How to get visa for Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan?

Before traveling to Nepal, Tibet, or Bhutan, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months. Tour operators pre-arrange permits for these destinations, so you must send a clear passport copy in advance.

Nepal Tourist Visa

The easiest way to obtain a Nepal tourist visa is on arrival, but you can also apply in advance. There are three ways to get a Nepal visa:

  1. On Arrival: At Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or at land border crossings with immigration offices.
  2. Nepalese Diplomatic Missions: Apply at Nepalese embassies or consulates abroad before traveling.
  3. Land Border Crossings: Available at official entry points.

If you obtain your visa from a Nepalese diplomatic mission, you must enter Nepal within six months of the issue date. Your stay is counted from the day you enter Nepal.

Requirements:

  • Latest passport-size photos are technically no longer required as there are new machines that take a photo of you, however it's best to carry your passport-size photos.
  • Nepal Visa fees:
    • USD 30 for 15 days (multiple entry)
    • USD 50 for 30 days (multiple entry)

Tibet Permit & Visa

Tibet requires special travel permits and visas. Depending on your route, you will need different visa types:

Tibet Tourist Visa from Nepal

  • No China visa is required for Nepal to Tibet travel.
  • You must be in Kathmandu at least three working days before departure to obtain a Tibet Group Visa (TGV).
  • The tour operator will arrange your visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
  • Confirm travel dates before booking flights.
  • Provide your next destination after Tibet, as it must be listed on the permit.
  • Tibet Group Visa fees are extra and payable in Kathmandu.
  • Carry a latest passport-size photo for visa processing.

Tibet Tourist Visa from China

  • Apply for a China visa in your home country before traveling.
  • Provide a passport copy for booking; the visa can be submitted later.
  • If required, the travel operator will provide an invitation letter for your visa application.
  • Provide arrival and departure cities for Tibet permit processing.
  • Flight to Lhasa: Stay at least one night in China so the permit can be delivered to your hotel.
  • Train to Lhasa: The Tibet permit will be sent 4-15 days beforehand. Print two copies for boarding.

Bhutan Tourist Visa

Tourists cannot apply for a Bhutan visa independently. It must be arranged by a licensed Bhutanese travel agency or its partner tour operators in Nepal.

Steps to Obtain a Bhutan Visa:

  1. Confirm your Bhutan tour itinerary with the travel agency.
  2. Make an advance payment for the tour package and visa fee.
  3. Submit a clear scanned copy of your passport’s photo page.
  4. The tour operator will process your visa through the Tourism Council of Bhutan and Department of Immigration.
  5. Once approved (within a week), you will receive a visa clearance letter via email.
  6. Present the visa clearance letter at check-in and at Bhutan's immigration entry point.
  7. The immigration officer will stamp your Bhutan visa in your passport upon arrival.

The visa clearance letter includes essential travel details such as your name, nationality, passport number, visa number, travel dates, and tour operator information. However, only the stamped visa guarantees entry into Bhutan.

For hassle-free visa processing, coordinate with your travel operator and ensure all required documents are submitted on time.