A Comprehensive Guide to Immigration Law in Nepal: Types, Visa Requirements & Exemptions

Immigration law in Nepal governs the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals within its territory. Administered primarily by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs, this legal framework aims to regulate cross-border movement while ensuring national security, public order, and the rights of both citizens and foreigners. The key legal instrument governing immigration in Nepal is the Immigration Act, 2049 (1992), supported by the Immigration Rules, 2051 (1994) and various ministerial directives and policies.

Under Nepalese law, all foreigners must obtain valid visas or permits to enter, reside, work, or travel within the country. The law categorizes visas into different types such as tourist, study, business, residential, diplomatic, and non-tourist visas, each with its own eligibility criteria and permitted duration. Immigration officers are empowered to monitor compliance, grant or refuse entry, and take enforcement actions such as deportation for violations like overstaying, illegal work, or engagement in activities contrary to visa terms.

Nepal’s immigration law also includes provisions for blacklisting and banning re-entry of individuals who breach visa conditions. With growing international mobility and tourism, the law continues to evolve to balance Nepal’s openness with the need for legal oversight and control over foreign presence in the country.

Types of Visa

1. Diplomatic Visa

Eligibility: Holders of diplomatic passports recommended by their country’s diplomatic mission and deemed eligible by Nepal's government, including family members.

Validity: Extendable for the duration of the assignment.

2. Official Visa

Eligibility: Non-diplomatic staff of diplomatic missions, UN staff, consultants under government agreements, and attendees of official events.

3. Tourist Visa

Eligibility: Foreign tourists.

Validity: Up to 150 days per visa year.

4. Study Visa

Eligibility: Foreigners (and family) approved to study, teach, or research in Nepal.

Conditions:

• Must show financial proof (min. USD 3,000/year for self, USD 2,000 for family).
• Exceptions for SAARC students, government scholars, etc.

Validity: 1 year at a time; extendable based on academic progress.

5. Non-Tourist Visa

Eligibility: Various categories including:

• Aid workers
• Journalists
• NGO staff
• Foreign spouses and relatives of Nepali citizens
• Investors conducting feasibility studies
• Long-term visitors not covered under tourist or study visas

Validity: Up to 1 year; renewable.

6. Business Visa

Eligibility:

• Foreign investors in Nepali industries/trade
• Exporters from Nepal
• Buyers placing export orders

Validity: Up to 5 years; extendable.

7. Transit Visa

Eligibility: Travelers passing through Nepal or in emergency landings.

Validity: 1 day.

8. Non-Residential Nepalese Visa

Eligibility: Foreign citizens of Nepalese origin and their families for residence, study, or business.

Validity: Up to 10 years; renewable.

9. Residential Visa

Eligibility:

• Internationally reputed persons
• Contributors to Nepal’s development
• Investors (min. USD 100,000)
• Individuals wanting to reside without working

Conditions: Proof of spending at least USD 20,000 annually for non-investors.

Visa Issuance and Renewal Authorities

According to Rule 12 of the Immigration Rules 2051, the responsibility for issuing and renewing different types of visas is designated as follows:

• Diplomatic Visa: Primarily issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, for stays up to 30 days, Immigration Officers or Nepalese Missions abroad may also issue the visa.
• Official Visa: Also overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with short-term visas (up to 30 days) being issuable by Immigration Officers or Nepalese Missions.
• Tourist Visa: Entry visas for 15, 30, or 90 days are issued by Immigration Officers. The Director General is responsible for extending and managing these visas.
• Study Visa: Both issuance and renewal are handled by the Director General.
• Non-Tourist Visa: May be issued by Nepalese embassies, permanent diplomatic missions, or the Director General, depending on the applicable clause under Rule 8.
• Business Visa: The authority to issue and renew lies with the Director General.
• Transit Visa: Granted directly by Immigration Officers.
• Residential Visa: Initially approved by the Department of Immigration, based on approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Renewals are handled by the Department.
• Non-Residential Nepalese Visa: Issued by Nepalese Missions abroad or the Director General, subject to approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Renewals are processed by the Department of Immigration.

Visa Fees

1. Diplomatic Visa: Free.

2. Official Visa: Free.

3. Tourist Visa:

• 15 days: $30
• 30 days: $50
• 90 days: $125
• Extension: $3/day (min 15 days), late fee $ 5/day, +$25 for multiple entry.

4. Non-Tourist Visa:

Categories include:

1. Working Visa: Requires labor permit & ministry recommendation.

Fee: $30–$75/month depending on employer type.

2. Press Visa: For journalists and dependents.

Fee: $15/month.

3. Relation Visa: For those with blood or marital ties to Nepali citizens.

Fee: $10–$25/month.

4. Marriage Visa: For foreign spouses of Nepali citizens.

Fee: $15/month (free for some under special regulations).

5. Study Visa: $15–$75/month depending on program and nationality.

6. Business Visa: $50/month.

• For investment >NPR 100M: $20/month, $200/year, $500/5 years.
• ≤ NPR 100M: $35/month, $400/year, $1000/5 years.
• Free for NPR 1B investment

7. Non-Residential Nepali (NRN) Visa: Free.

8. Residential Visa: Fee: $1,200/year for investors; proof of $20,000/year expenses for retirees.

9. Transit Visa: $5.

10. Reciprocity Visa (For U.S. Citizens)

Categories:

• Tourist: 5-year visa, 180 days/year limit – $160
• Study: 5-year visa – $160
• Working: 3-year visa – $190
• Press: 5-year visa – $160

Gratis (Free) Visa Categories

• Children under 10 (except U.S. citizens)
• SAARC citizens (30 days for first visit/year; Afghans need special approval)
• NRN card holders
• Chinese nationals (150 days/year tourist visa)

Exemption from Visa Fees in Nepal

Foreign nationals may be exempted from paying visa fees under the following circumstances:

1. Diplomatic and Official Visa Holders
2. Government-Related Events
   • Participants in conferences, trainings, meetings, or assemblies organized by:
     • The Government of Nepal,
     • Government-owned bodies,
     • The United Nations,
     • Regional organizations, or
     • International institutions.
3. Renowned Foreign Nationals
4. Reciprocal Agreements: Citizens of countries that offer reciprocal visa fee exemptions to Nepali citizens.
5. Foreign-Born Children of Nepali Parents

   Children under 16 years of age with a foreign passport, if both parents or one parent is a Nepali citizen.

6. Nepali-Origin Foreign Citizens

   Individuals of Nepali origin who have received a passport for the first time from a Nepali foreign mission, until they leave Nepal.

7. Scholarship or Government-Approved Programs

   Persons entering Nepal under a scholarship or participating in a government-approved program, Or those exempted by international agreements with the Government of Nepal.

8. Flight Cancellations

   Travelers unable to leave Nepal due to flight cancellations, for the duration until their next available flight.

9. Uncontrollable Circumstances

   Foreigners forced to overstay beyond the visa period due to unavoidable or unforeseen circumstances, as regularized by immigration under Rule 29(1).

In conclusion, Nepal’s immigration law provides a structured and comprehensive framework for managing the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals. It categorizes visas into several types based on purpose, ensuring flexibility while maintaining legal control. The Immigration Act, Rules, and supporting policies empower authorities to monitor compliance, enforce visa regulations, and promote national security. Fee structures and exemptions reflect both international reciprocity and domestic priorities. By balancing hospitality with oversight, Nepal’s immigration law adapts to global mobility trends while safeguarding national interests, making it a vital instrument in regulating foreign presence and supporting lawful international engagement.