Nepal entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders don't need a visa to enter Nepal. You can stay as long as you like, but if you stay more than 150 consecutive days, you must register with the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. This visa-free policy has been in place for decades and is still current.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Nepal. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport will verify it on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Nepal | Immigration at Kathmandu airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you're arriving overland from India, the same rule applies — have a bus or flight booking out of Nepal ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers rarely ask for it, but having a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers you if they do. Budget hotels in Thamel are fine — no need for a five-star booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Officials almost never check this for Indian passport holders, but carrying around $50–$100 USD in cash or having a card with a few hundred dollars available is sensible. ATMs in Kathmandu dispense Nepali rupees but sometimes run out of cash. | Recommended |
Always carry your original passport
Photocopies or digital scans are not accepted by Nepali immigration. Only the physical passport with a blank page and at least 6 months validity will do.
No visa, no fee, no hassle
Indian nationals get absolute visa-free access. No appointments, no paperwork, no application fees. Just show your passport and you're in.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border or airport
Whether you fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or cross by land from any of the many border points (e.g., Sunauli, Raxaul, Banbasa), you go directly to the immigration counter. There is no separate visa queue.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your Indian passport. The officer will verify your identity and stamp you in. Typically no forms to fill and no fees to pay. The whole process takes 1–2 minutes.
3
Collect your baggage and go
After getting the stamp, you can collect your luggage (if flying) and exit the arrival area. You don't need to show any onward tickets or proof of funds.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 15 days)
Max stay15 days, non-extendable
Validity15 days from issue
CostNPR 1,500 (~$11 USD)
Available at entry points. For short stays beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 120 days total
Validity30 days from issue
CostNPR 3,000 (~$22 USD)
Most common option. Can be extended at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 120 days total
Validity90 days from issue
CostNPR 6,000 (~$45 USD)
For longer stays. Extensions possible.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostNPR 4,000 (~$30 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Extendable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity90 days from issue
CostNPR 8,000 (~$60 USD)
Best for frequent travellers. Extendable.
retirement visa
Nepal Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (processing fee)
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000/month). Requires sponsorship from a Nepali citizen or organization. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Nepal Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Nepali employer. Requires work permit approval from Department of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Nepal Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD per year (processing fee)
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Nepal Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year (processing fee)
For investors with minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Nepali business. Requires business registration and tax clearance. Allows multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, 15 days)Optional paid visa for longer stays. Available at entry points. | NPR 1,500 (~$11 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)Optional paid visa for longer stays. Available at entry points. | NPR 3,000 (~$22 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 90 days)Optional paid visa for longer stays. Available at entry points. | NPR 6,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 15 days)Optional paid visa for longer stays. Available at entry points. | NPR 2,000 (~$15 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Optional paid visa for longer stays. Available at entry points. | NPR 4,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Optional paid visa for longer stays. Available at entry points. | NPR 8,000 (~$60 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible at immigration offices for up to 120 days total stay. | NPR 3,000 (~$22 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay is penalized at NPR 100 per day, with no official maximum cap but may lead to deportation. | NPR 100 (~$0.75 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Nepal
No transit visa needed
Indian passport holders transiting through Nepal do not need a transit visa for airside connections. However, if leaving the airport, a visa-free entry is allowed for up to 150 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsTribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Health & vaccines for Nepal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in high-altitude treks (above 2,500m); acclimatize properly and consider medication.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in lowland areas during monsoon (June–September). Use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk in Terai region (e.g., Chitwan, Bardia) during monsoon; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kathmandu
Department of Immigration, Kathmandu
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions. Bring passport, 2 photos, and extension fee (NPR 3,000 per month).
Pokhara
Immigration Office, Pokhara
Baidam, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
For extensions in Pokhara. Same requirements as Kathmandu.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalKathmandu
LanguageNepali
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyNepalese Rupee (NPR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 153.27 NPR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h 45min (EST)
vs Los Angeles+13h 45min (PST)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water or purified water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Nepal
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Nepal — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, Indian citizens do not need any visa. You can enter Nepal freely by air or land, for any length of stay.
There is no maximum stay for Indian nationals. You can remain indefinitely without a visa. However, if you stay for more than 150 consecutive days, you should register at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu to avoid issues later.
Yes, there are many open land border crossings between India and Nepal. Popular ones include Sunauli (UP), Raxaul (Bihar), Banbasa (Uttarakhand), and Jogbani (Bihar). You just show your passport at the Indian and Nepali checkpoints – no visa needed.
No. Nepali immigration does not ask for return tickets or proof of funds from Indian passport holders. You can travel one-way without any issue.
No, you must carry a valid Indian passport. An expired passport or other IDs like Aadhaar, Voter ID, or PAN card are not accepted for international travel to Nepal. Only a valid passport works.
No registration is needed on arrival. Just the entry stamp. However, if you plan to stay for more than 150 consecutive days, you are required to register with the Nepal Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
You will likely be refused entry. The requirement is strictly enforced – at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before your trip.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.