New tourist visa rules for Nepal wef 16 July 2008

All visas are valid for multiple entry.   Visa fees may be paid in US dollars or equivalent convertible currency.

15 days:  US$ 25

30 days:  US$ 40

90 days:  US$ 100

Visa extension fee for 15 days or less:  US$ 30

Visa extension fee for more than 15 days:  US$ 2 per day

A tourist visa may be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (Jan - Dec)

3 day transit visa no longer available

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.   The Narayanhiti palace will become a national museum.   The Maoist party gained the largest number of votes but do not have an outright majority and a government has still not been formed.   There has been considerable disruption to proceedings by the Terai Madhesi party.   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.

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.