Tourist Visa Rules in Nepal

Foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid passport or any travel document equivalent to passport issued by the government for visiting a foreign country prior to apply for visa.

A.    Entry:
No foreign is entitled to enter into and stay in Nepal without valid visa. Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepalese Embassy or consulate or other mission offices or immigration offices located on entry points in Nepal (certain african countries are not entitled to obtain visa on arrival, please check with us for the relevant informatio).

B.    Chinese citizen are requested to apply in Nepalese Embassy or other Nepalese diplomatic missions as there is no provision of on arrival visa for them.

C.    Visa Fee:

 Visa Fee required to obtain Tourist visa from Nepalese diplomatic agencies and entry points:

1. US $25 or equivalent foreign currency
for Tourist Visa with multiple Entry for 15 days.

2. US$ 40 or equivalent foreign currency
for Tourist Visa with multiple Entry for 30 days.

3. US$ 100 or equivalent foreign currency
for Tourist Visa with multiple Entry for 100 days.

4.Regardless of the provision stated in 1 and 2, tourists with passport from south Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations aren't required to pay visa fee for 30 days.

D. Fee required to extend duration of visa or renew visa:
a. US $ 2 or equivalent Nepalese currency per day for extension.
b. Additional US $ 20 or equivalent Nepalese currency on visa fee as per 2(b), if Multiple Entry facility is     required for the extended period.\
c. If foreign visitors that haven't renewed their visa want to renew their visa, they have to pay additional Nepalese currency equivalent to US 3$ on the regular visa extension fee.
d. Foreign visitors who have overstayed the visa period of 150 days without extension are required to pay visa fee as per provision in 2(c) and punishment as per Clause 10 sub-clause 4 of Immigration Act 2049.e. Regardless of provision stated in 2(a), 15 days is counted as minimum extension period and visa fee is charged accordingly. For extension period more than 15 days, visa fee is charged as per the provision of 2 (a).

TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
Nepal, aptly, has been called 'a Trekkers' Paradise'. Its high standing mountains, scenic hills and the luxuriant Terai offers some or the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. Passing through the diverse culture and nature, trekking in Nepal is a life-time experience which involves a certain degree of physical risks owing to the rugged topography.

With the distinction of Nepal as a trekking destination and its growing charm, a provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has been implemented to control illegal trekking operations and ensure safety and security of the trekkers in general trekking areas through the mechanism of Prompt Information Service as and when required.

The past experiences have shown the difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the time of accidents and natural calamities. Because of proper lack of record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about the trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.

The provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has come into force from Jan 01, 2008. Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have started recording trekkers' detail and issuing TIMS Card to trekkers.

Why is TIMS Necessary?
The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TIMS:

1. All important details of trekkers and trekking routes shall be maintained on a computerized Database Management System (DBMS) that may be useful for safety and security of trekkers. The DBMS may help carry out search and rescue operations for trekkers in case of natural calamities and other accidents by providing authentic information. It will also help maintain the record system that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking area, trekking routes, handling agencies, duration, and act. The data generated form system will be useful to all stakeholders: tourism organizations, Government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institute, and others.

2.     With the enforcement of TIMS, unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, which will result into better management of trekking service and it will benefit all concerned stakeholders: trekkers, agencies, field staff, government, and others. It will also help prevent untoward incidents which may erupt during trekking trips.

3.     The implementation of YIMS may help upgrade the service standard and contribute for the better management of sustainable mountain tourism development of Nepal.

TIMS REGULATORY PROVISIONS

1.     Every trekker has to compulsorily obtain a TIMS Card before they enter any of the prescribed trekking regions and routes.
2.     A free individual trekker (FIT) or organized group trekkers are required to keep TIMS along with them throughout their treks.
3.     TIMS has to be shown to TAAN/NTB authorities, national park check posts, conservation area check posts and police check posts o demand.
4.     Trekkers are required to keep their copies of passport along with them for verification during trekking.
5.     TIMS shall be non-transferable, non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.

TIMS will not be required for:

1.     The expedition members permitted to climb the mountains.
2.     The visitors in the Controlled Areas permitted by the Department of immigration.
3.     The foreign guests invited by the Government of Nepal.
4.     The authorities from different diplomatic mission in the country, who is holding an official letter/s and traveling on their own risk.
5.     Visitors on certain missions recommended by the concerned departments of the Government.
6.     Foreign Nationals having the residential visa.

TREKKING PERMIT/FEE
A) Trekking Permit
A trekking permit is a must to visit restricted areas mentioned below. To visit normal trekking areas, no permission is required.

B) Restricted areas which have been opened for Group Trekking
The following restricted areas are open only for group trekkers. And a trekking will not be issued to individual trekkers for such areas.

The areas and required fees are a follows:

NOTE:
a. To obtain a group trekking permit an application form with other relevant documents should be summated through any registered trekking agency of Nepal.

b. Trekking fee can be paid in Nepalese currency: Notwithstanding anything written in above, the Indian citizen can pay in Nepalese currency equivalent to US Dollars.

Foreign Diplomatic mission, Embassy, Consulates in Nepal