Entry requirements – Nepal travel advice
This page reflects the UK Government’s understanding of the current rules for travel from the UK by persons holding a full “British Citizen” passport, which apply to the most common types of travel.
The Nepalese authorities formulate and enforce entry rules.
All passengers
visa
If you can prove your vaccination status, you should be able to get a visa on arrival.
People who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before entering Nepal can obtain a visa on arrival (you should bring proof of vaccination). Unvaccinated people can also get a visa on arrival, but if unvaccinated and over 5 years old, they must be able to demonstrate a negative PCR test completed no more than 72 hours before their first flight. The Nepal Immigration Department sometimes updates the requirements within a short period of time.
Overstaying a visa in Nepal is a serious crime that can result in hefty fines or possible jail time. Check the Nepal Immigration website for the latest information on visa fees/fines.
passport expiry date
When submitting your visa application, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
UK emergency travel document
UK Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is accepted for entry, transit and exit from Nepal with a valid visa.
If you get an ETD in Nepal for leaving Nepal, you will need to get an exit visa stamp from the Kathmandu Immigration Office.
Yellow Fever Certificate Requirements
Check if you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
drug
If you plan to take medication in Nepal, you should carry your prescription with you. For more details, please contact the Nepalese Embassy.
When flying to Nepal from or via the UK, you will need to present certain documents:
- Passport valid for at least six months. Those certified vaccinators can obtain visas on arrival. Unvaccinated people must have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the first flight. These requirements do not apply to children five years of age or younger.
- Travel insurance document to cover health, emergency crisis or rescue during travel
- The barcode generated from the online application of the online international travel arrival form. see ARMS-DIMS
• You should also be prepared to show evidence of your original hotel reservation.
If you develop symptoms upon arrival, you may need to be tested; if you test positive, you will be required to isolate in a government-provided facility at your own expense.
Requirements may change at short notice, so check with your carrier and/or check official notices to ensure you meet entry requirements – see the Department of Immigration’s main website.
Authorities also now require your carrier to inform you of the PCR requirements for flights departing from Nepal. You should check with your carrier before flying and make appropriate arrangements.
You should not use the NHS testing service to test to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private exam.
Proof of vaccination status
Nepal will accept COVID-19 recovery certificates and vaccination records issued by the UK in the Crown Dependencies and COVID-19 vaccination certificates. Your last dose of vaccine must be given at least 14 days before travel. The NHS appointment card you get from a vaccination centre is not intended to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to certify your vaccination status.
If you are not fully vaccinated
The Government of Nepal defines a fully vaccinated person as someone who has received a full dose of an approved vaccine more than 14 days ago. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must obtain a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before your first flight to Nepal before you can obtain a visa on arrival.
At the immigration entry point in Nepal, you will also need to submit the following documents:
- Passport valid for more than six months;
- Travel insurance document to cover health, emergency crisis or rescue during travel
- A printed copy of the Online Arrival Form for International Travellers obtained after registering with ARMS-DIMS online. You should also be prepared to show evidence of your original hotel reservation.
People who are not vaccinated, or who cannot prove they have been fully vaccinated for at least fourteen days, may also receive a free antigen test on arrival. This applies to all passengers over the age of five.
Requirements may change at short notice, so please check with your carrier and/or check official notices to ensure you meet entry requirements – see the Department of Immigration’s main website
children and adolescents
Children aged 5 and under do not need to be vaccinated or tested upon arrival in Nepal. Unvaccinated older children follow the same health protocols as adults.
If you are transiting through Nepal
If you are passing through Nepal and staying at the airport (airside) on your way to another country, you will need:
- If unvaccinated, proof of a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken within 72 hours of the first flight
- Visa or prior approval document for continued travel
- Travel insurance document to cover health, emergency crisis or rescue during travel
- The barcode generated from the online application of the online international travel arrival form. see ARMS-DIMS
exempt
The Department of Immigration has more complete information on its notices on its main website.
Check your passport and travel documents before travelling
If you are visiting Nepal, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you submit your visa application.
Back to the UK
Check what you must do to return to the UK