Nepal is home to some of the biggest portions of Himalaya mountain range where ten (10) out of fourteen (14) highest mountains are rooted including Mount Everest which is the highest in the world. Despite these amazing attributes, Nepal is still such an underrated destination as it hasn’t been getting enough attention and many haven’t heard much from this country yet which shouldn’t be the case, in my opinion.
If you are looking for a great destination to trek with cultural diversity or you are somebody you like to travel differently, then Nepal is no shortage of the adventures you’ve been looking for. Believe me, some of the most beautiful sights you will ever see in this world would be from this country; magnificent sceneries, beautiful people, vibrant culture, and — the best part — it’s very much affordable! If you are ready to experience that for yourself then let these 5 simple steps be your gateway to a life changing trip in Nepal!
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I. HOW TO APPLY FOR NEPAL VISA-ON-ARRIVAL (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
STEP 1: Determine the type of Nepal Visa you need to apply for.
All foreign nationalities excluding Indians are required to obtain a Visa for Nepal and depending on your situation or purpose, there are different types of Nepal Visas you can apply for, (such as work visa, marriage visa, etc.).
This guide is about how to apply and obtain Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival, only if your purpose of visit is Short-term or for Leisure/Tourism and you are NOT a citizen or national of the following countries; Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe — As they need to apply and obtain for a Visa at the Nepal Embassy/Consulate of their home country or country of residence. Otherwise, they will be refused to enter nor even board their flights to Nepal. On the other hand, Indian citizens/nationals are not required to obtain a Visa, nor even a passport to enter Nepal, but a Valid ID.
All other foreign nationalities (including Philippine passport holders) are qualified for Visa on Arrival in Nepal (proceed on STEP 2). But if you have a different situation or intention/s of visit, it’s best to directly contact the Embassy of Nepal or Diplomatic Mission in your country or country of residence for more information. For Filipinos based in the Philippines, you may contact Consulate of Nepal in Manila.
STEP 2: Prepare for Nepal Visa on Arrival Requirements prior to your arrival.
Nepal Visa on Arrival Requirements List;
1. Passport (with 6 months’ remaining validity upon arrival in Nepal).
- It must also have at least 1 blank page for Nepal Visa and stamps.
- Photocopy of the passport’s bio-page.
TIP! Nepal Visa, Arrival, and Departure stamps can eat up 1 page of your passport, so make sure to have enough blank pages on your passport, especially if you are connecting or still traveling to other countries after departing from Nepal.
2. One (1) Passport-sized (35mm x 45mm) Photograph (with light background).
TIP! If your point of entry is Tribhuvan International (Kathmandu) Airport, there’s a photo booth upon arrival available for (200 NPR).
3. Visa Fee (from 30, 50 up to 125 USD).
TIP! Make sure to bring the exact cash amount (as much as possible) in US Dollar (USD) because while other online sources claim that payment can be made in other currencies, in my experience they ONLY accept US Dollar. NOT even Credit Card, Indian Rupees, nor Nepalese Rupees are accepted as payment for visa fees. (Fees can be found on STEP 4)
4. Possible Additional Requirements.
You may be asked to present a return flight ticket, hotel reservation, and/or proof of funds.
NOTE: I said “possible additional requirements” because in my case, I was only asked for my passport and photograph, but I noticed a few tourists were asked to provide these documents. So, it’s still best to have it handy to avoid complications in your travel if you were to be asked.
STEP 3: Apply for a Visa upon Arrival in Nepal.
How to Apply for Nepal Visa-On-Arrival:
A.) Tribhuvan International (Kathmandu) Airport (this is the only “international” airport in Nepal).
- Fill up the “Arrival Card” upon landing at the airport (this can be found at arrival hall).
- Fill up the “Tourist Visa Application Form” (this is different from the ‘arrival card’) and there are three (3) ways to accomplish the form depending on your preference;
- ONLINE: You can fill-up the form on this link, but note that you will be asked for a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page, passport-size photo, and the address of your hotel in Nepal. Also, this must be done within 15 days prior to your arrival in Nepal. Once done, you will get a “receipt with barcode”, make sure to bring the printed copy of it for acquiring a visa on arrival.
- KIOSK/MACHINE: You can fill-up the form, scan your passport’s bio page, and have your photo taken using the Automated Kiosk/Machine available at the airport’s arrival hall.
- MANUAL: If the first 2 are not available or you prefer to fill up the form this way, then the “Tourist Visa Application Form” can also be found at the airport’s arrival hall and your actual passport-size photo is needed on this form.
TIP! Automated Kiosk/Machine is the easiest and fastest way to accomplish the form, (in my opinion). It only took me less than 5 minutes!
B.) Nepal Land Border Crossings/Ports (from China and India).
The Land Border Crossings/Ports that can facilitate Visa on Arrival from India-Nepal are Nepalgani, Birganj/Raxaul Bazar, Sunauli, Kakarbhitta, Manhendranagar, and Dhangadhi. Nepal Visa on Arrival can be easily obtained from these borders, but make sure to bring the required documents (stated above on STEP 2) to avoid complications in your entry to Nepal.
NOTE: Boarders from China to Nepal; Zhangmu-Kodari (is currently closed), while Gyirong-Rasuwa Ports CAN’T facilitate Visa on Arrival. Also, if you are joining the “Tibet Nepal Overland Tour”, then a Nepal Visa is required prior to your arrival in Nepal. So, make sure to ask for assistance from your tour company before booking such tours. Most importantly, it’s best to contact the nearest (Nepal Embassy) prior to your intended arrival to clarify requirements or procedures in certain borders to avoid complications in your travels.
C.) Nepal Embassy/Consulate of your country of residence.
Obviously, this is not a Visa on Arrival anymore, but if A and B won’t work for you OR you simply want to secure a Tourist Visa prior to your arrival in Nepal, then you are left with no other options but to apply directly to the Nepal Embassy/Consulate in your home country or country of residence.
TIP! In my opinion, getting a Visa On Arrival at Kathmandu Airport is the most convenient way to apply and obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa among others.
STEP 4: Pay for the Visa fee.
Visa On Arrival is Single-Entry and fees differ depending on your intended length of stay in Nepal as follows;
- 15 Days – 30 USD
- 30 Days – 50 USD
- 90 Days – 125 USD
- Multiple-Entry Visa – 20 USD (on top of the base fee above).
- As mentioned before, this must be paid in US Dollars (cash only).
GRATIS VISA (Visa for Free), The Visa On Arrival Fee is waived ONLY if you are one of the following;
- Children, 10 years old and below.
- Chinese nationals.
- Non-Residential Nepalese (NRN) card holder and must be issued by MoFA/Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.
- SAARC Citizens (excluding Afghanistan) who are visiting Nepal only for the first time in a year. These countries are; Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- Afghan Citizens can only qualify for ‘gratis visa’ upon the recommendation of the Department of Immigration.
STEP 5: Proceed to the Immigration Desk.
Proceed to the Immigration Desk and bring your passport along with the online form, and payment receipts then submit them to the immigration officer for visa processing.
NOTE: Visa is issued upon immigration officer’s satisfaction with your application (so, make sure to have your documents ready). In my experience when I submitted my documents, I was asked by the officer on how long will I stay and if it was my first time in Nepal, then after that I was welcomed to Nepal with a warm smile. And I hope you are too!
II. VISA EXTENSION or CHANGE OF VISA TYPE
After obtaining your Nepal Visa. Changes can be requested as follows;
A) Single-Entry Visa to Multiple-Entry Visa: This can be requested at Kathmandu’s Central Immigration Office with a corresponding fee of $20 USD.
B) Visa Extensions: If you wish to extend the duration of your stay in Nepal then you need to go to either Kathmandu or Pokhara’s Immigration Office to properly file a visa extension for up to 150 days. The corresponding fees are $30 for 15 days and additional $2 per day thereafter, payable in Nepalese rupees. Travel agencies can do the visa extension request on your behalf for a fee. Otherwise, you’ll be charged 3 USD per day, if overstayed for the first 30 days and additional $2 USD fee per day for visa extension (something you should NOT consider)!
