traveling is that it is possible to organize it in such a way that a person does not need to hassle, which is also popular in many countries, including Nepal. 

Intended to facilitate tourism and make the visa acquisition process easier, the Visa on Arrival system lets tourists clear their immigration requirements and pay the visa fee upon their arrival to Nepal without having to engage in consular procedures. 

For many travelers especially those planning to take a last minute trip or those from countries where they cannot access Nepali embassy the Visa on Arrival makes it easier for them to start their trip. Either you are coming through the air at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, or you are arriving through any of the Nepalese overland check points, what you will find is that it is easy. 

The decision made by Nepal to adopt this system is an indication of the significance of the tourism sector to the country. Each year, thousands of trekkers, religious pilgrims, and nature lovers visit Nepal, and the authorities strive to make their arrival as trouble-free as possible. Visa on Arrival has been very much streamlined and organized to make the traveler spend less time on immigration formalities and more time on visiting the rich and varied tourism products of Nepal. 

But here, it is important to mention that not all the international travelers are allowed to get the Visa on Arrival. Some citizens of certain countries may be required to obtain a visa before traveling or have other additional formalities because of diplomatic or security considerations. 

Besides, Visa on Arrival is usually issued for tourists only, so if you are planning to visit the country for business, studying, etc., the above-mentioned visa types and the procedure will be different.

Nepal Visa Fee Structure

Nepal has different types of visas that one can apply for depending on the period of stay and the charges that are applied differently according to the type of visa to be issued. 

For tourist visa, other categories of visa are available at the Nepalese immigration ports of entry to tourists arriving in Nepal for tourism purpose with a fee which depends on the duration of visa required.  Here’s a detailed look at the costs associated with obtaining a visa:

Tourist Visa Fees: 

These fees are for most countries and non-refundable even where one’s visa application has been rejected or if he/she decides to leave the county prematurely.

Extension of Tourist Visa: 

In case you wish to stay in Nepal for more than the allowed visa period, then you can apply for an extension. A 15-day extension is USD 45 while USD 3 is charged for each day over the 15-day extension period. 

Foreign visitors are allowed to renew their visas as many times as they wish but they are allowed to spend only 150 days on average in the country per year. 

Eligibility for Nepal Visa on Arrival 

Nepal is one of the few countries that offer the Visa on Arrival facility to almost all the international visitors. Except for few countries, people can obtain a Visa on Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at the immigration office of some of the several entry points. 

The first condition is that a traveler should have a passport, which has to be valid for six months from the date of entry into the country. 

However, there is some exceptions. Visa on Arrival is not available to citizens of some countries and these people can only use the Nepali embassy or consulate to get a visa. 

According to the last changes, the citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, and several more countries need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. These citizens need to contact the nearest Nepali diplomatic office to inquire about the prevailing situation before they think of visiting the country. 

Also, there are some exceptions for visa fees which are applicable to some categories of travelers, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states are allowed a free visa for up to 30 days for every year of the calendar year. 

But Indians do not need any visa to visit Nepal since there is a treaty between two nations on this issue. 

The other important condition that defines the eligibility of the persons visiting the clinic is the reason for visiting the clinic. The Visa on Arrival is generally granted for tourism only, and therefore, is allowed for sightseeing, trekking tours, cultural and other similar activities. 

Others who may wish to travel for business, studies or for long term stays should obtain the right visa category before their travel.

How to Apply for a Visa on Arrival in Nepal?

Procedure to obtain Visa on Arrival in Nepal is very simple and it is aimed to ensure that tourists get a hassle free entry into the country. As of now, the Visa on Arrival service is available at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and other land border check points and the procedure of obtaining visa on arrival is as follows; 

Step 1: Complete the Application Form 

When you are getting to the country, you will have to complete a visa questionnaire. This is done through information technology kiosks available at the airport, or else one can fill up the form online at the immigration information site of Nepal. 

The online pre-application form is very useful because it shortens the time necessary for completing the application and allow to upload some information and passport details. 

Step 2: Required Documents 

Make sure you have all the required documents for the application process: 

• A passport with minimum of six months validity left. 
• Two passport-sized photographs. 
• Visa application form which can be filled online and brought in person

Step 3: Payment of Visa fee. 

When the form is done, you have to proceed and make the payment of the visa fee. The fee varies depending on the length of your stay:The fee varies depending on the length of your stay:

• 15-day visa: USD 30
• 30-day visa: USD 50
• 90-day visa: USD 125

Payments can be made in cash at any currency that is major such as the US dollars, Euros among others. One should always have small amounts of cash since some of the points do not accept card payments. Also make sure you also have extra cash with you in the event of exchange rate differences. 

Step 4: Submit Your Application And Other Documents 

After having filled the form and made the payment, take all the documents to the counter of visa processing. The immigration officer will take your visa application, look at your papers and will stick an entry visa sticker on your passport. Do not forget to verify the validity of visa and stamping before you leave the counter. 

Additional Tips 

Arrival at Peak Times: Airports and border crossings may also be busy during the tourist season which is from spring to autumn. Again, the queue might take a very long time, it’s recommended that one should go early or during off peak times. 

Electronic Visa Kiosks: If one is completing the visa form on arrival at the airport, there are forms at the kiosks to ease this process but using a pre-filled form which was obtained from the internet will take much less time. 

Multiple Entry Points: Other than the aforementioned places, Visa on Arrival is also available at several land border crossings including; Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, etc.

Gratis Visa: A Free Entry Option

What Is Gratis Visa?

A few countries issue this Gratis Visa, or a visa given “for free,” to different groups of travellers who are coming into their countries for easiness of entry. It is, therefore, issued gratis-as-in, free of cost, hence quite an attractive option for eligible visitors.

Who Are Eligible for Gratis Visa in Nepal?

• A Gratis Visa will be provided to all children below the age of 10, excluding U.S. citizens.
• Free Visa is available to the citizens of SAARC countries (except Afghanistan) for the first time in a visa year while visiting Nepal for up to 30 days.
• A Gratis Visa is entitled to the holders of an NRN card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.
• Chinese Nationals are entitled to a Gratis-Visa valid for 150 days.

Visa Exemptions for Officials

A number of countries have visa waiver agreements with respect to officials. These include:

• The following Countries are exempted for up to 90 days: Thailand, Russian Federation, Brazil, Myanmar, Vietnam, Mongolia, Jordan, Israel, Georgia, Qatar
• People’s Republic of China and Cambodia: Exemption up to 30 days

Important Notes on Gratis Visa 

• Gratis Visas issued at the airports are usually of the Tourist Visa category.
• Visitors are expected to consult with the Department of Immigration in the need for visa extensions or a change in category.
• Extensions for Tourist Visas can be dealt with at the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
• Except in the case of a business visa, for which extension is allowed for only one year, all other non-tourist visa extensions can be done only at the Department of Immigration.

What Documents Are Required for Nepal Visa On Arrival?

Passport

A valid passport is the first and foremost requirement to obtain a Nepali visa. Please make sure that your passport does not expire for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Nepal.

Visa Application Form

You may fill out the form in the following two ways for the application of your visa.

• Fill it online before arrival through the official website of the Department of Immigration.
• Fee payment on arrival at kiosk machines availed within the airport.

After filling out the form, you will be given a receipt with a barcode, which is valid for 15 days. If this is done online, print it and bring it with the passport to the immigration desk.

Visa Fees

Be prepared to pay for the visa at the correct fee structure. The fee charged is determined by the period of your stay. Have the exact amount ready for easy facilitation of the process.

Supporting Documents

• Applications under the tourist visa categories do not require special supporting documents. Nonetheless, Immigration may request accommodation bookings and proof of your financial capability to support your stay.
• Business Visa requires an Invitation letter by an organization based in Nepal mentioning the purpose and duration of stay.
• In addition, other documents required are an admission letter, academic statements, and student visas.

Visa Entry Requirements

Passport Validity Requirements

It is required that your passport has at least six months validity from the date of your arrival in the country of Nepal. Or, you will not be allowed to enter Nepal incase the passport is damaged or will expire within a prescribed period. Citizens of India however are not required to present their passports, but instead can present letters and/or identity cards. 

All travelers coming from other countries that require a visa must pay a lot of attention to the validity of the documents required to get into Nepal. This might mean that passport validity might be necessary to meet the duration of stay where one extends his or her stay beyond the sanctioned period up to the period of validity of the visa depending with the type of visa such as business or work permit visas. 

Checks at Border Control

On arrival to the border in Nepalese territory, immigration officers will check passports, visas, and health clearance documents. People might be asked to explain their travel history, why they are visiting such a place as well as their documents like a return ticket among others. 

Getting a visa, the tourists may be required to state the length of their visit and maybe even demonstrate their ability to support the tour. For the visitors who enter Nepal via the land, there are several border crossings between Nepal and India and Nepal and China and there luggage will be inspected by the customs officials if there are any restricted or prohibited items. When you get to the port of entry you get your stamping done.

Vaccine Requirements

All travelers coming from the Yellow Fever affected areas or countries are mandated to avail the proof of Yellow Fever immunisation. The above applies to a person who has visited the affected area within six days before their arrival into the country. Even, vaccinations against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and tetanus are also advisable if one intends to visit the countryside or any other backward regions. 

Travellers are advised to take anti-malarial drugs when visiting some of the southern regions of Nepal especially during the rainy months. Contrary to what was recommended previously, there are no compulsory vaccinations that need to be taken to travel to most parts of the world; nonetheless, it recommended that everyone is up to date on their routine immunizations as a way of preventing potential health risks associated with travel. 

Customs Rules

There is an evidence that the customs regulations of Nepal permits duty-free importation of 100 cigarettes, one liter of alcohol and perfumes. They should bear in mind the banned items such as drugs, fire arms and products derived from endangered species. However, if you are carrying any electronic gadgets or professional equipment they should be declared they can attract duty when leaving the country. 

Restriction on export involves antique and cultural property, and anybody who wants to export antique and cultural property from Nepal has to get permission from Nepal Museum. Pets entering Nepal require health clearance and rabies certificate while all individual belongings must pass through the custom of the specific entry point which is mostly Tribhuvan International Airport. 

Currency Import

Import of foreign currency is also permitted during the visit to Nepal up to USD 2000 without informing to the customs. However, if you are carrying more money the amount then you need to declare it to the customs authorities. Import of local currency (Nepalese Rupees) by Nepalese populace is not limited but the exchange of foreign currency by the foreign tourists is supposed to be done through the legal exchange centers only. 

People of India can bring physical currency of India into their country without any limitation but in denomination of lesser value only. On leaving the country travelers may convert the sum declared on arrival into foreign currency and Nepali and Indian citizens may export up to the value imported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the visa fee in my local currency?

Visa fees are mainly paid in foreign currency and can be done in any currency such as USD, Euros or Pound Sterling. Nonetheless, the best currency that should be taken along is the US dollars since it is accepted widely. Certain border points may not have a proper currency exchange facility so it is preferable to carry small cash whenever possible. 

What happens if I don’t have a passport photo?

Forgetting a passport-sized photograph is also not a big issue since most arrival areas have photo booths or machines for the same. It is recommended that you carry your photos because at times you may be forced to spend more time than expected waiting for your photos to be developed. 

Is the Visa on Arrival available for all nationalities?

Almost all the nationalities are qualified for the Visa on Arrival in Nepal. However, as it has been said above, some countries, for instances, Afghanistan, Iraq, and some African countries, demand a visa, which one has to request before arriving to the country. You should visit the official website of Immigration of Nepal and see whether your country is on the list that needs pre-approved visa or not. 

Can I apply for a Visa on Arrival if I’m entering Nepal by land?

Yes, this Visa on Arrival is also accessible at some of the border check points like Kakarbhitta, Bhairahawa and Birgunj. However, the process may take longer at the land borders than at the airport and therefore one is advised to plan well. 

What if my flight arrives late at night?

Tribhuvan International Airport is an international airport and is open all the time while Visa on Arrival can be obtained at any time of the day or night. However, some of the land border points may be opened at specific time, therefore it is recommended that one checks this if they are arriving by land.

What should I do if my visa application is denied?

Visa refusals are possible, even though they occur rarely. If you have been denied a visa you think unfairly, then, you should consult the Nepali embassy or consulate. Considering all the documents needed and making sure that all the documents are correct will greatly reduce the chances of being denied. 

Can I extend my visa while in Nepal?

It is also possible to renew your tourist visa when you are in the territory of Nepal. Visa extensions can be done at the Department of Immigration which is located in Kathmandu or at the Immigration Office in Pokhara. You can extend your visa for an additional 15 days for USD 45 each day after which it is USD 3 per day. Just to recap, the total length of stay cannot go beyond 150 days in any visa year. 

What if I overstay my visa?

In Nepal, overstaying a visa is a criminal offense and that is why anyone found violating the rule will be dealt with accordingly. You will be charged USD 5 for each day that you have overstayed. Further, there can be fines or legal repercussions depending on the amount of time that has been overstepped. You should also ensure that your visa is valid, or else you have to renew it before its expiry to avoid some complications or fines when you are leaving. 

Can I enter Nepal with an e-Visa instead of a Visa on Arrival?

Currently, there is no system of the e-Visa in Nepal. Nevertheless, the travelers have to complete the Visa on Arrival application form at the airport while reaching Nepal, though they can fill in the required details in the form from the comfort of their home through the Nepal Immigration website to save their time during their visit to the immigration counter. The actual visa would still have to be picked up at the airport or at the point of entry into the country.