Do I need a visa for Nepal?

Yes — if you are not an Indian citizen, you almost always need a visa to enter Nepal. The exact visa depends on why you are going (tourism, business, study, work) and which passport you hold. Many travelers use visa on arrival; some must apply at an embassy first.

Quick answer by situation

  • Tourism / trekking — visa required for most passports; visa on arrival is widely available.
  • Business meetings or investment — business visa, not a tourist visa, if you are working with a Nepali company or investing.
  • Study or research — student or research visa after admission documents.
  • Employment — work visa and work permit; you cannot lawfully work on a tourist visa.
  • Nepali origin living abroad — you may still need an entry visa unless you hold Nepali citizenship; NRN card and NRN citizenship are separate processes.

Do I need a visa for Nepal from my country?

Use this as a starting point, then confirm with immigration.gov.np because restricted lists and bilateral rules change.

Passport / originTypical tourist entry
IndiaGenerally visa-free with a valid Indian passport (and specified ID at some land points).
United States, Canada, UK, EU/Schengen, Australia, New ZealandVisa required; visa on arrival is commonly available.
Most other ordinary passportsVisa required; many can use visa on arrival.
Nationalities Nepal lists as restrictedNo visa on arrival; apply at a Nepali embassy before travel.

What is a travel visa in this context?

A travel visa (in everyday language) is the sticker or electronic record that lets you enter another country. For Nepal, the common travel visa is the tourist visa. It is not a work permit, student status, or NRN citizenship.

Visa fees, eligible nationalities, and forms change. Confirm current rules with the Department of Immigration Nepal or a Nepali embassy before you travel. Lingo and Landscapes helps with documentation and lawyer-guided applications; we do not issue visas.

Related questions

Do you need a visa to go to Nepal as a tourist?
Most nationalities do. Indian citizens generally do not. Tourists often obtain a 15-, 30-, or 90-day tourist visa on arrival after completing the online form.
Can I enter on a tourist visa and then work?
No. Employment requires the correct work visa and labour permission. We can help you plan a change of status with a lawyer if you are already in Nepal.