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Passport/Visa & Permit Requirements for Indians in Nepal in 2024

 

Indians often finalise on Nepal as their vacation destination, owing to numerous reasons. Being an international trip, the first question that arises during planning is if there is a requirement of Nepal visa for Indians. 

With many Indians opting to visit Nepal, it is crucial to properly understand the visa or passport requirements, along with the necessary documents, entry permits, and travel insurance. Furthermore, having a good understanding of Nepal's immigration rules for Indians is important, especially since they are unique compared to other countries.

Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit Nepal?

No, Indian passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Nepal. It is important to note that citizens from most other nations must have a visa to enter Nepal. This exception is only extended to Indian citizens.

However, Indians are required to carry proper credentials issued by the Government of India, the Election Commission of India, etc.

Is Visa on Arrival/e-Visa Available in Nepal for Indians?

No, since Indian travellers do not require a visa to travel to Nepal, the need for an e-visa or Nepal visa on arrival for Indian also becomes redundant.

Indians can simply travel to Nepal with their passport or other applicable documents which are mentioned later in this article to gain entry to the country, be it the immigration centre at Kathmandu airport or elsewhere.

Do Indians Need Passport for Nepal?

Yes, Indians travelling to Nepal need passport to enter the country. However, tourists who do not possess a valid Indian passport can produce a few other documents instead to enter the country. These documents are mentioned below in this article.

Documents Required for Indian Citizens to Enter Nepal by Air

While Nepal visa requirements for Indian citizens is redundant, the undermentioned documents must be carried by Indians to gain entry.

  • Any photo-identity proof issued by Central/State/UT authorities.
  • A voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India.
  • Emergency Certificate issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

The following Nepal entry requirements for Indian citizens should also be noted carefully.

  • Indians aged above 65 years or below 15 years can enter Nepal by producing a photo-identity proof like PAN card, driving license, ration card, etc.
  • Indians between the age group of 15 and 18 years can enter Nepal using their Identity Certificate issued by the principal of their academic institution.

Documents Required if You Enter Nepal from India by Road

Indian citizens entering Nepal by road with their own vehicle need to submit the following documents, along with their proof of citizenship, at the Nepal border. 

  • Registration certificate of the vehicle

  • Vehicle insurance paper in original with stamp

  • Driving license 

  • Any government ID card like a passport, voter ID, or Aadhar card

  • A Yaatayaat Anumati or vehicle permit

  • A Bhansar or customs permit 

You are required to pay customs duty to avail of the Bhansar permit. You can get the application form from the customs counter at the border check post (1).

Things to Know Before Travelling to Nepal from India by Your Own Vehicle

  • You can enter Nepal with your Indian registered vehicle like car and bike by paying a Custom Duty. 

  • Indian registered vehicles can stay in Nepal for up to 30 days in a calendar year. It’s not allowed to stay more than 30 days in total in a year, even with payment of charges.

  • Remember to register at the Nepalese border check post to obtain a ‘Day Pass/Challan’. 

  • For visits beyond the nearest town or overnight stays, vehicles must register and pay charges between NRs.100 to 500 per day depending on the vehicle type. 

  • Vehicles with a specific duration pass must exit Nepal before the pass expires but can re-enter with a new pass, within the 30-day annual limit.

  • To extend your pass, you must approach the nearest Nepalese Customs Office before the current pass expires.

  • You should carry the Pass/Challan at all times, for inspection by authorities and surrender it to Nepali Customs upon exit.

  • Vehicles on a ‘Day Pass’ must return to India the same day and return the Pass to Nepal Customs upon exit. 

  • If you drive within Nepal without a valid pass, you might encounter harsh legal actions including seizure, confiscation, and auction by Nepal Customs.

  • Vehicles can visit the nearest Nepali municipal area/market for a day without paying Customs duty.

What is Nepal Entry Fee for Indian Citizens?

You do not need to pay any entry fee to enter Nepal from India by air, provided that all entry requirements for Indian citizens are fulfilled. However, a customs duty fee is required to get the Bhansar permit if you drive your own vehicle into Nepal.

The price for the Bhansar permit is ₹93 or NPR 150 per day for motorcycles and ₹312 or NPR 500 per day for cars. 

*The fees are subject to change. It is recommendable to check the government website for the latest details.

List of Nepal Embassy and Consulate in India

Embassy/Consulate City Official Site
Embassy of Nepal New Delhi https://in.nepalembassy.gov.np/
Consulate General of Nepal Kolkata https://ccu.nepalconsulate.gov.np/

List of Indian Embassy and Consulate in Nepal

Embassy/Consulate City Official Site
Embassy of India  Kathmandu  https://www.indembkathmandu.gov.in/ 
Consulate General of India  Birgunj  https://www.cgibirgunj.gov.in/ 

How Long Can Indians Stay in Nepal Without a Visa?

As an Indian visiting the country by air or by road, you can stay in Nepal indefinitely for any length of time. Even though you do not require Nepal visa for Indians, you should keep it in mind to register yourself with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu after 6 months of stay.  

However, if you enter Nepal by road with your Indian registered vehicle, you will be allowed to stay in Nepal for up to 30 days total in a year.

Documents Required for Indian Citizens Travelling to Third Country from Nepal

Indian nationals must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Embassy of India in Kathmandu to travel to a third country from Nepal. The following documents are required to issue the NOC:

  • Original passport and a photocopy

  • Original Indian Registration Certificate issued by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, and a photocopy

  • Copy of flight ticket and valid visa

  • Two passport-sized photographs

Applicants must submit these documents in person at least three working days before their departure. The consular fee for issuing the NOC is NPR. 2940. However, an NOC is not required for Indian air passengers transiting through Nepal.

Is it Mandatory to Buy Travel Insurance for Nepal?

No, Nepal immigration rules for India do not require Indians to have a travel insurance policy in place to gain entry in the country. However, availing a travel insurance policy is mandatory for those visiting the country for trekking. 

These policies typically cover medical expenses extending to hospitalisation charges, even if it was caused while enjoying an adventure sport. The loss of luggage is typically reimbursed under these plans, along with the application for lost passports. 

With convenient customer service that is available at all times, even on national holidays, these plans are quite economical as well, starting at a premium of ₹474 (including 18% GST) for one adult for a sum insured of $50,000.

Having a travel insurance policy does not just help in financially coping with the unforeseen expenses which might come up while travelling to Nepal; it also helps with immediate assistance during the emergency. This even extends to flight delays and other similar issues which might come up while on travel. These policies can be especially helpful while in a foreign country which is unknown to the tourists.

Benefits of Digit’s Travel Insurance

Check out the below mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance for Nepal:

Adventure Activities Covered :

Our coverage includes activities such as bungee jumping, sky diving, etc. (provided the duration is one day).

Smartphone-enabled claims process:

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Missed Call Facility:

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Immediate Monetary Compensation for Flight Delays:

If your flight is delayed for more than 4 hours, we give you an immediate compensation of ₹500-1000.

Worldwide Support:

We’ve partnered with the world’s largest health & travel insurance network Allianz, to support you seamlessly across the globe. T&C apply*

FAQs about Visa/Passport/Permit Requirements for Indian Passport Holders in Nepal

Is Nepal visa free for Indians?

Yes, Nepal is visa-free for Indian nationals. 

Is age an important criterion while deciding the premium of a travel insurance policy?

Travel insurance policies also have provisions for medical coverage. As a result, age becomes a vital criterion while deciding the premium of a travel insurance policy. However, generally, there is no requirement of any physical check-up before approval of such insurance policies.

Can I use my Aadhaar card as a valid Government-issued ID proof to enter Nepal?

While Aadhaar card is Government-issued ID proof, it is not a valid document for Indians to enter Nepal. Instead, Indians must carry any of the documents which have been listed above in the article.

Can I visit Nepal without a passport?

Yes, you can visit Nepal without a passport, but you must provide other necessary documents including an original Voter ID card with photo, vehicle registration certificate if drive your own vehicle and other documents. You can go through the article for detailed information.

Do I need to carry my passport to Nepal?

Yes, you can carry your passport to Nepal. If you do not have one, you can carry other documents as mentioned in the article.

Can I enter Nepal with an Aadhaar card?

No, an Aadhaar card is not accepted in Nepal for entry permit. Other documents like PAN card, driving license, Indian embassy registration, etc. are also not accepted.

Do I need passport for domestic flight in Nepal?

No. Though Indian need passport to visit Nepal, it is not required to travel via domestic flight in the country.

How much visa cost for Nepal from India?

Since Indian citizens can travel to Nepal without a visa, so visa fee is not applicable.

What is the best time to visit Nepal?

The months of March to May are considered the best time to visit Nepal.

Can Indian vehicles enter Nepal?

Yes, Indian registered vehicles can enter Nepal by acquiring the Bhansar permit from the customs counter at Nepal border check post. To get the permit, you will require to fill in a form and pay a custom duty at the counter. Also, you must provide some necessary documents like vehicle registration certificate, driving license, vehicle insurance, PUC certificate and your proof of identity. 

Is INR accepted in Nepal?

Yes, while Indian Rupees (INR) are widely accepted in Nepal, it’s advisable to exchange your currency in Kathmandu before starting your trip to the Himalayan country. Nepal’s central bank has banned ₹500 and ₹2,000 notes. Only ₹100 notes are accepted at some places.

Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival?

No, if you are from India, you do not need visa-on-arrival to visit Nepal.

How much does a trip to Nepal cost from India?

Generally, budget travelers can expect to spend around ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per day on accommodation, food, and local transportation. For a more comfortable trip, including mid-range hotels and additional activities, the cost may range from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per day. So, on an average a 7-day trip to Nepal from India for an individual can cost around ₹25,000.