Visa Process

Last Update On : 2012-12-22 Bookmark and Share

Entry into Nepal

All visitors entering Nepal (with the exception of those from India) must acquire valid travel documents or visas. There are two ways to enter Nepal: by land transport or via airways.

Entry or Exit Points:


The points of entry and exit for foreigners needing a visa are:

  1. Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
  2. Immigration Office, Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
  3. Immigration Office, Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
  4. Immigration Office, Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
  5. Immigration Office, Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
  6. Immigration Office, Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid-Western Nepal)
  7. Immigration Office, Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
  8. Immigration Office, Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)

Visa:

The Government of Nepal issues the following types of visas:

  1. Diplomatic Visa- for diplomats and foreign consulars
  2. Official Visa
  3. Tourist Visa
  4. Non-Tourist Visa
  5. Study Visa
  6. Business Visa
  7. Residential Visa
  8. Non-Residential Visa
  9. Transit Visa

To grant or not to grant visa is the right of Nepal Government:

  1. All powers to grant or deny a visa to any foreigner shall be vested in the Government of Nepal.
  2. The Government of nepal may allow entry to the citizen of any friendly country without visa on the basis of reciprocity.

Business Visa:

Foreign visitors other than Indian nationals must have valid passports to enter Nepal. Indian nationals need valid passports/travel documents if the entry point is an airport. There is a provision of seven categories of visa in the Immigration Act 1992 and Immigration Regulation 1994. These are:

  1. Diplomatic Visa
  2. Official Visa
  3. Study Visa
  4. Tourist Visa
  5. Non-Tourist Visa
  6. Business Visa
  7. Residential Visa
  • Only the last four categories of visas are relevant to foreign investors and expatriate personnel.
  • Existing investors may apply for either the residential or business visa. Investor(s) or the authorized representative(s) and their dependent family members are entitled to receive business visas for a period of up to 5 years, depending upon the recommendation.
  • Investors desiring a business visa, including extensions, should apply with the prescribed form (investment manual- Page- 69, in Appendix 14) to the DOI.
  • Potential investors may apply for non-tourist visas, using the prescribed form (Procedural manual for foreign investment - Page- 70, in Appendix 15), to the DOI for the recommendation.
  • Once they have received the recommendation from DOI, investors should apply to the Department of Immigration with the prescribed form.

Visa Fees:

For issuing or renewal of business visa:

  • For foreigners and their dependents or authorized agents who are individually investing more than NRs. 10 million: Nepalese currency equivalent to $10 USD per month, $100 annually, or $300 for 5 years for a multiple entry business visa.
  • For foreigners and their dependents or authorized agents who are individually investing NRs. 10 million or less: Nepalese currency equivalent to $30 USD per month, $300 annually, or $1,000 for 5 years for a multiple entry business visa.

Source: Visa Scection - Department of Immigration

Important Information for Visitors:

  1. People of these countries do not receive visas upon arrival at immigration entry points of Nepal: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan.
  2. All foreign visitors are requested to be mindful of the expiration date of their Nepalese visas and to keep their passport numbers in a secure place to avoid possible problems. To avoid complications, visitors are requested to apply for visa extensions before their visas expire.
  3. Visitors are requested to get the arrival/departure stamps on their passports at the entry/exit points.
  4. Living in Nepal without a passport or a valid visa is a punishable offence.
  5. Deviation from the prescribed routes mentioned in one's trekking permit will be treated as the violation of the law.
  6. Visitors are advised to be aware of brokers/cheaters or any counterfeit documents, e.g. visas or trekking permits, to avoid legal complications.
  7. A change of purpose of stay without permission is not allowed, and employment or voluntary services while on a tourist visa are strictly prohibited.
  8. Trekkers should be sure to register at local police stations and immigration check points along the trail. In addition, trekkers should register their destinations and schedules at their embassys or consulates.
  9. If problems are encountered along the trails, trekkers should immediately inform the nearest police or immigration post.
  10. Visitors are advised to change money with recognized dealers and to retain formal receipts.
  11. Visitors are requested to inform the immigration office or police station if there is a changes in� address from that given in the visa application form.
  12. If a visitor must acquire a new passport or travel documents while in Nepal, he or she must contact the Department of Immigration for a visa transfer.
  13. Trekkers should retain their passports and trekking permits while trekking.
  14. Filming in restricted or notified areas without permission is strictly prohibited.
  15. Visitors are not to remove the visa stickers from their passports, nor should they try to change records printed in their passports.
  16. Visitors should remember the following guidelines during their stay in Nepal:
  • Respect local traditions, customs, values, and sentiments.
  • Help protect local culture and maintain local pride.
  • Respect privacy when taking photographs.
  • Respect holy places.
  • Refrain from giving money to children, as it encourages begging.
  • Show respect for local etiquette.
  1. If visitors change their place of residence from that mentioned in the visa application form or disembarkation card, they must furnish the Immigration Department, Immigration Office, or local police office with a notice containing their name, passport number, and new address within seven days.
  2. Tourists staying more than 120 days in one visa year who wish to visit other places for stays longer than 24 hours must register with the local police office with their name, passport number, and local address.
  3. Visitors should remember: Let Himalayas change you - do not change them. Some things to keep in mind while trekking:
  • Leave the camp site cleaner than you found it.
  • No open fires.
  • Burn dry papers and packets in a safe place.
  • Keep local water clean and avoid using pollutants.
  • Plants should be left to flourish in their natural environment.
  • Help your guides and porters to follow conservation measures.
  1. Protect the natural environment

Information for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens may travel in Nepal on the basis of the following documents:

  • Passport
  • Driver's license with photograph
  • Identity card with photograph, issued by a governmental body
  • Ration card with photograph
  • Voter identity card with photograph
  • Registration certificate, issued by the Indian embassy
  • Ad hoc/temporary identity card issued by the Indian embassy to the Indian citizen in the event of exigency
  • Other document that can confirm identity and includes a photograph, issued by the sub-divisional magistrate or authority there above.

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