Table of Contents
Nepal offers several types of visas depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Whether you are visiting as a tourist, setting up a business, working for a Nepali company, studying, or living with your Nepali spouse, you need the correct visa category. The Immigration Act 2049 (1992) and Immigration Rules 2051 (1994) govern all visa matters in Nepal. This guide covers every visa type available in Nepal for 2026 — including fees, duration, extension rules, required documents, and how to apply at the Department of Immigration.
Nepal visa types include: Tourist visa (on arrival, 15/30/90 days, USD 30-125), Business visa (through DOI/Department of Immigration), Work visa (employer-sponsored), Student visa (with university enrollment), Residential visa (for foreign spouses of Nepali citizens and investors), Non-tourist visa (NGO, diplomatic, journalist), and Transit visa (free, 24 hours). Apply at Nepali embassy/consulate abroad or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Extensions at Department of Immigration, Kathmandu or Pokhara immigration office. Maximum tourist stay: 150 days per calendar year.
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Overview of Nepal Visa Categories
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa | Tourism, visiting | 15 / 30 / 90 days | USD 30 / 50 / 125 |
| Business visa | Business activities, meetings, investment | Up to 1 year (renewable) | Varies |
| Work visa (Employment) | Working for a Nepali employer | Up to 1 year (renewable up to 5 years) | Varies |
| Student visa | Studying at a Nepali institution | Duration of course | Varies |
| Residential visa | Spouse of Nepali citizen, investors | Up to 5 years (renewable) | Varies |
| Non-tourist visa | NGO/INGO, research, journalism, diplomatic | As approved | Varies / Free |
| Transit visa | Passing through Nepal | 24 hours | Free |
| Diplomatic/Official visa | Government officials, diplomats | Duration of assignment | Free |
Tourist Visa (On Arrival)
The tourist visa is the most common visa for visitors to Nepal. It is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), land border crossings, and at Nepali embassies/consulates abroad.
Tourist Visa Fees and Duration
| Duration | Fee (USD) | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | USD 30 | Multiple entry |
| 30 days | USD 50 | Multiple entry |
| 90 days | USD 125 | Multiple entry |
On-Arrival Process at Airport
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fill arrival form | Available at the airport or fill online at immigration.gov.np before arrival |
| 2 | Go to visa counter | Before passport control |
| 3 | Submit passport + photo + form | 1 passport-size photo required |
| 4 | Pay fee | Cash (USD, EUR, GBP) or card at some counters |
| 5 | Visa sticker issued | Stamped in passport on the spot |
Tourist Visa Requirements
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
- Passport-size photo (1 copy, recent)
- Visa fee in cash or card
- Completed arrival card (available at airport or online)
- Return/onward ticket (may be asked but rarely enforced)
Tourist Visa Extension
Tourist visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan) or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Extension fee | USD 3 per day |
| Maximum stay | 150 days per calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) |
| Where to extend | Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu or Pokhara |
| Processing time | Same day (if applied before noon) |
| Documents | Passport, application form, photo, fee |
| Overstay penalty | USD 5 per day for overstay beyond visa validity |
Visa-Free Countries (SAARC)
Citizens of SAARC countries do not need a tourist visa for short stays:
- India: No visa required (open border, entry permit for certain areas)
- China (Tibet): Special group visa arrangements
- Other SAARC: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka — 30-day visa-free entry
Free Visa for Children
Children under 10 years of age receive a complimentary tourist visa (gratis) regardless of nationality.
Business Visa
A business visa is for foreign nationals engaging in business activities in Nepal — attending meetings, exploring investment opportunities, or managing a foreign investment.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Foreign investors, business persons, corporate representatives |
| Duration | Up to 1 year (renewable annually) |
| Application | Department of Immigration with DOI recommendation |
| Multiple entry | Yes |
| Requirements | DOI approval letter, company registration, business purpose letter |
| Fee | As determined by Department of Immigration |
| Can work? | Business activities only (not employment — need work visa for that) |
Documents for Business Visa
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Recommendation letter from Department of Industry (DOI)
- Company registration certificate (if investing in Nepal)
- Business invitation letter from Nepali partner/company
- PAN registration of the Nepal company
- Passport-size photos
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
Foreign nationals employed by a Nepali company or working on a project in Nepal need a work visa. This is tied to a specific employer.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Foreign nationals employed by a registered Nepali company |
| Duration | Up to 1 year (renewable annually, maximum 5 years total) |
| Sponsor | Employer must sponsor the application |
| Work permit required | Yes — must obtain work permit from Department of Labour first |
| Labour market test | Employer must prove no qualified Nepali is available |
| Nepali staff ratio | Employer must have minimum 80% Nepali employees |
| Tax obligation | Must pay Nepal income tax on salary earned |
Work Visa Process
| Step | Action | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Employer obtains work permit approval | Department of Labour |
| 2 | Employer applies for visa recommendation | Department of Industry or relevant ministry |
| 3 | Submit visa application with work permit | Department of Immigration |
| 4 | Visa issued with employment endorsement | Department of Immigration |
| 5 | Register with local ward office | Local municipality |
Student Visa
Foreign nationals enrolled in a Nepali educational institution can apply for a student visa.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Students admitted to a recognized Nepali institution |
| Duration | Duration of the academic course (renewable annually) |
| Application | Department of Immigration with university recommendation |
| Can work? | Generally not permitted; limited part-time work with special permission |
| Documents | Admission letter, university recommendation, financial proof, passport, photos |
| Dependants | Spouse and children may apply for dependent visa |
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Residential Visa
A residential visa allows foreign nationals to live in Nepal for extended periods. It is primarily available to spouses of Nepali citizens and foreign investors with substantial investment.
Residential Visa for Foreign Spouse
If you are married to a Nepali citizen through court marriage in Nepal, you can apply for a residential visa. See our detailed marriage visa guide for the full process.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Foreign national married to a Nepali citizen |
| Duration | Up to 5 years (renewable) |
| Application | Department of Immigration with marriage certificate |
| Can work? | Requires separate work permit |
| Can own property? | Cannot own land; can own apartment through company |
| Citizenship pathway | After 7 years of residence — naturalised citizenship (women), or non-residential (men) |
Documents for Spousal Residential Visa
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Marriage certificate (court marriage registration certificate)
- Nepali spouse's citizenship certificate
- Recommendation from local ward office
- Joint photographs
- Police clearance certificate from home country
- Application form with fee
Residential Visa for Investors
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Foreign investor with approved investment in Nepal |
| Minimum investment | As per FITTA 2075 (NPR 20 million minimum) |
| Duration | Duration of investment period |
| Dependants | Spouse and dependent children may apply |
| Authority | DOI recommendation to Department of Immigration |
Non-Tourist Visa
Non-tourist visas cover a range of purposes beyond tourism, business, or employment:
| Category | Purpose | Recommending Authority |
|---|---|---|
| NGO/INGO staff | Working for registered non-profit organisation | Social Welfare Council |
| Researcher | Academic research in Nepal | Relevant university or research body |
| Journalist/Media | Reporting or media production | Department of Information |
| Volunteer | Volunteering with registered organisation | Social Welfare Council |
| Religious worker | Religious activities at registered institution | Relevant religious body |
| Mountaineering | Climbing expeditions (Everest, etc.) | Department of Tourism / Nepal Mountaineering Association |
Transit Visa
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 hours |
| Fee | Free |
| Eligibility | Travellers passing through Nepal to a third country |
| Requirements | Confirmed onward ticket, valid visa for destination country |
| Available at | Tribhuvan International Airport on arrival |
Diplomatic and Official Visa
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Government officials, diplomats, UN staff, international organisation personnel |
| Fee | Free (gratis) |
| Duration | Duration of official assignment |
| Application | Through diplomatic channels (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
| Privileges | Diplomatic immunity as applicable under Vienna Convention |
Visa Extension Process
All visa extensions (except diplomatic) are handled by the Department of Immigration.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Department of Immigration | Kalikasthan, Kathmandu (or Pokhara office) |
| 2 | Fill extension application form | Available at the counter or download from immigration.gov.np |
| 3 | Submit with documents | Passport, current visa, photo, supporting documents |
| 4 | Pay extension fee | USD 3/day for tourist; varies for other categories |
| 5 | Receive extended visa stamp | Usually same day if applied before noon |
Department of Immigration Contact
| Office | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Main office | Kalikasthan, Kathmandu | Sun–Thu: 10am–3pm (winter) / 10am–4pm (summer), Fri: 10am–1pm |
| Pokhara office | Lakeside, Pokhara | Same hours |
| Website | immigration.gov.np | |
Overstay Penalties
Overstaying your visa in Nepal results in penalties and may affect future visa applications.
| Overstay Period | Penalty | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| 1–30 days | USD 5 per day | Fine payable at departure |
| 31–90 days | USD 5 per day + warning | May face difficulty getting future visas |
| 90+ days | USD 5 per day + potential ban | May be banned from re-entry for 1–5 years |
Important: Always extend your visa before it expires. The overstay fine must be paid before you can leave Nepal.
Visa Comparison Table
| Feature | Tourist | Business | Work | Residential (Spouse) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On arrival? | Yes | No (pre-arranged) | No | No |
| Max duration | 150 days/year | 1 year | 5 years | 5 years (renewable) |
| Can work? | No | Business only | Yes | With work permit |
| Multiple entry? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sponsor needed? | No | DOI/company | Employer | Nepali spouse |
| Extension | At DOI office | At DOI office | At DOI office | At DOI office |
| Citizenship path? | No | No | No | Yes (after 7 years) |
Common Mistakes and Tips
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Overstaying tourist visa | USD 5/day fine + potential re-entry ban | Extend before expiry at Department of Immigration |
| Working on tourist visa | Visa cancellation, deportation risk | Get proper work visa through employer |
| Not carrying passport copy | Difficulty proving legal status | Keep photocopy of passport and visa pages |
| Exceeding 150-day tourist limit | Cannot extend further in same calendar year | Switch to business or residential visa if needed |
| Entering India border without ID | Open border but ID required for certain areas | Carry passport even for India-Nepal land crossing |
| Not getting tax clearance | Foreign workers may be stopped at departure | Get tax clearance before leaving if you earned income |
Need expert help with your Nepal visa? Contact our legal team →
Key Legal Provisions
| Law/Rule | Subject | Key Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Act 2049 (1992) | Primary immigration law | Visa categories, entry/exit, penalties, deportation |
| Immigration Rules 2051 (1994) | Procedural rules | Application forms, fees, extension procedures |
| FITTA 2075, Section 16 | Investor visa | Business visa for foreign investors and dependants |
| Labour Act 2074, Section 53 | Work permit | Employer must obtain work permit for foreign employees |
| Constitution 2072, Article 11 | Citizenship by marriage | Foreign spouse may apply for naturalised citizenship after 7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and major land border crossings. Options: 15 days (USD 30), 30 days (USD 50), or 90 days (USD 125). You need a valid passport, one photo, and the visa fee. SAARC nationals get 30 days visa-free.
Nepal offers: Tourist visa (on arrival), Business visa (DOI recommendation), Work visa (employer-sponsored), Student visa (university enrollment), Residential visa (spouse/investor), Non-tourist visa (NGO, research, journalist), Transit visa (24hr, free), and Diplomatic visa (government officials).
A single tourist visa can be issued for 15, 30, or 90 days. With extensions, the maximum tourist stay is 150 days per calendar year (January 1 to December 31). Extensions cost USD 3 per day at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Tourist visa fees: 15 days = USD 30, 30 days = USD 50, 90 days = USD 125. Extension fee: USD 3 per day. Children under 10 years get a free (gratis) visa. SAARC nationals receive 30 days visa-free entry.
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in visa cancellation and deportation. You need a work visa sponsored by your Nepali employer, along with a work permit from the Department of Labour. Business activities require a separate business visa.
Your Nepali employer must first obtain a work permit from the Department of Labour (proving no qualified Nepali is available). Then apply for a work visa at the Department of Immigration with the work permit, employment contract, and company documents. Duration: up to 1 year, renewable up to 5 years total.
Yes. Foreign nationals married to Nepali citizens can apply for a residential visa at the Department of Immigration. Required: marriage certificate, spouse's citizenship, police clearance, ward recommendation. Duration: up to 5 years, renewable. After 7 years of residence, eligible for naturalised citizenship.
Overstay penalty is USD 5 per day. The fine must be paid at the Department of Immigration or at departure. Extended overstays (90+ days) may result in a re-entry ban of 1-5 years. Always extend your visa before it expires to avoid penalties.
No. Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal due to the open border agreement between India and Nepal. Indians can enter, stay, and work in Nepal freely. However, carrying a valid identity document (passport, Aadhaar, or voter ID) is recommended, especially for air travel and certain restricted areas.
Visit the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu (or Pokhara office). Bring your passport, one photo, completed extension form, and fee (USD 3/day). Apply before noon for same-day processing. Maximum extension: up to 150 total days per calendar year.
Yes. Business visas are available for foreign investors, business persons, and corporate representatives. You need a recommendation from the Department of Industry (DOI), company registration documents, and business invitation letter. Duration: up to 1 year, renewable. Does not permit employment — only business activities.
A non-tourist visa covers purposes beyond tourism: NGO/INGO work (Social Welfare Council recommendation), research (university recommendation), journalism (Department of Information recommendation), volunteering, and mountaineering expeditions. Each requires a recommendation from the relevant authority.
Yes, but you must go through the full process. Your employer must obtain a work permit from the Department of Labour and apply for visa category change at the Department of Immigration. You cannot simply extend a tourist visa into a work visa — it requires employer sponsorship and separate approval.
SAARC nationals from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka receive 30 days visa-free entry. Indian citizens have unrestricted entry. All SAARC nationals must carry a valid passport or travel document. Extensions beyond 30 days require a visa application at the Department of Immigration.
The main office is at Kalikasthan, Kathmandu (near Maharajgunj). Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10am–3pm (winter) / 10am–4pm (summer), Friday 10am–1pm. There is also an office in Lakeside, Pokhara. Website: immigration.gov.np.
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