Traveling in Nepal

Procedure and Visa Rules

Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective from October 2000, Indians traveling to Nepal by air have to show upon arrival at entry point a valid photo identity like a passport, voter's identity or an identify card issued by the Indian government. Temporary identity card with photographs issued by Nepal-based Indian diplomatic missions is considered in case of exception. Children under 10 years need not show any identification.

Other non-Nepali visitors do not need visa to be in Nepal for three days. Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days. Free visa is to be given to tourists for re-entry to Nepal provided they stay at least for 15 days in the country in that visa year.

First single entry to Nepal for 60 days from the date of entry is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible foreign or Nepali currency. The second entry in the same visa year for 30 days from the date of entry is US $ 30.

Multiple entry for one visa year is US $ 50 plus US $ 30 for single entry or equivalent convertible foreign or Nepali currency.
Visa Fees and Extensions

Visa can be extended for those who wish to stay for more than 60 days at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. Two passport size photos are essential. The visa fee is US $30 for the single entry and US $50 for multiple entries.

Business Visa

For foreign investors business visa (with multiple entry) can be obtained from the Department of Immigration for the period of one year or five years upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Industry by paying the equivalent of US $ 100 and US $ 250 respectively in Nepalese currency.

Transit Visa

A transit visa can be obtained from Airport immigration or at the entry point of Nepal without any problems. There will be no charge for 3 days on presentation of an airline ticket.

Passports

All visitors except the Indian Nationals must hold passport and valid visa.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has issued a circular conveying that children between the age group of 10-18 years may be allowed to travel between India and Nepal by air on the strength of their national passport or an identity document issued by the Principal of the school in the prescribed proforma, states a letter sent by Embassy of India based in Kathmandu to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Majesty's Government of Nepal on February 25, 2004. Earlier, it was mandatory for children to produce passport in traveling between India and Nepal by air.

Getting There by Air

Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal. The national flag carrier Nepal Airlines fly form to various part of world , beside other important airlines that operate flight to Kathmandu are Indian Airlines, Thai International, Bangladesh Biman, China Southwest Airlines, Druk Air, Qatar Airways, PIA- Pakistan Airlines, Gulf Air, Sahara Ailrlines, Jet Air, and Silk air. The national carrier - Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), operates flights to Europe and Japan as well as the regional destinations.

You can fly to Kathmandu via Bangkok, Hong Kong , India and Singapore. There are daily flights to Kathmandu from bankgkok.

If you are in India, you can fly to Nepal from Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Banglore and Varanasi. And There is the fantastic flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu for three days a week (Saturdays, Tuesday and Thrusday) operated by China Southwest Airlines. You can also fly Druk Air from Paro in Bhutan, or take a flight from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Departure Tax

Rs770 for international flights to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; Rs1,100 for flights to all other countries. Children under two years are exempt.

Main Airports

Kathmandu (KTM) (Tribhuvan) (website: www.tiairport.com.np) is 5.5km (3.5 miles) east of the city (journey time - 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Buses and taxis to the city are available. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, duty-free shop, post office, refreshments and tourist information.

Getting There by Rail

Two stretches of the Indian Railway (website: www.indianrail.gov.in) line run to the border with Nepal, but only one is serviced with a passenger train. Tourists can’t cross the border by train, but cycle-rickshaws are available for onward journeys.

Getting There by Road

Kathmandu is connected with India and Tibet by new and picturesque highways.

Bus: A great number of services operate from all border points to Kathmandu and can be booked locally. However, during the monsoon season, landslides can often make border points impassable. Visitors are permitted to drive their own cars provided they are in possession of an international carnet. For information on how to obtain an international carnet, visitors should contact their national Automobile Association.

Source: http://www.allnepal.net/visa.php