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Visa & Permits

Nepal, a popular destination for trekkers and tourists alike, has a straightforward system for visas and a more layered one for permits, especially for those venturing into its famous mountains. Understanding these requirements is crucial for a smooth trip.

Nepal Visas

For most nationalities, Nepal offers a convenient Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and at various land border crossings. This allows tourists to obtain their visa upon entering the country. The process typically involves filling out an arrival card/visa application form (which can sometimes be done online in advance to save time), paying the visa fee, and then submitting your passport and documents to the immigration counter. It's essential to have a passport valid for at least six months from your entry date and usually one or two recent passport-sized photographs. Visa fees vary depending on the duration of stay: 15-day, 30-day, and 90-day multiple-entry tourist visas are commonly available. While payment can often be made in major currencies like USD, it's advisable to carry some Nepali rupees or USD cash, as credit card facilities might incur extra charges or not always be available, especially at land borders. Some countries, however, are not eligible for Visa on Arrival and must obtain a visa from a Nepali embassy or consulate prior to their travel.

For those who prefer to arrange their visa beforehand, it's possible to apply for a tourist visa through Nepali diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) in their home country. The required documents generally include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and passport-sized photographs. This can sometimes expedite the immigration process upon arrival. It's important to note that tourist visas are solely for leisure travel; for other purposes like study, work, or business, different visa categories are required, and conversion from a tourist visa may be possible but requires specific procedures through the Department of Immigration. Tourist visas can be extended at immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but there's a maximum stay of 150 days in any given calendar year. Overstaying a visa without extension can lead to significant fines and other legal consequences, including detention and deportation.

Nepal Permits (for Trekking)

Beyond the entry visa, trekking in Nepal often necessitates additional permits, primarily for entry into protected areas and to manage trekker information for safety. The most common permits are:

  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card: This is a mandatory permit for all trekkers in Nepal, whether trekking individually (Free Individual Trekkers - FITs) or with an organized group. The TIMS card aims to ensure the safety and security of trekkers and to help with search and rescue operations in case of emergencies. It helps maintain a computerized database of trekkers' details, itineraries, and contact information. TIMS cards can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara, or through registered trekking agencies. You'll typically need a copy of your passport, a valid visa, and passport-sized photographs.

  • National Park and Conservation Area Permits: Many popular trekking routes in Nepal pass through designated national parks or conservation areas, such as the Sagarmatha National Park (Everest region), Annapurna Conservation Area, and Langtang National Park. An entry permit is required for these areas, and the fees contribute to the conservation efforts and local development. These permits can often be obtained at the entry points of the respective areas or offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Similar to the TIMS card, a copy of your passport and passport-sized photos are usually required.

  • Restricted Area Permits (RAPs): Certain remote and sensitive areas, often near international borders or culturally significant regions (e.g., Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Dolpo), are classified as "restricted areas." A special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is mandatory for trekking in these regions. Unlike other permits, RAPs are usually more expensive and have stricter regulations. They often require trekkers to be part of an organized group (typically a minimum of two trekkers) and to be accompanied by a licensed Nepali guide. These permits must be applied for through a registered trekking agency in Nepal, which will handle the application process with the Department of Immigration. The fees for RAPs can be substantial, often calculated per day of stay in the restricted zone, and the application process can take a few days. It's crucial to arrange these well in advance of your trek.