The Nepalese government has announced that the ban on issuing on-arrival visas to foreign visitors will be lifted. More than 30% of Nepalese citizens have received vaccinations, as well as nearly the tourism industry’s entire workforce. Nepal has a very low number of new COVID-19 cases, indicating that the quarantine for fully vaccinated tourists can be lifted. Visitors with or without complete vaccination will be required to complete a PCR test report no more than 72 hours prior to leaving Nepal, as well as an on-the-spot rapid antigen test and receive a negative result before being allowed entry.

If they test positive for COVID-19 during the antigen test before being assigned to an entry point, they will be subjected to quarantine as specified in the international traveler online arrival form on the government website. Foreigners must undergo an antigen test at the hotel if no antigen test is available at the immigration point or airport, according to new rules. They will be allowed to leave the hotel once the hotel or the traveler has completed the testing process and received negative results.

Non-vaccinated and partially vaccinated visitors must obtain entry permits from Nepali diplomatic missions or embassies in their home countries, as well as spend 10 days in government-approved hotels. If they test positive for COVID-19 during the antigen test before being assigned to an entry point, they will be subjected to quarantine as specified in the international traveler online arrival form on the government website.

Travelers to Nepal are not required to pass through quarantine:

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the tourism industry. There hasn't been a country that hasn't been affected.

It's great news for travelers who have been cooped up in their homes for a long time and want to get out and explore again. Finally, the Nepalese government has decided to issue on-arrival visas to foreign tourists, and the best part is that fully vaccinated travelers with a negative PCR taken 72 hours prior to departure will not be required to isolate and stay in quarantine. New rules have given tourism entrepreneurs and employees renewed hope for the industry's resurgence.

COVID-19 and the pandemic effect:

The 2019 pandemic virtually shut down the entire world, putting people out of work and crashing even the most powerful businesses around the world. Although the economic impact of COVID-19 cannot be estimated, the entire world suffered socially, financially, mentally, and physically.

Long-term lockdowns in almost every country around the world aided in containing the virus's spread. On the other hand, it was resulting in a severe economic downturn. Nepal, too, was not spared from the pandemic's consequences. Lockdowns were gradually lifted, one by one, in each country.

Nepal, too, lifted the ban and began issuing visas to foreigners, albeit with stringent health protocols and mandatory quarantine at the time. The second wave of the corona virus, however, brought everything back to a complete halt for the second time.

After a four-month hiatus, Nepal's government issued an order on September 23, 2021, based on the Infectious Disease Act, to provide international travelers with on-arrival visas without having to undergo quarantine. However, a new strain of the virus (Omicron) caused a temporary ban on travel to Nepal.

It was clear that entering Nepal was not as simple as it had been in the pre-COVID era, as visitors were required to follow a number of health protocols. However, with only a few immigration requirements, traveling has become as simple as it was before the corona virus pandemic.

Requirements for obtaining a visa for Nepal upon arrival:

• All international travelers must provide documentation demonstrating that they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to leaving their home country.

• Travelers should also bring a negative PCR test report that is no more than 72 hours old from the time they check in for the flight.

• At immigration entry points, all foreign tourists must take a mandatory antigen or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

• A certified copy of the government's legal permission (in case travelers are entering Nepal for mountaineering, trekking or other similar activities).

• A copy of their Nepal hotel reservation.

• The travelers will also be required to bring a printed copy of the International Traveler Online Arrival Form. On the government's website, you can find this form.

• Non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers will not be granted on-arrival visas unless they obtain entry permits from Nepali diplomatic missions. They must also spend 10 days in quarantine at their own expense in government-designated hotels.

• After registering at ccmc.gov.np, a printed copy of the International Traveler Online Arrival Form was obtained.

• Non-resident Nepalis visiting family members or foreigners married to Nepali citizens must submit the documents listed above in order to obtain an on-arrival visa. When a negative PCR test report is presented, those arriving in Nepal for emergency purposes are allowed to proceed to their destination and are subject to isolation according to health protocols.

• The government of Nepal has approved exceptions to the visa-related documents for diplomatic and international organization personnel, as well as their family members, in order to obtain on-arrival visas at entry/exit points.

• Minors under the age of five do not need to be vaccinated or tested. Vaccinations are not required for children aged 5 to 18, but they must follow the same procedures as adults.

• The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation can provide more information.

• Please check current conditions before traveling to land border entry/exit points.

Are there any health-screening procedures in place at airports and other entry points?

Yes. At airports and other points of entry, health screening procedures are in place, and usually consist of a Rapid Antigen test or a stay at a hotel. Please see the Nepal Tourism Board's traveler information sheet (JPG 111 KB).

Restrictions on movement:

Within Nepal, there are no restrictions on movement. There is a lot of public and private transportation available. Passengers, on the other hand, are required to avoid crowds and adhere to strict guidelines in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Penalties may be imposed if local orders are broken. 

In the Kathmandu valley, public transportation and personal vehicles, including taxis, are permitted but must adhere to strict COVID protocols. In many places, additional restrictions are still possible. Before you travel, please contact us to inquire about local conditions.