All travellers

The Government of Nepal has recently removed the requirement for travellers to complete an Online International Travel Arrival Form. When flying to Nepal from or through the UK, you will however need to present certain documentation on arrival:

• A passport with at least six months’ validity
• A Covid-19 vaccination certificate or PCR negative test result taken no more than 72 hours before the flight of first departure. These requirements do not apply to children under the age of five. Technically we understand the rule for children applies up to and including 60 months of age. Given potential ambiguity to this rule and risk of airlines’ interpretation, you are advised to consider the requirement applies for children once they reach the age of five.
• If you are vaccinated you can apply for a visa on arrival at Online Services or complete documentation at the arrivals hall of Kathmandu Airport

You may also be asked to show proof of:

• A travel insurance document which covers health, immediate crisis, or rescue for the duration of your travel in Nepal
• Your initial hotel booking

Visas

You should be able to get a visa on arrival if you can prove your vaccination status.

People who have completed COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to entry to Nepal can get visas on arrival (you should bring proof of vaccination). Non-vaccinated people can also obtain visas on arrival, but – if unvaccinated, and aged five years old or over – must be able to show a negative PCR test completed no more than 72 hours before the flight of first departure. Requirements are updated by Nepal’s Department of Immigration, sometimes at short notice.

Overstaying your visa in Nepal is a serious crime, and can lead to significant fines or potentially imprisonment. For the latest information on visa fees/fines please check the Nepal Immigration website.

Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you submit your application for a visa. You should also ensure your passport is up to date, is valid for the entire length of your stay and that you have completed the emergency contact details page.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Medication

If you’re planning to take medication into Nepal, you should bring the prescription with you. For further details contact the Embassy of Nepal.

If you are symptomatic on arrival, you may be subject to testing; If you test positive, you will be required to quarantine in Government-provided facilities at your own expense.

The authorities now require your carrier to inform you of PCR requirements for flights to depart Nepal, too. You should check with your carrier before flying, and make appropriate arrangements.

Proof of vaccination status

Nepal will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

The Government of Nepal defines people who are fully vaccinated as those who have received full doses of an approved vaccine more than 14 days previously. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you must obtain a negative PCR test not more than 72 hours before your flight of first departure to enter Nepal, and should then be able to obtain a visa on arrival.

You are additionally required to submit the following documents when at the immigration entry point in Nepal:

• a passport with more than six months’ validity;
• a travel insurance document which covers health, immediate crisis, or rescue for the duration of your travel
• You should also be ready to show evidence of your initial hotel booking.

Unvaccinated people, or those unable to show that they have been fully vaccinated for at least fourteen days, may also subject be free antigen tests on arrival. This applies to all passengers aged five years old and over.

Requirements can change at short notice, so check with your carrier and/or look for official notices to make sure you are complying with entry requirements – see the Department of Immigration’s main site

Children and young people

Children under 5 years old do not require to be vaccinated or tested when arriving in Nepal. Unvaccinated older children are subject the same health protocols as adults.

If you’re transiting through Nepal

If you are transiting through Nepal on your way to another country and staying in the airport (airside) you will need:

• if unvaccinated, a certificate showing a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, taken within 72 hours of flight of first departure
• a visa or prior approval document for onward travel
• a travel insurance document which covers health, immediate crisis, or rescue for the duration of your travel

Exemptions

The Department of Immigration has provided fuller information on their notice on their main site.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

If you are visiting Nepal, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you submit your application for a visa. You should also ensure your passport is up to date, is valid for the entire length of your stay and that you have completed the emergency contact details page.