Nepal visa-free countries and who still needs a visa
Nepal is not visa-free for most of the world. Indian citizens are the main group who generally enter without a Nepal visa. Almost everyone else needs a visa, though a large number of countries can obtain a tourist visa on arrival instead of visiting an embassy first.
Visa-free: India
Citizens of India typically enter Nepal without a visa when traveling on a valid Indian passport. Some land crossings also accept specified Indian identity documents. This is not the same as visa on arrival — it is visa exemption. Rules at a particular border post can be stricter than the airport.
Visa on arrival is not visa-free
US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and many Asian and African passports still need a visa. They simply may not need a pre-issued sticker if they are eligible for on-arrival. You still pay Nepal visa cost and complete the online form.
Restricted nationalities
Nepal publishes a list of countries whose citizens cannot get visa on arrival and must apply at a Nepali diplomatic mission. That list has included several African and Middle Eastern nationalities and can change. Always check the Department of Immigration notice, not a blog copy.
Diplomatic, official, and SAARC notes
Holders of diplomatic or official passports, UN laissez-passer, and some SAARC arrangements may follow special fee or visa rules. Ordinary tourist passports from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives still generally need a visa unless a current exemption says otherwise.
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.