🇳🇵 Nepal visa for Japan citizens

Nepal offers visa-free entry for 30 days to citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia. For everyone else, you'll likely need to arrange a visa beforehand or get one on arrival, depending on your nationality.

Who Gets In and How

Most Western travellers can just show up. Citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, no pre-application needed. Just have your passport, a photo, and the fee ready.

A decent number of other countries also qualify for a visa on arrival, often for 30, 60, or 90 days. Think countries like China, Russia, and Singapore. If you’re from a country not on these lists, or if you prefer to have it sorted before you fly, you'll need to apply for a visa at a Nepali embassy or consulate in your home country. Some nationalities are also subject to pre-approval, so it's always best to check the latest immigration notices.

How Long Can You Stay? The Fine Print.

The standard tourist visa gets you 30 days. You can extend this for up to 150 days per calendar year by visiting the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. They'll want your passport, a photo, and the extension fee, which is typically around $2-$3 USD per day. Trying to leave without an exit stamp in your passport can cause headaches. Make sure immigration officials stamp you out when you depart, even if you're just hopping to India or China for a few days and plan to return. Nepal has a double-entry rule for tourist visas. This means if you leave and come back within your visa period, it counts as a new entry. Be mindful of this. Overstaying is a bad idea. Penalties are steep: $3-$5 USD per day for the first 30 days overstayed, and then it jumps to $5-$7 USD per day after that, plus you’ll likely be banned from re-entering for a period.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp?

This is where things get murky. Technically, working on a tourist visa is not permitted. However, enforcement is… let’s say, inconsistent. Many digital nomads spend months in Nepal working from cafes in Thamel or lakeside spots in Pokhara without issue. The authorities are generally more focused on visa overstays than on monitoring someone's laptop activity. That said, don't expect official support for remote work. You won't be able to get a business visa for this kind of setup, and you're operating in a legal grey area. If you plan to stay long-term or set up a more permanent base, look into the Nepal specific visa or other options, though these are complex and often require local sponsorship.

What's New in Nepal's Visa Game?

Nepal has been rolling out an eVisa system for certain nationalities, aiming to streamline the application process. This means you might be able to apply and pay for your visa online before you travel, potentially saving time at the airport. Fees have seen some adjustments, with the standard 30-day visa costing around $30 USD. Always check the official Department of Immigration website or your local embassy for the absolute latest on fees, required documents, and any changes to visa policy. They've also expanded the list of countries eligible for visa on arrival in recent years, making it easier for more people to visit.