This page will provide you with information on visa, exchange rates, travel expenses, and how much Nepalese money can buy goods and services

Nepal Visa Information

Visa can easily be obtained from the Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate office located in your region. If you have left your home country and/or you don't have time to visit the Embassy,  you can obtain visa from the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu or from any other entry point in Nepal. Make sure to bring a few sets of your passport size photos. Visa fees are inexpensive.

Recent Immigration News

Jan 4, 2007: Kathmandu, Nepal - Nepal's government will stop issuing visas-on-arrival to nationals of four African countries, including Nigeria, a foreign ministry official said in the capital, Kathmandu. Nepal Foreign Ministry Spokesman Yadav Khanal told media on Wednesday that the Immigration Department had sent circulars to all Nepalese diplomatic missions to inform nationals of Ghana, Nigeria, Swaziland and Zimbabwe that they must obtain entry visas from Nepalese embassies before traveling to Nepal. "Nationals of Ghana, Nigeria, Swaziland and Zimbabwe will not be given entry visas at the airport or immigration posts along the border. This will affect all people holding ordinary passports," Khanal noted. He also said this was to curb "suspicious activities allegedly carried out by nationals of the four countries while in Nepal." According to reports, Nigerians and nationals from the three other countries have been arrested on several occasions in Nepal trying to smuggle illegal drugs. They are also accused of committing other serious crimes.

Immigration Offices in Nepal

One can apply for tourist visa upon arrival in any of the following immigration offices located in the country. List of offices with telephone numbers:

• The fee for a Single Entry Tourist Visa to Nepal for 60 days is US $60 or equivalent foreign currency
• Additional $50 grants Multiple Entry Visas
• Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum of 150 days. Visa extension free for 30 days is US $ 30
• To apply for visa, you will also need a valid passport, and two passport size photos
• Business Visa fee is US$ 100 for one year with multiple re-entry and US$ 250 for five years with multiple re-entry.

Contact for Department of Immigration

Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone 977-1-4223590 | 4222453 | 4223681 | 4221996 | 4224757
Fax 977-1-4223127 Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: http://www.immi.gov.np/

About Nepali Money

Nepalese Rupees (in short Rs or NRS ), Traveler's Cheque, Visa Card , Master  Card and other international cards are accepted in Nepal. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shopping centers. Travelers' cheques are also accepted at banks, hotels and prominent shopping centers. Nepalese money notes have interesting sizes and colors.

Exchange Rates

Your country's currency will not be accepted in business transactions in Nepal.
Hence your money will have to be exchanged with Nepalese Rupees. The rate of exchange varies from day to day and is decided by the Central bank of Nepal. The following table only gives you an idea about how much your money might be worth in Nepal. If your currency is not listed in the table, try this useful currency converter tool

Exchange Rates as of May 16 2006 Source: Nepal Rastra Bank

Visit the website of Nepal Rastra Bank for latest exchange rates.

Foreign Currency can be exchanged at any bank or at exchange centers for a nominal service charge. Several dedicated exchange counters are located in Thamel streets, some of which are open till late mid-night. Remember, it is illegal to exchange currency with uncertified agent such as a person.

Denomination of Nepalese Rupees are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 1000, the most popular is 1000 and 100. When traveling away from the cities keep the changes. Changing a 1000 note can be burden some in remote areas where business trading is minimal. So carry lots of notes of tens, and hundreds.

Banks and ATM

ATM machines are open 24 hours, accepting international as well as local cards are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Banks can also offer American Express Traveler's cheques and currency exchange services. Most banks are open from 9a.m. to 5p.m.

VAT and Tourism Tax

You will be required to pay value added tax (VAT) and Tourism tax on your invoice where applicable. (e.g. hotel bills, restaurants, etc. VAT is 10%, and Tourism Tax is 2% of the total bill

How much to carry for your trip ?

This greatly depends on what you wish to do in Nepal and on your choice for accommodation and dining. Use the following estimation to create your budget.  Where you eat, shop, stay, and the level of comfort and luxury you choose will determine your final cost.