New tourist visa rules for Nepal wef February 2009

All visas are valid for multiple entry.   At Kathmandu airport and land border crossing points visa fees may be paid in US dollars or equivalent convertible currency.   At the London embassy fees are payable in pounds sterling (shown in brackets) and are valid for 6 months from the date of issue.   The visa date starts from the date of entry into Nepal.  

15 days:  US$ 25 (£20) 

30 days:  US$ 40 (£35) 

90 days:  US$ 100 (£75)

Visa extension fee for 15 days or less:  US$ 25 + $2 per day 

Visa extension fee for 16 - 30 days:  US$ 40 + $ 2 per day

Visa extension fee for 31 - 90 days:  US$ 100 + $2 per day

A tourist visa may be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (Jan - Dec).   This rule applies to one long visit or the total duration of several visits.

A 1 day transit visa (US$ 5) is available at Kathmandu airport on production of a departure ticket for the next day.

Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)

Trekking permits are now required only for remote districts such as Kanchenjunga, Mustang and Humla.   But for the morepopular areas a TIMS card is now required.   This is obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or the Trekking Agents' Association of Nepal (TAAN).   Two passport photos are required.   If you get your own TIMS card from these offices there is no fee (but these offices are only open Mon - Fri).   If your trekking agent obtains your TIMS card there is a fee of NR 100 per person and this can be issued on the spot.   From 15 March 2010 the fees for a TIMS card are changing.   It will cost US$ 10 if obtained through an agent and US$ 20 if you get your own card. 

Current political situation

The 10 year civil war between the Nepalese Moaoist party and the government came to an end in 2006 and elections for a constituent assembly were successfully held in April 2008.   The first motion passed by the Assembly was the resignation of the King and declaration of a republic.   The Narayanhiti palace has become a national museum.   The Maoist party gained the largest number of votes but do not have an outright majority and a new constitution has still not been formulated.   There has been considerable disruption to proceedings by the Terai Madhesi and Tharu parties.   There are many street demonstrations and strikes, particularly in Kathmandu, organised by many political parties and interest groups.   For the latest Foreign Office information and advice go to www.fco.gov.uk.

Tourist visitor numbers fell dramatically from 1999 but, with the restoration of peace in the country, Nepal is warmly welcoming its visitors with its traditional hospitality and friendliness.   As elsewhere prices for food and fuel are going up and tourist services will cost more in future.   For many years Kathmandu has suffered from shortages of water, fuel, electricity and waste disposal facilities.

Airport departure taxes

All international tickets  now include the departure tax formerly payable at Kathmandu airport.  A departure tax is still payable on all domestic flights and is usually NR 170 per flight.