How to get a Travel Visa when visiting Nepal

So, you’re thinking of visiting Nepal? There are a few things you need to do before you leave. At the top of your list should be getting a visa.

Without one you won’t be going anywhere! Don’t worry, we got you covered.

There are so many beautiful places to see in Nepal, but you need to make sure you do everything properly before you get to see them. Unless you’re a Nepalese or Indian national you will need to fill out a visa application before embarking on your journey.

In this post we’ll give a brief overview of what you need to do to get a travel visa and some places you should visit when you get to Nepal.

How to get a tourist visa for Nepal?

If you wish to travel around Nepal you will need a tourist visa. Thankfully, the visa application process is simple. Most can obtain a visa-on-arrival and don’t need to wait long before they can explore the country.

Nepal only requires you to acquire a visa prior to arrival if you are from one of the following list of countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan or Syria.

For citizens of the UK applying for a tourist visa you will need:

• A passport, which is valid for at least another six months and has at least two blank visa pages.
• A completed Nepal Tourist Visa Application Form
• Photocopies of the personal information page of your passport
• Proof of accommodation in Nepal
• At least one recent passport-size picture of yourself. Take more than one if you think you might extend your stay.
• A valid return flight or travel ticket
• Proof of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements from the last three months

If you want the process to be convenient and swift it is best to complete the Nepal visa online application form and print it before you travel.

How much does the process cost?

The price of the visa depends on how long you are planning to stay. You can pay in multiple currencies but the Nepal visa fee details are in relation to US dollars.

• 15 days (multiple entry) = $30
• 30 days (multiple entry) = $50
• 90 days (multiple entry) = $125

As you can see the price of the visa is quite reasonable. You can also apply for a visa extension which will cost $3 per day or an additional $25 with multiple entries. This can be done at the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

The visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen.

How long does it take to get a visa for Nepal?

How long you have to wait depends on whether you get your tourist visa on arrival or whether you apply before you arrive.

For example, if you apply for a tourist visit when you’re in the UK the application may take up to 2-3 working days within the UK and up to 2 weeks outside the UK to be processed.

On the other hand, if you’re getting your tourist visa via the standard visa-on-arrival system then the process should be completed easily as soon as you land in the airport. Before you go through customs you can fill out and buy a visa and depending on the queue you can have the whole process done within an hour.

Things to do in Nepal

Once you sorted out your visa you can then start to enjoy yourself! Nepal is a beautiful country and there is plenty to experience. Here are few ideas of things you might want to do when you next visit Nepal.

• Visit Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is a truly striking sight to behold. It is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and it dominates the skies of Kathmandu. In 1979 it became a UNESCO World Heritage site and for hundreds of years it has drawn in travellers from all around the world.

If you’re lucky enough to visit make sure you check out the enormous eyes of Boudhanath that look out over the city.

• Trek in the Himalaya

Climbing up Mount Everest is not for everybody. There are many far easier treks throughout Nepal that will still give you jaw dropping views and an enticing challenge.

A trek around the Himalaya is an amazing experience whichever route you choose to take. You can take a leisurely ‘teahouse’ trek, walk through the forests of Helambu or fall in love with Langtang Valley.

If you want a real challenge you can take on the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT). Wherever you choose to trek, from the Annapurna region to Kathmandu valley, there is so much beauty on show throughout the country.

• Explore Kathmandu

The capital of Nepal is a true spiritual destination. It is one of the most popular places in the world for backpackers and travellers.

There is so much to do. You could go on a food tour or relax in the Garden of Dreams. Or you can explore the Durbar Square in the heart of Kathmandu. You can lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets and the beautiful ancient architecture. Or you can enjoy the music scene at Jazz Upstairs.

You can definitely spend weeks in Kathmandu without noticing the time passing.

• Visit the birthplace of Buddha

There are many spiritual places in Nepal but perhaps none more so than the birthplace of Buddha in the Lumbini Gardens. It is a place of pilgrimage and peace. In Lumbini there are over 25 monasteries each one beautiful and exquisite.

The most sacred site in the Lumbini Garden is the Mayadevi Temple. This is where archaeologists say the newly born Prince Siddhartha took his first seven steps and delivered his peace message to humanity. Inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar nearby also refer to the spot as his birthplace.(WelcomeNepal)

• Visit Nagarkot

In the midst of snow-capped mountains you will find the town of Nagarkot. This picturesque town away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu is one of the best spots to see Everest in all its glory.

In Nagarkot you can experience breathtaking views of the Himalayas, trek around the hills, ride mountain bikes and, if you really want to, go paragliding!

Small World’s Service

The visa requirements for Nepal are quite simple. If you need to send money to Nepal you need look no further than Small World. Our money transfer service is the ideal way to get money to your family and friends.

Whether you need to transfer funds to people holidaying in Nepal or support family who live there permanently, Small World can help. You can ensure that your loved ones get the support they need with our service.

Your money will arrive quickly and securely and ready to be picked up. Small World always means you have one less thing to worry about!