Nepal offers a convenient visa-on-arrival process for travelers from most countries. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Eligibility for On Arrival Visa
- Countries Eligible: Citizens from almost all countries except a few are eligible for the visa on arrival. For the latest information, check the official website of the Department of Immigration, Nepal.
- Restricted Countries: Citizens from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan need to obtain a visa prior to arrival.
Visa Types and Duration
- Tourist Visa: The most common visa is the tourist visa, available for 15, 30, and 90 days.
- Multiple Entry: All tourist visas are multiple entry visas.
- Extension: Tourist visas can be extended up to a total stay of 150 days in a visa year (January to December).
Required Documents
- Passport: Valid for at least six months from the date of entry and with at least one blank page.
- Visa Application Form: Completed online or on arrival at the airport.
- Passport-sized Photos: One or two recent passport-sized photos.
- Visa Fee: Payable in cash. The amount varies depending on the duration of the visa.
Visa Fees
- 15 Days: USD 30
- 30 Days: USD 50
- 90 Days: USD 125
- Extension: USD 3 per day (minimum USD 30 for 15 days)
Step-by-Step On Arrival Visa Process
A) Arrival at the Airport:Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or other entry points, proceed to the immigration area.
B) Fill Out Visa Application Form:
- On Arrival Kiosks: Use the electronic visa kiosks available at the airport to fill out the form. These kiosks will provide a printed receipt which you must keep for your records.
- Online Application: Alternatively, you can complete the visa application online before your arrival through the official Nepal Immigration website. Print the completed form and bring it with you.
C) Photo Booth: If you haven't brought your passport-sized photos, you can use the photo booth available at the airport for a small fee.
Payment of Visa Fee:
- Proceed to the visa fee collection counter.
- Pay the visa fee in cash (USD, Euro, GBP, or other convertible foreign currency). Credit cards and local currency are generally not accepted, so be sure to carry the appropriate currency.
Submit Documents:
- Submit your completed visa application form, payment receipt, passport, and photos at the visa issuance counter.
- The immigration officer will process your visa and stamp it into your passport.
Collect Passport:
Once your visa is stamped, collect your passport and ensure all details are correct before leaving the counter.
Final Immigration Check:
Proceed to the final immigration check where your visa and passport will be verified.
Entry into Nepal:
After completing the final check, you can proceed to baggage claim and enter Nepal.
Additional Tips
- Cash in Hand: Ensure you have enough cash in USD or other acceptable currency to pay the visa fee.
- Online Application: Filling out the visa application online before arrival can save time.
- Correct Information: Double-check all information on your visa for accuracy.
- Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and travel delays.
Extensions and Other Visas
- Visa Extensions: Tourist visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Other Visas: For non-tourist visas (such as student, business, or work visas), you must apply through the appropriate channels, often requiring a pre-approval process.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official website of the Department of Immigration, Nepal: Nepal Immigration,and Travers Nepal:Nepal Travel Info.
By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy a hassle-free visa-on-arrival process and a wonderful stay in Nepal.
