Nepal Visa on Arrival, Complete Guide for International Travelers

Tourists from eligible nations can get VOA from 7 land borders and Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Travelers are required to submit necessary documents and pay the required visa fee for completing the visa and immigration clearance. Nepal also offers visa exemption or Gratis visa for a limited period to many nationals. 

In this blog, we provide information about Visa On Arrival (VOA) to guide international travelers visiting Nepal. The information about visa exemption, gratis visas, visa costs, process times, and payment methods for visas is provided. Also, the guide to avoid common visa mistakes for smooth entry in Nepal is explained. 

Nepal’s Visa On Arrival (VOA)

Nepal offers Visa On Arrival (VOA) to nationals of many eligible countries through Tribhuvan International Airport and various land borders that connect Nepal, India, and China. One can apply for the visa online via the Nepal immigration portal or manually following proper procedure and completing documentation. The major entry points for visas on arrival in Nepal are provided below:

• Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu
• Kakarbhitta Border
• Birgunj (Raxaul) Border
• Belahiya (Sunauli) Border
• Nepalgunj Border
• Gauriphanta (Dhangadhi) Border
• Mahendranagar Border
• Rasuwagadhi (Kerung) Border

Nationalities Eligible for Visa on Arrival 

Most nationals are eligible for the Visa on Arrival in Nepal. The citizens of India have freedom of movement and do not require a visa for entry into Nepal as per the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950. Citizens of countries that are not listed below are eligible for Visa on Arrival in Nepal:

1. Afghanistan
2. Cameroon
3. Ethiopia
4. Ghana
5. Iraq
6. Liberia
7. Nigeria
8. Palestine
9. Somalia
10. Syria
11. Swaziland (Eswatini)
12. Zimbabwe
13. Refugees with travel document

Meanwhile, citizens of the country listed above are required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Nepal. One can obtain a Nepal visa from nearby consulates or the embassy of the Nepal government. To get a Visa on Arrival for citizens listed in the above nations, one must have an official letter issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal. 

Nepal Visa Fee Structure

The cost of a Nepal visa depends upon the visa type, nationality, and age of the visitors. Visas for persons holding diplomatic visas, official visas, Non-Residential Nepali and children below 10 years do not require a visa fee. Similarly, citizens of SAARC countries (except Afghanistan) are not required to pay a visa for 30 days of their first visit in a given year. The costs of Nepal visa on Arrival are provided below:

Visa Duration	Fee (USD)
15 Days	USD 30
30 Days	USD 50
90 Days	USD 125

Note:

• Visa On Arrival is issued to foreigner arriving to Nepal as an entry visa
• Tourist visa cannot exceed the stay of 150 in single year
• The cost of visa extension per day is USD 3 (minimum 15 days)
• In case of delay in renewing visa, visitors are required to pay fine of USD 5 per day
• In case of multiple re-entry requirement, visitors must pay an additional cost of USD 25 

Countries Exempt From Visa Fees

Nepal offers visa exemption up to 30 days for SAARC nationals (except Afghanistan). For citizens of Afghanistan to get a Gratis Visa on Arrival, the applicant must have an approval recommendation from the Department of Immigration.

Officials from the country listed below also don’t require an entry visa for up to 90 days on the basis of a reciprocal visa waiver Agreement:

• Cambodia
• Federal Republic of Brazil
• Georgia
• Jordan
• Mongolia
• Myanmar
• People’s Republic of China
• Russian Federation
• State of Israel
• State of Qatar
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Also, Chinese nationals also get gratis visa facilities, which means visa-free entry to Nepal. 

Visa Processing Time and Accepted Payment Method

Before describing the visa processing time and accepted payment method, we provide information about how to process the visa. Processing for a Nepal visa is an easy step, as you are required to fill out the arrival form and Visa form online. For the application of a visa, you need to have valid documents like Passport and the required cash for the duration of your visa payment. After submission of the form, the immigration officer grants the visa.

Regarding the processing time, you can expect minor delays during peak hours. It may take from 15 minutes to 1 or 2 hours during the peak time. To minimize delays, we suggest you complete the pre-arrival application online within 15 days of your visit. In terms of payment, you are required to pay for the visa via bank at the airport counter or land border visa payment counter. You can also pay for a visa using an international debit/credit card. For the safe side, we recommend you carry cash (USD). 

Common Mistake to Avoid For Smooth Entry

For hassle-free visa processing and entry without any issue, we provide you with some common mistakes that you must avoid when visiting and applying for a Visa On Arrival in Nepal:

• Travel without sufficient cash for visa payments
• Filling incorrect details without proofreading
• Bringing passport with a validity of less than 6 months
• Arrival without confirmed accommodation details
• Failing to keep a copy of travel documents.

For a smooth process, we recommend:

• Checking latest immigration notice and details
• Filling out the pre-arrival form for the speedy visa process
• Carrying cash for quick payments

Conclusion

Nepal offers a Visa on Arrival system for easy and hassle-free entry for most nationals and international travelers. The country also offers gratis visas, or free visas, for up to 30 and 90 days for most SAARC countries and diplomats. For one applying for a visit visa, the process is simple and easy as visas are granted quickly. The easy and quick visa application for most nationalities makes Nepal an easily accessible location one can travel to. 
If you are also planning to visit Nepal, we suggest you follow the proper process and check the latest immigration notice to be updated with requirements. Also, for an affordable and the best rate on a flight ticket to Nepal, visit Flights Nepal. Flights Nepal is a leading flight booking partner that provides international and national flight tickets at the best prices and offers