What is a Nepal Visa?
Nepal offers a unique visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangement for Indian citizens due to the special bilateral relationship between India and Nepal. Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal but must obtain a Tourist Entry Permit (visa-on-arrival) at the entry point.
2026 Updates at a Glance: See the Updates table at the end of this guide for all 2026 changes to fees, visa durations, and policies.
Application Mode: Online + embassy submission. Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Embassy: Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi. Consulate General in Kolkata
What is a Nepal Visa?
Nepal offers a unique visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangement for Indian citizens due to the special bilateral relationship between India and Nepal. Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal but must obtain a Tourist Entry Permit (visa-on-arrival) at the entry point.
Nepal received over 2.5 million Indian tourists in 2024, making India the largest source of international visitors to Nepal. Thousands of Indian students study in Nepalese medical colleges, and many Indian professionals work in Nepal under bilateral agreements.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Nepal?
Indian citizens do NOT need a prior visa to enter Nepal. However, you must obtain a Tourist Entry Permit (visa-on-arrival) at any entry point - airport or land border. This entry permit is free for Indian citizens for up to 150 days per calendar year.
What Is Available and Not Available
| Can Indians... | Yes/No | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Travel for tourism (up to 150 days) | Yes (Free entry permit) | Visa-on-arrival at all entry points; free for Indians up to 150 days/year |
| Travel for business meetings | Yes (Business visa) | Apply at Nepalese embassy in India or obtain on arrival |
| Study at Nepalese universities | Yes (Student Visa) | Requires admission letter from recognized institution |
| Work as a professional | Yes (Work Permit) | Employer must obtain approval from Department of Labour |
| Transit through Nepal | Yes | Free transit; no separate visa needed |
| Live permanently | Limited (Residential Visa) | Available for investors, retirees, and long-term residents |
| Travel to restricted areas | Requires permit | Upper Mustang, Dolpo, etc. need special trekking permits |
Types of Nepal Visas for Indians
Nepal offers multiple visa pathways for Indian citizens depending on your purpose: short visits, study, work, or permanent residency.
| Visa Type | Subclass | Purpose | Max Stay | Processing | Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Entry Permit (On Arrival) | Gratis Visa | Tourism, family visits, pilgrimage | 150 days per year (cumulative) | On arrival (15-30 mins) | Free |
| Extended Tourist Visa | Extension | Stay longer than 150 days | Up to 5 months per stay | 1-3 days (at Immigration Office) | NPR 3,000-6,000 |
| Student Visa | Study | Full-time study at Nepalese institution | Course duration | 1-2 weeks | NPR 5,000-10,000 |
| Work Permit | Employment | Employment by Nepalese company | Permit duration (renewable) | 2-4 weeks | NPR 10,000-20,000 |
| Dependent Visa | Family | Family members of work/student visa holders | Same as primary visa | 1-2 weeks | NPR 3,000-5,000 |
| Residential Visa | Residential | Retirement, investment, long-term stay | 1-10 years | 1-3 months | NPR 50,000-200,000 |
Nepal Visa Fees for Indians 2026
Visa fees vary significantly by category. All fees are non-refundable and subject to change based on exchange rates.
| Visa Type | Subclass | Fee (NPR) | Fee (? Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Entry Permit (On Arrival) | Gratis Visa | Free | Free |
| Extended Tourist Visa | Extension | NPR 3,000-6,000 | ₹1,796 to ₹1,984 |
| Student Visa | Study | NPR 5,000-10,000 | ₹2,992 to ₹3,308 |
| Work Permit | Employment | NPR 10,000-20,000 | ₹5,985 to ₹6,615 |
| Dependent Visa | Family | NPR 3,000-5,000 | ₹1,796 to ₹1,984 |
| Residential Visa | Residential | NPR 50,000-200,000 | ₹29,925 to ₹33,075 |
Additional Costs
| Cost Type | Amount (₹) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal Tourism Board Fee | NPR 2,000 | For trekking permits and national park entry |
| Photography Permit | NPR 1,500-5,000 | For professional photography/filming |
| Translation (if needed) | ₹500 to 2,000 | Per document |
Documents Required for Nepal Visa
Every Nepal visa application requires proof of identity, purpose of visit, and financial capacity.
Core Documents (All Visa Types)
- Valid Indian passport — Must have at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay. At least 2 blank pages.
- Digital photograph — 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white background, taken within 6 months.
- Completed online application — Via the official portal. All details must match your passport exactly.
- Previous visas and travel history — Include copies of previous visas and travel stamps.
- Cover letter — Explaining purpose of visit, duration, and itinerary.
Tourist Entry Permit (On Arrival) — Gratis Visa
Best for: Tourism, family visits, pilgrimage.
Extended Tourist Visa — Extension
Best for: Stay longer than 150 days.
Student Visa — Study
Best for: Full-time study at Nepalese institution.
Work Permit — Employment
Best for: Employment by Nepalese company.
Dependent Visa — Family
Best for: Family members of work/student visa holders.
Residential Visa — Residential
Best for: Retirement, investment, long-term stay.
Why Financial Evidence Matters
Immigration authorities need assurance that you can support yourself without working illegally or relying on public funds. Incomplete or inconsistent financial documentation is a leading cause of refusal for Indian applicants.
Indian Banking Nuances for Nepal Visa
| Bank | Statement Features | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI | Passbook + online statement with branch seal | Yes | Most widely accepted. Ensure statements are stamped and signed by branch manager |
| HDFC Bank | Digital statements with QR code verification | Yes | Save as PDF with visible bank logo and account holder name |
| ICICI Bank | E-statements with digital signature | Yes | Some assessing officers prefer wet-stamped copies |
| Axis Bank | Online statements with transaction details | Yes | Add a salary credit highlight for clarity |
| Yes Bank / Kotak | App-generated statements with branch counterfoil | Yes | Get branch-stamped versions to avoid delays |
| PNB / Canara / BoB | Passbook-based + supplementary statement | Yes (may need branch visit) | Passbook entries with branch seal; request separate statement letter |
| Education Loan | Loan sanction letter + disbursement schedule | Yes (strongest evidence) | Education loans demonstrate organized financial planning and third-party verification |
Nepal Visa Application Process for Indians
The application process typically involves the following steps:
Use the official visa finder or this guide to select the correct visa category. Check eligibility requirements including financial capacity and supporting documents.
Fill out the online visa application form with accurate personal details, passport information, and travel history. Any discrepancy can lead to refusal.
Pay the non-refundable visa fee online via credit/debit card. Your bank will apply the current exchange rate plus forex markup.
Book an appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate. Carry all required documents. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, financial status, and ties to India.
Provide fingerprints and photograph at the designated application center. Walk-ins are not accepted at most centers.
Processing times vary by visa category. Track your application status online using the reference number provided.
If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa or you will receive an electronic authorization. Check the visa conditions carefully.
Processing Time for Nepal Visa from India
Processing times vary significantly by visa category:
| Visa Type | Subclass | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Entry Permit (On Arrival) | Gratis Visa | On arrival (15-30 mins) | Varies by application volume and completeness |
| Extended Tourist Visa | Extension | 1-3 days (at Immigration Office) | Varies by application volume and completeness |
| Student Visa | Study | 1-2 weeks | Varies by application volume and completeness |
| Work Permit | Employment | 2-4 weeks | Varies by application volume and completeness |
| Dependent Visa | Family | 1-2 weeks | Varies by application volume and completeness |
| Residential Visa | Residential | 1-3 months | Varies by application volume and completeness |
Processing Time Note
Processing times are estimates and Indian applications may take longer if additional verification is needed. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Travel Insurance Requirements
Travel insurance is recommended for all visitors to Nepal:
- Tourist/Business Visitors: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and baggage loss is strongly recommended.
- Students: Health insurance is mandatory for student visa holders. Coverage must meet the minimum requirements set by the university or immigration authorities.
- Work Visa Holders: Employer-provided health coverage is typically required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Indian citizens need a visa for Nepal. Key information:
- A visa is required for Indian passport holders traveling to Nepal.
- See the Visa Types section for all available visa categories and options.
- Your passport must have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay.
- Processing times vary by visa type — check the Processing Time section for details.
- See the Application Process section for step-by-step instructions.
Available visa types for Indian citizens traveling to Nepal:
- Tourist visa: For tourism and leisure travel. See the Visa Types section for details.
- Business visa: For business meetings, conferences, and trade activities.
- Student visa: For enrolled students at Nepal educational institutions.
- Transit visa: For connecting flights through Nepal.
- Each visa type has specific document requirements and fee structures.
Standard document requirements for a Nepal visa. See the full checklist:
- Valid Indian passport — minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay, with at least 2 blank pages.
- Passport-size photographs — 35×45mm, white background, taken within 6 months.
- Completed visa application form — accurately filled with matching details.
- Travel itinerary — flight bookings and accommodation details.
- Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds.
Processing times for Nepal visas vary by category:
- Tourist visa: Processing takes approximately 5-15 working days depending on the application volume.
- Business visa: Typically 7-15 working days.
- Student visa: May take 4-8 weeks for complete processing.
- See the Processing Time section for detailed timelines.
- Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any delays.
Visa fees for Nepal depend on the visa category. See the complete fee table:
- Fees vary by visa type (tourist, business, student, work).
- Additional service charges may apply when applying through visa centers.
- All fees are non-refundable once the application is submitted.
- Payment methods vary — most accept online payment or demand drafts.
Stay duration on a tourist visa for Nepal:
- The tourist visa typically allows stays of 30-90 days depending on the visa category.
- Some visas allow single entry, others allow multiple entries.
- Extensions may be possible by applying to the immigration authorities.
- Overstaying can result in fines and future visa complications.
- Check the Processing Time section for detailed information.
Travel insurance information for Nepal:
- Not mandatory for most tourist visas but strongly recommended.
- Coverage should include medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and baggage loss.
- Some visa categories may require proof of travel insurance.
- Students and work visa holders may need health insurance as a condition of their visa.
The best time to visit Nepal depends on your preferences:
- Research the climate and seasons of Nepal before planning your trip.
- Consider factors like temperature, rainfall, and tourist crowds.
- Check for local festivals and events that may enhance your travel experience.
- Book flights and accommodation in advance during peak tourist seasons.
Visa-on-arrival availability for Indian citizens in Nepal:
- Check the current visa policy for Indian nationals — most countries require a visa in advance.
- If no visa on arrival is available, you must apply for a visa before travel.
- See the Application Process section for the complete step-by-step guide.
- Always verify current requirements with the official embassy website.
Common reasons for visa rejection for Indian applicants:
- Insufficient funds — bank statements must show adequate balance.
- Incomplete documentation — missing or incorrect documents.
- Poor travel history — limited international travel history may lead to stricter scrutiny.
- Discrepancies between application form and supporting documents.
- Criminal record or previous immigration violations.
Currency and payment information for Nepal:
- The official currency varies — check the local currency and exchange rates before traveling.
- Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger establishments in tourist areas.
- ATMs are available in cities and major towns.
- Carry some local currency in cash for small purchases, tips, and local transport.
- Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card blocks.
Safety tips for Indian travellers visiting Nepal:
- Research the safety situation in the areas you plan to visit.
- Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
- Follow local laws and customs to avoid any legal issues.
- Save emergency contact numbers for local police and your country's embassy.
- Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival if recommended.
Recommended vaccinations for travel to Nepal:
- Routine vaccinations — MMR, DPT, and polio should be up to date.
- Yellow fever — required if travelling from a country with yellow fever risk.
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid — recommended for most international travel.
- Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for personalized advice.
- Carry a basic medical kit with essential medications.
Visa extension information for Nepal:
- Extensions may be possible by applying to the immigration authorities.
- Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying.
- Provide a valid reason for the extension along with supporting documents.
- Extension fees and processes vary by country and visa type.
Language information for Nepal:
- The official language and widely spoken languages in Nepal.
- English may be spoken in tourist areas and business settings.
- Learning a few basic local phrases can enhance your travel experience.
- Consider carrying a translation app on your smartphone for convenience.
Nepal Visa Updates 2026 — What Has Changed
| Change | Previous | Current (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Gratis Visa Days | 60 days per entry | 150 days per year (cumulative, increased) |
| Voter ID Acceptance | Only passport for air travel | Voter ID accepted for land border entry (unchanged) |
| Work Permit Processing | 4-6 weeks | 2-4 weeks (digital processing introduced) |
| Visa Extension Fee | NPR 1,000-3,000 | NPR 3,000-6,000 (revised) |
| Trekking Permit System | Paper permits only | Digital permits with online application available |
Official Resources
- Department of Immigration, Nepal: https://www.immigration.gov.np/
- Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi: https://in.nepalembassy.gov.np/
- Nepal Tourism Board: https://ntb.gov.np/
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