Visa on arrival for Nepal: Can it be done before?

Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is much more than just a tourist destination. It's a country of breathtaking beauty, steeped in ancient culture, that attracts adventurers, nature lovers and spiritual seekers from all over the world. Before embarking on your journey to this South Asian jewel, it is essential to understand visa formalities, a crucial element for your stay in Kathmandu or Nepal.The importance of visa formalities cannot be underestimated. They are the gateway to your Nepalese adventure and guarantee your legal entry into the country. On this page, we'll explore visa on arrival for Nepal in detail, including the option of pre-filling in the form online, to help you plan your trip with confidence. Find out how to simplify the visa process, save time and make the most of your trip to Nepal.

What is visa on arrival for Nepal in Kathmandu?

Visa on arrival in Nepal is a convenient option for many travellers. Unlike applying for a visa at an embassy or consulate, a visa on arrival allows eligible visitors to obtain their visa directly on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport or at certain land borders. It is issued for different durations depending on the purpose of your trip.

Nepal offers several types of visa on arrival, depending on the purpose of your trip:

• Tourist visa: This visa is for travellers who wish to explore Nepal's natural, cultural and spiritual riches. It is generally valid for 15, 30 or 90 days.
• Business visa: If you have business activities, meetings or investments to make in Nepal, you will need a business visa. It is usually valid for 30 days.
• Student visa: If you plan to study in Nepal, you will need a student visa, which can be issued for the duration of your study programme.
• Work visa: People employed in Nepal must obtain a specific work visa, usually sponsored by their employer.

Why prefer the online form to a visa on arrival?

You should know that while it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Nepal at Kathmandu airport, an online procedure is also available to obtain one before your departure. There are several advantages for travellers in opting for an online visa on arrival rather than a visa on arrival at the airport. Here are a few reasons why opting for an online visa may be preferable:

• Saves time on arrival: When you've already obtained a visa online, you can avoid long queues at the airport or border to obtain a visa on arrival. This allows you to go through immigration formalities more quickly and start your journey more quickly.
• Accuracy of information: By filling in the application form online, you have time to provide accurate and complete information, which reduces the risk of errors when applying on arrival. Errors in the form can lead to delays or problems when entering the country.
• Advance preparation: Online visas allow you to prepare your visa application before you travel, which can reduce stress on arrival. You can have all the necessary documents ready in advance, making the process easier.
• Online tracking: Once you have submitted your application online, you can usually track the status of your application on the country's embassy or government website. This allows you to check the status of your application and ensure that it is being processed.
• Reduced risk of refusal: By completing the online application form carefully, you have more time to provide the correct documents and information. This reduces the risk of visa refusal on arrival at the airport, which can be stressful and disrupt your journey.
• Convenience and peace of mind: By obtaining your visa online before you travel, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you have already obtained permission to enter the destination country. This can make your trip more enjoyable right from the start.

What is the procedure for applying for a visa on arrival in Nepal?

Once you've landed in Nepal and collected your luggage, it's time to go through immigration formalities to obtain your visa on arrival. Here's what you need to do:

• Head to the immigration counter: Follow the immigration instructions at Tribhuvan Kathmandu International Airport or at the land border where you enter Nepal.
• Show your e-receipt number: Show your e-receipt number, which you obtained by pre-filling in the online form. This will speed up the visa process.
• Provide the required documents: Present your valid passport, a recent passport photo, and any additional documents required depending on the type of visa you have applied for.
• Paying the visa fee: You will need to pay the visa fee on arrival. Make sure you have the exact amount in cash in the local currency or in US dollars, as other forms of payment are not generally accepted.

When you arrive at the immigration counter, make sure you have all the necessary documents to hand. This includes your passport, passport photo, e-receipt number and money to pay the visa fee.

Visa fees may vary depending on the type of visa and the length of your stay. Check the current rates on the official Nepalese government website before you travel.

Once you've successfully completed immigration formalities and obtained your visa on arrival, you're ready to explore all the wonders Nepal has to offer.

Our tips for a successful visa application for Nepal

To maximise your chances of obtaining a successful visa on arrival for Nepal, make sure you have the following information and documents:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your intended entry into Nepal.
• Recent passport photo: Prepare a passport photo that complies with Nepalese government specifications.
• E-receipt number: If you have pre-filled the form online, keep your e-receipt number handy.
• Additional travel documents: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need additional documents, such as return tickets or proof of sufficient financial means for your stay in Nepal.

To avoid unnecessary stress, plan your visa application on arrival carefully:

• Processing times: Visa on arrival processing online can take time, so it's advisable to submit your application as early as possible before you travel, ideally several weeks in advance.
• Travel dates: Check that your travel dates match the validity dates of your visa. If you have a 30-day tourist visa, for example, your stay should not exceed this period.
• Flexibility: Plan your itinerary to allow for any delays in processing your visa.
• Online tracking: Once you have submitted your application online, check the status of your application regularly on the official Nepalese government website.

By following these tips, you can improve your chances of obtaining a visa on arrival without any problems and make the most of your trip to Nepal.