Nepal allows foreign nationals to extend their tourist visa for up to a maximum of 150 days per calendar year, commonly referred to as the Tourist Visa 150 Days Extension in Nepal. This rule is governed by the Immigration Act 2049 (1992) and the Immigration Regulations 2051 (1994) of Nepal.
The Department of Immigration (DoI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs manages all tourist visa extension matters in Nepal. Whether you entered Nepal on a 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day tourist visa, you can apply for an extension at designated immigration offices before your current visa expires.
What Is the Tourist Visa 150 Days Extension in Nepal?
The 150-day tourist visa extension rule in Nepal means that a foreign national can stay in Nepal as a tourist for a maximum cumulative period of 150 days within one calendar year (January to December). This does not mean you automatically receive 150 days. You must apply for extensions in stages, and each extension is granted at the discretion of the Department of Immigration Nepal.
The total 150-day period includes:
- Your initial visa duration (15, 30, or 90 days)
- All subsequent extensions approved within that calendar year
For example, if you enter Nepal on a 30-day tourist visa, you can apply for extensions totaling up to 120 additional days, bringing your total legal stay to 150 days within that calendar year.
Legal Framework Governing Tourist Visa Extension in Nepal
Nepal’s immigration system operates under two primary legal instruments:
- Immigration Act 2049 (1992): This Act grants the Department of Immigration the authority to issue, renew, and cancel visas for foreign nationals entering Nepal.
- Immigration Regulations 2051 (1994): These Regulations specify the types of visas, extension procedures, applicable fees, and penalties for overstaying.
Under Section 10 of the Immigration Act 2049, a tourist visa can be extended subject to the payment of prescribed fees and fulfillment of conditions set by the Department of Immigration. The Government of Nepal has the authority to amend visa fees and extension conditions through gazette notifications.
You can verify current regulations directly on the Department of Immigration Nepal official website.
Who Is Eligible for a Tourist Visa Extension in Nepal?
Any foreign national holding a valid Nepali tourist visa is eligible to apply for an extension, provided:
- Their current tourist visa has not yet expired
- They have not exceeded the 150-day annual limit
- They do not hold a restricted area permit violation record
- They can show sufficient financial proof for continued stay
- They are not subject to any immigration restrictions or deportation orders in Nepal
Citizens of India do not require a visa to enter Nepal and are therefore exempt from this extension process. Citizens of China can also visit Nepal visa-free under bilateral agreements for short stays.
Nepal Tourist Visa Extension Fee Structure
The Department of Immigration Nepal charges a fee for each day of extension beyond the initial visa period. The fee structure as currently prescribed is detailed below:
| Extension Period | Fee Per Day (USD) | Equivalent NPR (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to first 30 days extension | USD 3 per day | NPR 400 per day (approx.) |
| Beyond 30 days up to 150 days | USD 5 per day | NPR 665 per day (approx.) |
| Overstay Fine (per day) | USD 3 per day | NPR 400 per day (approx.) |
Note: NPR equivalent may vary based on current exchange rates. Fees must be paid at the immigration office at the time of application. Payment is typically accepted in USD or NPR equivalent.
A minimum extension of 15 days is usually processed, even if you need only a few extra days. You should always apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid overstay fines.
Types of Tourist Visas Issued in Nepal
Nepal issues tourist visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and designated land border crossing points. The available tourist visa categories are:
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 15 Days | USD 30 |
| Tourist Visa | 30 Days | USD 50 |
| Tourist Visa | 90 Days | USD 125 |
All three types are extendable up to the 150-day maximum within a calendar year, subject to the payment of extension fees and approval by the Department of Immigration.
Documents Required for Tourist Visa Extension in Nepal
You must submit the following documents when applying for a tourist visa extension at the Department of Immigration Nepal:
- Valid Passport (original + photocopy of bio-data page and current visa page)
- Completed Visa Extension Application Form (available at the immigration office or downloadable from the DoI website)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (white background, 35mm x 45mm)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, traveler’s checks, or cash equivalent)
- Travel insurance documents (recommended, not always mandatory)
- Hotel booking confirmation or proof of accommodation in Nepal
- Onward travel ticket or proof of departure from Nepal
- Payment receipt of the applicable extension fee
Some immigration offices may request additional documents depending on your nationality or circumstances. It is advisable to carry all original documents along with photocopies.
Step-by-Step Process for Tourist Visa Extension in Nepal
Follow these steps to extend your tourist visa in Nepal:
- Visit the Department of Immigration at Maitighar, Kathmandu, or a regional immigration office in Pokhara, Bhairahawa, or Birgunj before your visa expires.
- Collect the visa extension application form at the front desk or download it from immigration.gov.np.
- Fill in the application form accurately with your personal details, passport number, current visa details, and intended extension period.
- Attach all required documents including passport copy, photos, and accommodation proof.
- Submit your application at the designated counter and receive a token number.
- Pay the prescribed fee at the payment counter in USD or NPR equivalent.
- Wait for processing. Same-day processing is generally available. Extension is usually stamped in your passport within a few hours.
- Collect your passport with the new visa extension stamp and verify all details before leaving the office.
Where to Apply for Tourist Visa Extension in Nepal
You can apply for a tourist visa extension at the following locations:
- Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Kathmandu (Main Office) — immigration.gov.np
- Immigration Office, Pokhara — For travelers in the Gandaki Province region
- Immigration Office, Bhairahawa (Siddhartha Nagar) — For travelers in Lumbini Province
- Immigration Office, Birgunj — For travelers near the Indian border
- Immigration Office, Kakarbhitta — For eastern Nepal region travelers
The Department of Immigration in Kathmandu is the primary and most efficient office for processing tourist visa extensions, especially for complex cases or extensions beyond 90 days.
Consequences of Overstaying a Tourist Visa in Nepal
If you stay beyond your authorized visa period without obtaining an extension, you are subject to an overstay fine of USD 3 per day as prescribed under the Immigration Regulations 2051. Overstaying your visa in Nepal can also lead to:
- Detention at the immigration office until fine payment is completed
- Blacklisting and denial of future Nepal visas
- Deportation at your own expense
- Ban on re-entry into Nepal for a specified period
- Complications at border crossings when exiting Nepal
You must pay all overstay fines before you are allowed to leave Nepal. Immigration authorities at Tribhuvan International Airport and land border checkpoints verify visa validity upon departure.
Practical Considerations for Tourist Visa Extension
- Always apply for an extension at least 3-5 days before your current visa expires to allow time for processing and to avoid accidental overstays.
- The 150-day limit resets each calendar year (January 1 to December 31). If you exit Nepal and re-enter in a new calendar year, the 150-day count starts fresh.
- Multiple entries are allowed on a tourist visa, but the cumulative stay within a calendar year cannot exceed 150 days.
- Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny or requirements. Always check with the Department of Immigration Nepal for the latest requirements.
- Trekking permits such as TIMS and ACAP/MCAP permits are separate from your visa and must be obtained independently through the Nepal Tourism Board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I extend my Nepal tourist visa beyond 150 days?
No. The maximum permissible stay for tourists in Nepal is 150 days per calendar year under the Immigration Regulations 2051. Extensions beyond 150 days are not granted under the tourist visa category.
2. How much does it cost to extend a tourist visa in Nepal for 30 days?
Extending a tourist visa for 30 days costs USD 3 per day, totaling USD 90 for a 30-day extension. Fees beyond 30 days increase to USD 5 per day.
3. Where do I apply for a tourist visa extension in Nepal?
You apply at the Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Kathmandu, or regional offices in Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Birgunj, or Kakarbhitta. The official website is immigration.gov.np.
4. Does the 150-day limit reset if I leave Nepal and re-enter?
Yes. If you exit Nepal and re-enter in a new calendar year (after January 1), the 150-day counter resets. However, re-entry within the same calendar year does not reset the counter.
5. What happens if I overstay my tourist visa in Nepal?
You must pay an overstay fine of USD 3 per day. Severe overstays can result in deportation, blacklisting, and denial of future visas to Nepal under the Immigration Act 2049.
6. How long does the tourist visa extension process take in Nepal?
Tourist visa extensions in Nepal are generally processed same-day at the Department of Immigration. Processing typically takes two to four hours depending on the volume of applicants.