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
Quick Overview
| Visa Required? | Yes, but visa-on-arrival available for Indian citizens at all entry points |
|---|---|
| Main Visa Types | Tourist Visa (On Arrival), Visa Extension, Student Visa, Work Permit, Dependent Visa |
| Processing Time | Tourist: On arrival (15-30 mins); Student: 1-2 weeks; Work: 2-4 weeks |
| Visa Fee Range | NPR 0 (free for Indians) to NPR 10,000+ (longer stays) |
| Financial Requirement | Minimal - no specific bank balance required for short stays; work and student may need proof |
| Maximum Stay | Tourist: 30-150 days per visit (can extend); Student: course duration; Work: permit duration |
| Biometrics | Not required for Indian citizens |
| Health Insurance | Recommended but not mandatory for entry |
| Application Centers | Visa-on-arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and all land border crossings |
| English Requirement | Not required for tourist visa; some evidence for student/work visas |
| Approval Rate | Tourist: ~99% (on arrival); Student/Work: ~90% |
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:
Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type and Check Eligibility
Use the official visa finder or this guide to select the correct visa category. Check eligibility requirements including financial capacity and supporting documents.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out the online visa application form with accurate personal details, passport information, and travel history. Any discrepancy can lead to refusal.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the non-refundable visa fee online via credit/debit card. Your bank will apply the current exchange rate plus forex markup.
Step 4: Schedule and Attend the Visa Interview
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.
Step 5: Complete Biometrics
Provide fingerprints and photograph at the designated application center. Walk-ins are not accepted at most centers.
Step 6: Wait for Processing and Track Online
Processing times vary by visa category. Track your application status online using the reference number provided.
Step 7: Receive Decision and Collect Passport
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
No. Indian citizens do not need a prior visa. You get a free Tourist Entry Permit (Gratis Visa) on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or any land border crossing. Free for up to 150 days per year.
Indian citizens can stay up to 150 days per calendar year cumulatively on a gratis visa. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for visa extensions at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
A valid Indian passport (or Voter ID for land border entry), and a completed arrival card. No photographs or bank statements needed.
Yes, but you need a work permit. Your employer in Nepal must apply to the Department of Labour for approval. Professional qualification verification may be required.
For air travel, yes - a valid Indian passport is mandatory. For land border crossings from India, a Voter ID card or state-issued identity card is also accepted.
For courses up to 150 days, no visa needed. For longer courses, you need a Student Visa, which requires an admission letter from a recognized Nepalese institution.
There is no minimum bank balance requirement for Indian citizens traveling to Nepal.
Yes, you can apply for visa extension at the Department of Immigration, Kathmandu. Extension fees: NPR 3,000 for 15 days, NPR 6,000 for 30 days, NPR 9,000 for 60 days.
Narcotics, weapons without permit, and restricted wildlife products are prohibited. Indian currency notes above ₹500 denomination (except ₹100) are also restricted.
Yes, there are multiple land border crossings: Raxaul-Birgunj, Sunauli-Bhairahawa, Banbasa-Mahendranagar, and others. Indian citizens can easily cross with valid ID.
No mandatory vaccinations for Indian citizens. However, typhoid, hepatitis A, and tetanus vaccines are recommended. Altitude sickness precautions are needed for high-altitude treks.
Not mandatory for Indians, but strongly recommended for trekking and adventure activities. Many trekking routes require mandatory rescue insurance.
Land and property purchase by foreigners (including Indians) is restricted. However, long-term lease (up to 100 years) is permitted for residential and commercial purposes.
Yes, most trekking areas require permits: TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card for general treks, and specific permits for restricted areas like Upper Mustang and Dolpo.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entry into Nepal.
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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