India entry requirements for Nepal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Nepali citizens can enter India without a visa for any duration. You just need a valid passport, and you should be ready to show a return ticket and proof of accommodation. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an India eVisa at the official portal at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type and duration. Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — do not book flights until you have the eVisa confirmation.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show you are leaving India. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in India. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry for Nepali citizens
You do not need a visa to enter India. This applies to all purposes — tourism, business, or visiting family. Just ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months and carry proof of onward travel and accommodation.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you will be denied entry. Check your passport well before your trip and renew if needed.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months, book your return/onward ticket, and have your first night's accommodation confirmed. Save screenshots of your ticket and booking on your phone.
2
Arrive at an Indian airport
You will go through immigration at the airport. Common entry points include Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Kathmandu (KTM) for land border crossings. Have your passport and supporting documents ready.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and, if asked, show your return ticket and accommodation booking. The officer may ask about the purpose and duration of your stay. Answer clearly and honestly.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport. No visa is required, so you can proceed to baggage claim and customs. Keep your documents handy until you exit the airport.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity6 months from issue date
CostINR 3,000 (~$36 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Indian embassy in Kathmandu.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per visit
Validity1 year from issue date
CostINR 5,000 (~$60 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-Term Tourist Visa
Max stayUp to 5 years
Validity5 years from issue date
CostINR 10,000 (~$120 USD)
For Nepal citizens with strong ties; requires sponsorship or property in India.
student visa
Student Visa (India)
Duration of course, up to 5 years
INR 3,000 (~$36 USD) plus course fees
For Nepal citizens enrolled in recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work in some cases.
Apply work visa
Employment Visa (India)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer to sponsor and meet salary thresholds. Allows family dependents.
Apply investor visa
Business/Investor Visa (India)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) plus investment proof
For Nepal citizens investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires minimum investment of INR 10 lakh (~$12,000 USD) and business plan. Allows multiple entries.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not standard for visa-free stays; apply at FRRO for special circumstances. | Varies (approx. INR 500–2000 per month, ~$6–24 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if you overstay the visa-free period; pay at immigration or FRRO. | INR 500 (~$6 USD) per day, max cap INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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 India
No transit visa needed
Nepal citizens do not need a transit visa to change planes in Indian airports, as they are visa-free for entry. However, if leaving the airport, standard visa-free rules apply.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season (June–September).
MalariaHigh risk
Risk in most parts of India, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for travellers to high-risk regions.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common causes of traveller's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in most regions, especially rural areas and during monsoon. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is recommended for travellers to high-risk zones.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, 110022
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa extensions, overstay regularization, or re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of stay.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe Building, 1st Floor, CIDCO Bhavan, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles visa-related issues for western India. Appointments recommended online.
Practical information for NP travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.78 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
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 anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a visa. Nepali citizens can enter India visa-free for any duration. Just carry a valid passport and be ready to show a return ticket and accommodation booking if asked.
There is no fixed maximum stay for Nepali citizens. You can stay indefinitely, but immigration may ask about your plans. It's wise to have a return or onward ticket to show you intend to leave.
You need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. You may also be asked for a return or onward ticket and proof of your first night's accommodation. Keep these handy on your phone or printed.
No, extensions are not available for visa-free entry. If you need to stay longer, you would need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa before travel. For most visits, the visa-free entry is sufficient.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in India can be high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance covers that and other emergencies.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter India. If it expires sooner, renew it before traveling. Immigration will deny entry if your passport does not meet this requirement.
Yes, you can cross the border by land at points like Sunauli/Bhairahawa or Kakarbhitta. The same visa-free rules apply. Carry your passport and be prepared for immigration checks at the border.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.