Nepal Visa for Indians 2026 — Complete Guide

Indians traveling to Nepal do not need a visa. Indian nationals can enter Nepal using only a valid photo ID — either an Indian passport or a Voter ID card. No visa fee applies to Indian citizens. Entry is processed on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at land border crossings, as confirmed by the Nepal Immigration official portal at immigration.gov.np.

Which visa rules apply to Indian citizens traveling to Nepal in 2026?

Indian citizens are exempt from Nepal's tourist visa requirement as of 2026. A valid Indian passport or Election Commission Voter ID card is sufficient for entry. No visa fee is charged to Indian nationals. Entry is granted on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and designated land borders.

This arrangement is governed by the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which allows free movement of nationals between the two countries. The treaty removes the standard tourist visa process that applies to citizens of other countries. Indian travelers do not fill a visa application form or pay any consular fee.

The Nepal Immigration Department, the government body that administers entry rules, confirms this exemption on its official portal. Travelers from India should still carry a valid, undamaged photo ID at all times during their Nepal trip, as immigration officers verify identity at entry points.

What does the Nepal visa quick snapshot look like for Indians?

Visa Type	Max Stay	Validity	Fee (INR)	Processing Time	Application Method
Visa-exempt (Tourist entry)	No fixed limit for Indians under bilateral treaty	Multiple entry permitted	₹0 — no visa fee for Indian nationals	On arrival at immigration counter	Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu; designated land borders

Note: The standard Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival — available to nationals of most other countries — costs USD 30 / USD 50 / USD 125 (approximately ₹2,700 / ₹4,500 / ₹11,250) for stays of 15, 30, or 90 days respectively, with multiple-entry validity. Indian passport holders are fully exempt from this fee structure.

How do Indian citizens apply for entry into Nepal step by step?

Indian citizens do not submit a formal visa application for Nepal. The entry process involves presenting a valid photo ID at the immigration counter on arrival. The entire process takes a few minutes. No advance appointment, online form, or fee payment is required.

1. Step 1 — Gather your identity documents. A valid Indian passport with at least six months of remaining validity is the preferred document. A valid Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India is also accepted. Carry the original document, not a photocopy.
2. Step 2 — Carry two recent passport-sized photographs. Two recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background) are required at the immigration counter. Get these taken at any photo studio before departure. Photographs must clearly show your face without glasses or headwear.
3. Step 3 — Book and carry proof of return travel. A confirmed return flight ticket or bus booking is required as proof of onward travel. Print or save a digital copy accessible without internet. Immigration officers may ask to see this at the counter.
4. Step 4 — Arrive at the entry point and approach the immigration counter. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the primary air entry point for travelers from India. Land borders such as Sunauli (Uttar Pradesh), Raxaul (Bihar), and Kakarbhitta (West Bengal) are also operational. Proceed to the immigration counter designated for Indian nationals.
5. Step 5 — Present your documents to the immigration officer. Hand over your passport or Voter ID card along with your photographs and return ticket. The officer will verify your identity and record your entry. No fee is collected from Indian nationals at this stage.
6. Step 6 — Receive your entry stamp and proceed. The immigration officer stamps your passport or records your Voter ID details. This stamp confirms your legal entry into Nepal. Retain this document throughout your stay, as hotels and trekking permit offices may ask to see it.

What documents do Indian travelers need to enter Nepal?

Indian travelers need a valid government-issued photo ID to enter Nepal. An Indian passport with at least six months of validity or a Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India are the two accepted documents. Two passport-sized photographs and a return ticket are also required at the immigration counter.

Which documents are required and what mistakes should Indians avoid?

Document	Specification	Where to Obtain	Common Mistake to Avoid
Indian Passport	Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended travel dates	Passport Seva Kendra, India	Carrying a passport with less than 6 months validity or with damaged pages
Voter ID Card (alternative to passport)	Valid card issued by the Election Commission of India; photo must be clearly visible	Election Commission of India / NVSP portal	Presenting a laminated card with faded photo or torn edges that obscure details
Passport-sized photographs	Two recent photos, 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months	Any photo studio before departure	Using old photos, incorrect size, or photos with coloured backgrounds
Return or onward ticket	Confirmed booking showing departure from Nepal	Airline website, bus operator, or travel agent	Carrying an unconfirmed itinerary or a ticket in someone else's name

What does Nepal entry cost an Indian traveler in 2026?

Indian nationals pay zero visa fees to enter Nepal in 2026. The bilateral treaty between India and Nepal removes all consular and visa charges for Indian passport holders. The only travel costs are personal expenses such as flights, accommodation, and optional travel insurance.

What is the full cost breakdown for an Indian traveling to Nepal?

Cost Component	Amount (INR)	Notes
Visa fee	₹0	Indian nationals are fully exempt from Nepal's tourist visa fee
VFS / BLS service charge	₹0	No visa application center visit required for Indians
Travel insurance (recommended)	₹500 – ₹2,500 approx per trip	Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage; not mandatory but strongly advised
Trekking permits (if applicable)	Varies by route	TIMS card and national park entry fees apply for trekking routes like Annapurna and Everest Base Camp
Flights (Delhi to Kathmandu, approx)	₹5,000 – ₹18,000 return	Varies by airline, season, and advance booking window
Total visa-related cost	₹0	No visa, no service charge, no courier fee for Indian nationals

For reference, non-Indian nationals pay USD 30 (approximately ₹2,700) for a 15-day Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival, USD 50 (approximately ₹4,500) for 30 days, and USD 125 (approximately ₹11,250) for 90 days, according to the Nepal Immigration Department's 2026 fee schedule.

Why do some Indian travelers face entry problems at Nepal immigration?

Indian travelers rarely face outright rejection at Nepal immigration, but entry delays and refusals do occur due to document issues. The five most common reasons are invalid identification, damaged documents, missing photographs, no proof of return travel, and carrying only a photocopy of the ID instead of the original.

What are the top five entry problems and how can Indians avoid them?

• Expired or near-expiry passport: A passport with less than six months of validity beyond the travel date is not accepted. Renew your passport at least two months before departure to avoid this issue.
• Damaged or illegible Voter ID card: A Voter ID card with a faded photograph or torn surface will be rejected at the immigration counter. Carry your passport as a backup if your Voter ID is in poor condition.
• Missing passport-sized photographs: Immigration counters at land borders and the airport require two recent photographs. Travelers who skip this step face delays while sourcing photos at the port of entry.
• No confirmed return ticket: Immigration officers may ask for proof that you intend to leave Nepal. A printed or digital confirmed return booking satisfies this requirement.
• Carrying only a photocopy of the ID: Photocopies of passports or Voter ID cards are not accepted as primary identification. Always carry the original document.

What special entry rules apply only to Indian nationals visiting Nepal?

Indian nationals hold a unique entry status in Nepal under the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. This treaty, the bilateral agreement between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of Nepal, grants Indian citizens visa-free access with no fee, no prior application, and no fixed maximum stay limit under standard tourist conditions.

The Nepal Immigration Department confirms that Indian passport holders and Voter ID card holders are both eligible for this exemption. No other nationality receives this treatment. Citizens of all other countries, including those from SAARC nations, must obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival or in advance.

Indian travelers planning extended stays beyond 150 days in a calendar year are advised to check current registration requirements with the local District Administration Office in Nepal, as long-term residency rules differ from short-term tourist entry.

What is the official source for Nepal's entry rules for Indians?

The Nepal Immigration Department publishes current entry rules, visa categories, and fee schedules on its official portal at immigration.gov.np. The tourist visa section of that portal lists fees for non-Indian nationals and confirms the exemption for Indian citizens. Tripstor's visa desk verified these details against the official source as of 2026.

Why is travel insurance important for Indian travelers going to Nepal?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for Indian nationals entering Nepal, but it is strongly recommended. Nepal's terrain includes high-altitude trekking routes where medical evacuation by helicopter can cost ₹2,00,000 or more. A standard travel insurance policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage for a relatively low premium.

What travel insurance coverage should Indian travelers buy for Nepal?

Indian travelers to Nepal should buy a policy with a minimum medical coverage of ₹25,00,000 (approximately USD 30,000). If trekking or adventure activities are planned, the policy must explicitly include high-altitude coverage, typically defined as activities above 3,500 metres. Standard policies from HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, and ICICI Lombard offer Nepal-specific or Asia travel plans that include this coverage.

Purchase travel insurance at the time of booking flights, not on the day of departure. Early purchase ensures coverage for pre-departure cancellations due to illness or family emergencies. Check whether the policy covers helicopter rescue, as this is the primary evacuation method on routes like the Everest Base Camp trek.

When should Indian travelers buy travel insurance for a Nepal trip?

Buy travel insurance on the same day you confirm your flight or hotel booking. Policies purchased early cover cancellation costs if your trip is called off before departure. Policies bought on the day of travel cover only in-trip events. For trekking trips, confirm adventure activity coverage before finalising the policy.

What are the official sources and bilateral agreements governing Nepal entry for Indians?

The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, signed in 1950, is the foundational bilateral agreement that grants Indian nationals visa-free access to Nepal. The Nepal Immigration Department, the government authority responsible for entry and exit rules, administers this exemption. Its official portal is immigration.gov.np.

The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, located at Barakhamba Road, New Delhi 110001, is the official diplomatic mission for Nepal in India. Indian travelers do not need to visit this embassy for tourist entry, but it handles long-term visa categories and official queries. The 2026 fee schedule for non-Indian nationals — USD 30, USD 50, and USD 125 for 15, 30, and 90-day stays respectively — was confirmed on the official Nepal Immigration portal and verified by Tripstor's visa desk as of October 2026.