Nepal is naturally as well as the culturally gifted country. Known as the home of Himalayas to the rest of the world, Nepal also has very diverse geography making it a perfect habitat for many species of wildlife and vegetation. With its diverse geography, Nepal provides an ideal climatic condition for a wide range of flora and fauna. Also, the unique topography of Nepal dividing it into three main regions, Himalayan, Hilly and Terai, Nepal has the most amazing geographical setting given to its small size.
Nepal is a culturally diverse country as well. Although there is a major number of Hindus, other religion like Buddhist, Kiranti, Christianity, Muslim, etc. can be found it wide range but following a religion doesn’t define their core culture. There is thirty-six ethnic group in Nepal, all with a distinctive set of customs, language, traditional dresses, a way of living and everything. Some ethnic group like Tharu and Raute has been living in complete isolation for generations. This unique culture and community of Nepal have been an excellent source of study for people around the globe. Also, Nepal’s cultural heritage is equally appealing. Dating back to the thousands year, these heritages of Nepal has been on the list of World Heritage List as well.
To dive into the pool culturally and naturally rich country, Nepal, yearly millions of tourist pay visit to Nepal. In today’s world, traveling from one country to another isn’t a big deal. Thanks to all the inventions, the world is just a small village now, with no difficulty in reaching another nation. And, if you are planning to come to Nepal, then Nepal is an easy access country once you are done with all the visa arrangements. So, here is every bit of information reading visa arrangement.
From where you can obtain the visa to Nepal?
Expect for the citizens of India visa is required to enter the territory of Nepal. You can apply for different types of visa like diplomatic visa, working visa, student visa, marriage visa and so on. You can get your visa permit from the embassy of Nepal of your country, or you will get after you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Note this: Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport of Nepal. There are other international airports which are still under construction, hope the service starts soon.
Also, you can get the visa from the various places of Nepal if you are coming from land borders. Following are the places:
- Eastern, Nepal: Kakadivitta
- Central, Nepal: Birjung
- Western, Nepal: Bhairahawa
- Mid-western, Nepal: Nepalgunj
- Far-western (Nepal-India Border): Gaddhachowki
- Far-western (Nepal-China Border): Kodari
Either way, flight or roadways, you can easily get your visa permit from Nepal. You need a valid passport with two passport-sized photos (not need if you are coming by flight) and some cash to pay for the visa.
From where you can obtain the visa to Nepal?
Expect for the citizens of India visa is required to enter the territory of Nepal. You can apply for different types of visa like diplomatic visa, working visa, student visa, marriage visa and so on. You can get your visa permit from the embassy of Nepal of your country, or you will get after you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Note this: Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport of Nepal. There are other international airports which are still under construction, hope the service starts soon.
Also, you can get the visa from the various places of Nepal if you are coming from land borders. Following are the places:
- Eastern, Nepal: Kakadivitta
- Central, Nepal: Birjung
- Western, Nepal: Bhairahawa
- Mid-western, Nepal: Nepalgunj
- Far-western (Nepal-India Border): Gaddhachowki
- Far-western (Nepal-China Border): Kodari
Either way, flight or roadways, you can easily get your visa permit from Nepal. You need a valid passport with two passport-sized photos (not need if you are coming by flight) and some cash to pay for the visa.
Tourist Visa in Nepal
Tribhuvan International Airport has been facilitating tourists arriving in Nepal by providing Visa on Arrival under the direction if Depart of Immigration. The procedure of “on arrival” visa is quick and simple. To get the visa, there might be some queue in the airport. So, to avoid the queue, you can get the visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed aboard before your arrival.
If you get the visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions, then you must enter Nepal within six months from the visa issued date. You stay counted from the day you enter Nepal.
Visas obtained on arrival the entry and exit points are “Tourist Visas.” These visas ha multiple re-entry facilities. If your purpose of is else than tourism (trek, travel, tour, sightseeing, mountaineering, visiting friends and families), then you should still get “Tourist Visa” to get in Nepal. But, you must change the category of visa according to your purpose and length of stay from Department of Immigration by submitting needed documents.
Tourist Visa Procedure in Nepal
If you haven’t acquired a visa before boarding the plane, then you can get it by following a simple procedure for Tourist Visa on Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Here the steps:
First Step- Fill up in the “Arrival Card.”
Or, fill online “Tourist Visa” form, before your arrival. You can fill it online from the official website of the Department of Immigration. You can fill it up using Kiosk machines once you arrive at the airport. If you have to fill it online from the website, then you will get submission receipt with a barcode. Upon receiving the receipt, print it out and bring it along for obtaining a visa. It will last for the 15 days and then becomes invalid.
Make payment at the bank as per your visa requirement days,i.e., 15 days/30 days/90 days. You can use other modes of payments as well (at the visa fee collection counter, however, it is always to carry some cash.
- Get a receipt of payment.
- 15 Days: 25 USD
- 30 Days: 40 USD
- 90 Days: 100 USD
- Go to the Immigration Desk with your online form, payment receipts, and your passport.
Give all your required documents to the immigration officer for visa processing. Your visa will be issued upon his/her satisfaction.
Gratis Visa/Free Visa
Gratis Visa is a visa for free, issued without any charges. However, the following categories should be met for the Gratis Visa applicant:
- Children below the age of 10 years.
Up to 30 days for SAARC national citizens (except Afghanistan), who are visiting Nepal for the first time. For Afghan citizens, they have to have a recommendation of the Department of Immigration for Gratis Visa on Arrival. Afghan citizens can request concerned institution inviting you to Nepal for necessary paperwork with the Department of Immigration to get a Gratis Visa “On Arrival.”
Non Residential Nepalese (NRN) cardholder issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.
- Chinese Nationals
Visa Requirement for Indian and Chinese citizens
Although Indians do not need a visa to enter Nepal, they have to procure some documents to enter Nepal. Those needed documents are:
- Passport
- Election Commission Card
Chinese citizens visiting Nepal are provided with Gratis visa since January 5, 2016. To get the gratis visa, Chinese citizens can visit any of the following offices in China:
- Embassy of Nepal, Beijing
- Honorary Consulate of Nepal, Shanghai
- Consulate General of Nepal, Hong Kong
- Consulate General of Nepal, Lhasa
Visa Extension in Nepal
You can always extend the stay date in your visa if the days fall short. For visa extension, you can either go to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration of Pokhara. You can go to either office and extend your stay. However, if you keep on neglecting, then it will result in heavy fine, arrest and ban for seven years on re-entry to Nepal.
If you have a non-tourist visa, then its extension can be done only at the Department of Immigration (if eligible) for the maximum period of one year (except tourist visa).
Following are the fee structure for visa extension:- For 15 day extension: US $30 (payable in rupees only). Plus US $2 per day after that.
- For 30 day extension: US $50
- For multiple entry visa, you need to add the US $20
Paying the amount isn’t enough to get the extension. You are also required to get your passport, one passport size photo, an online application form and of course the fee. In your application form, you are also asked for your Nepalese street address with the house number. After obtaining all these documents get in the queue of Immigration office early as the queue can be quite long.
Your extension will be done the very same day. It usually takes an hour or two to complete the whole process. Also, you can pay the extra amount to get it done within 10 minutes. If you are busy exploring Nepal, you can always contact your travel agency. They will help you with the extension process and save you time and energy.
However, a tourist cannot stay for more than 150 days in Nepal in his/her one visa year (1st January – 31st December). So, this rule constraints your extension period for less than 150 days. But, you can always add the extension on your visa if you are not done with the beauty of Nepal.