Nepal Visa for Indians 2026: Complete Entry Requirements Guide

No. Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Nepal, whether travelling by air or by land. This visa-free arrangement reflects the unique bilateral relationship between India and Nepal and has been in place for decades.

Instead of a visa, Indian citizens must present one of two officially accepted identity documents at the immigration checkpoint on arrival. There is no online application, no visa fee, and no pre-approval required. The entry process is handled entirely at the immigration counter.

The table below summarises the key entry conditions for Indian nationals travelling to Nepal in 2026.

Indian nationals must present one of the following two documents at Nepal immigration. Both are accepted at Tribhuvan International Airport and at land border crossings.

The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi confirms that Indian nationals travelling by air should carry either a valid Indian passport or an Election Commission of India voter ID card. The Nepal Tourism Board also lists both a valid national passport and the Indian election card as acceptable identity documents for Indian travellers.

Carrying a passport is recommended. Tribhuvan International Airport immigration advises that Indian citizens who travel with a passport can benefit from quicker arrival approval compared to those presenting a voter ID.

Use the checklist below before you travel. Carry originals, not photocopies, for all mandatory documents.

The entry process for Indian nationals is straightforward. Follow these five steps whether you are arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at a land border crossing such as Sunauli or Raxaul.

Confirm you are carrying a valid Indian passport or your original Election Commission of India voter ID card. If you are travelling with children under 18, also pack their birth certificate and school identity card. Minors travelling without both parents should carry a notarised parental consent letter and the absent parent's ID proof.

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or a land border post, you may be asked to complete an arrival card. Fill in all details accurately — name, nationality, purpose of visit, accommodation address, and onward travel details. Errors or blank fields can cause delays at the counter.

Go to the immigration counter designated for Indian nationals. Present your chosen identity document — passport or voter ID — to the immigration officer. The officer will verify your identity and travel details. Travelling with a passport is advised, as it can facilitate quicker arrival approval.

Once your documents are verified, the immigration officer will grant entry into Nepal. If you are using a passport, you will typically receive an entry stamp. There is no separate visa issuance process for Indian citizens — the stamp or acknowledgement at the counter is your entry clearance.

After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage reclaim if arriving by air, or exit the border post if arriving by land. Keep your identity document accessible throughout your stay in Nepal, as you may be asked to present it at hotels, trekking permit offices, or other checkpoints.

There is no official visa fee or entry fee for Indian citizens entering Nepal. The table below breaks down the costs associated with the entry process.

Although Indian citizens do not need a visa, Nepal immigration officers retain the right to refuse entry. The following are the most common reasons for refusal and how to avoid each one.

Presenting an expired Indian passport, a damaged voter ID, a photocopy instead of the original, or an unaccepted document such as an Aadhaar card will result in entry being denied. Aadhaar is explicitly not accepted as a travel document for Indian nationals entering Nepal. Always verify that your chosen document is valid and in good physical condition before you travel.

Nepal immigration requires a birth certificate for Indian minors travelling to Nepal, and a school identity card for children below 18 travelling with parents. If a minor is travelling with only one parent or with a guardian, the absence of a notarised consent letter from the other parent or legal guardian can lead to entry refusal. Carry all required documents for every child in your group.

Immigration authorities can refuse entry to individuals flagged as a security risk or those with a known criminal record. This is rare but possible. If you have any outstanding legal matters, seek advice before travelling.

If an immigration officer suspects that your stated purpose of visit is not genuine, or if you have a history of overstaying in other countries, entry may be denied. Be prepared to clearly state your purpose of visit and present a confirmed return ticket and accommodation proof if asked.

In exceptional circumstances — such as a declared public health emergency — Nepal may impose health declarations or vaccination requirements as a condition of entry. This is not a standard requirement as of 2026, but travellers should check for any current health advisories from Nepal's Department of Immigration before departure.

Because Indian citizens do not enter Nepal on a visa, there is no formal visa extension process for them. The freedom of movement arrangement between India and Nepal means Indian nationals can generally stay for extended periods, provided they continue to hold a valid identity document.

If you intend to stay for a prolonged period or have a specific purpose such as employment or study, it is advisable to contact Nepal's Department of Immigration directly to confirm any applicable requirements.

For reference: foreign nationals (non-Indian) who enter Nepal on a tourist visa on arrival can stay for a maximum of 90 days and may apply to extend their stay up to 150 days in a visa year through Nepal immigration authorities, subject to applicable rules.

Travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement for Indian citizens visiting Nepal. However, it is strongly recommended, particularly given Nepal's remote Himalayan terrain and the potential cost of medical evacuation from high-altitude trekking areas.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy for Nepal should ideally cover the following:

Several Indian insurance companies offer travel insurance plans that cover international trips to Nepal, including ICICI Lombard, HDFC ERGO, Bajaj Allianz, and New India Assurance. Compare policies carefully, paying attention to coverage limits, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and the claims process. Always read the full policy document before purchasing.

Foreign nationals other than Indian nationals generally require a Nepal tourist visa. Nepal offers tourist visas on arrival to eligible foreign travellers at Tribhuvan International Airport and at designated immigration entry points. Tourist visas on arrival can be valid for a maximum of 90 days and may be extended up to 150 days through Nepal immigration authorities, subject to applicable rules.

Non-Indian travellers should check current visa fees, eligibility, and required documents directly with Nepal's Department of Immigration or the nearest Nepalese embassy before travel.

Always verify entry requirements with official sources before you travel, as rules can change. The following are the primary official contacts for Nepal immigration information.