Do Indians need visa to travel to Nepal?
Do Indians need visa to travel to Nepal?
That’s one question I often saw being discussed in many online forums when I did a bit of research before my recent visit to Nepal. I was a little surprised because there is absolutely no ambiguity about visa requirements for Indians traveling to Nepal. I travelled so often to our Himalayan neighbour as a kid when I didn't even have a passport, but this research did teach me a few interesting and important things. However, before everything else:
Indian nationals DO NOT need visa for traveling to Nepal!
1. Indians do not need visa to visit Nepal, but we need documentation to make a visit. Currently two documents are considered valid to give access:
- Passport
- Voter ID card
2. If you are flying out from India, your passport will get stamped at the airport so you do need to pass through immigration check. The process is swift and smooth, but requires either of the above two documents.
3. At the time of entry to Nepal through an airport, like Kathmandu, here’s the process you need to follow:
- fill the foreign national form. I was in Nepal for work as well as travel, so ticked them both off. However, I don't think it matters much for us Indians, we will be granted entry nevertheless.
- no need to stand in the queue for visa - there is a separate counter (it’s not marked and is located next to the counter for Diplomatic visa counter on far right) where you can go and submit the form, give your passport, get it stamped and you will be allowed to enter Nepal.
- if you are traveling with your Voter ID, you need to show that along with the form
- it’s a fairly simple and quick process and should take minutes unless there are many Indian nationals coming together.
Back in the days when I lived on the Indian side of the border, the process used to be much simpler. None of us had a passport or a Voter ID and were not even asked to enter our names when entering via road. Of course, that’s past and border controls have only become tighter now.
1. Fill the foreign national form
2. Fill an online form with passport details
3. Stand in the queue to pay the visa fee
4. At the immigration counter, the visa fee receipt will be checked, visa will be granted and passport stamped. Unlike us Indians, you will get a nice Nepalese visa on your passport.
If you are an Indian and planning to get a passport to explore the world, here’s your guide - Indian Passport in Five Simple Steps.
That’s one question I often saw being discussed in many online forums when I did a bit of research before my recent visit to Nepal. I was a little surprised because there is absolutely no ambiguity about visa requirements for Indians traveling to Nepal. I travelled so often to our Himalayan neighbour as a kid when I didn't even have a passport, but this research did teach me a few interesting and important things. However, before everything else:
Indian nationals DO NOT need visa for traveling to Nepal!
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| Magical Himalayas in Nepal! |
Things to keep in mind for Nepal travel
However, there are a few important things to know if you are planning to visit Nepal, for tourism or for business.1. Indians do not need visa to visit Nepal, but we need documentation to make a visit. Currently two documents are considered valid to give access:
- Passport
- Voter ID card
2. If you are flying out from India, your passport will get stamped at the airport so you do need to pass through immigration check. The process is swift and smooth, but requires either of the above two documents.
3. At the time of entry to Nepal through an airport, like Kathmandu, here’s the process you need to follow:
- fill the foreign national form. I was in Nepal for work as well as travel, so ticked them both off. However, I don't think it matters much for us Indians, we will be granted entry nevertheless.
- no need to stand in the queue for visa - there is a separate counter (it’s not marked and is located next to the counter for Diplomatic visa counter on far right) where you can go and submit the form, give your passport, get it stamped and you will be allowed to enter Nepal.
- if you are traveling with your Voter ID, you need to show that along with the form
- it’s a fairly simple and quick process and should take minutes unless there are many Indian nationals coming together.
Back in the days when I lived on the Indian side of the border, the process used to be much simpler. None of us had a passport or a Voter ID and were not even asked to enter our names when entering via road. Of course, that’s past and border controls have only become tighter now.
Visa exemption for all SAARC countries
Apart from India, tourist visa requirement is waved off for travellers from the other SAARC countries as well. These are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In this regard, Nepal has one of the most generous visa regimes.Visa-on-arrival process for non-SAARC countries
If you are not an Indian and eligible for visa-on-arrival, the procedure is a bit different. Here’s what you need to do:1. Fill the foreign national form
2. Fill an online form with passport details
3. Stand in the queue to pay the visa fee
4. At the immigration counter, the visa fee receipt will be checked, visa will be granted and passport stamped. Unlike us Indians, you will get a nice Nepalese visa on your passport.
If you are an Indian and planning to get a passport to explore the world, here’s your guide - Indian Passport in Five Simple Steps.
I had this question on my mind for long. Thanks, Sid.
ReplyDeleteSuch an enlightening post. I've had several friends asking me this so I'll make sure to share your post with them so they can be informed. Thanks, Sid! ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt's really helpful. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteEven I was confused in the starting when I wanted to travel to Nepal the very first time that whether I will require visa or not. Thank you so much for sharing such an informative piece of information for the travelers like us that are not very well aware of all these kind of things. I also shared this information with my friends.
ReplyDeleteVery useful blog
ReplyDeleteSpending a week in the Maldives felt like escaping to a paradise on earth. From indulging in spa treatments to enjoying romantic candlelit dinners on the beach, every moment was filled with bliss. If you're looking for a slice of heaven for your next vacation, look no further than the Maldives!
ReplyDelete