KATHMANDU, Oct 31: The government has enforced new guidelines for visit visas, removing the earlier provision that required travelers to carry a mandatory amount of US dollars. According to the updated rule, a passport with at least six months of validity will now be sufficient to obtain a visit visa.
The government enforced a new set of guidelines governing visit visas, replacing the previous six-point standard that had been in effect since January 24, 2024. The decision to introduce the new provision was made at the ministerial level following a proposal from the Department of Immigration, and it came into effect immediately.
The Department of Immigration (DoI) announced the new measures during a press conference held on Friday. According to the department, all previous provisions, including the six-point guideline and other visit visa-related regulations issued at different times, have been nullified. The DoI emphasized that the new framework is aimed at simplifying the visa process, curbing unnecessary hassles, and minimizing the influence of intermediaries who have reportedly been exploiting travelers.
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“The new provision will be effective from today. We urge all Nepali citizens to travel with full awareness of their destination and purpose, and to avoid being influenced by brokers or middlemen,” the DoI stated in its notice. It also requested all local governments and district administration offices to disseminate information about the updated guidelines to the public.
In recent months, travelers and stakeholders had raised concerns that the previous guidelines made document preparation cumbersome. Many applicants complained that intermediaries were charging exorbitant fees under the pretext of arranging required documents. Responding to these grievances, the DoI decided to revise the standards to make the process more transparent and efficient.
Under the new guidelines, Nepali citizens traveling abroad on a visit visa must carry a passport valid for at least six months, a valid visa for the destination country, confirmed air tickets up to the destination, and necessary documents proving the purpose of travel. Additionally, travelers are required to submit a self-declaration affirming that they possess all necessary documents and accept full responsibility for the outcomes of their journey.
The earlier six-point guideline, by contrast, had required travelers to present both-way air tickets, hotel bookings, and a three-generation family record if staying with relatives. The government’s latest move aims to balance traveler convenience with regulatory oversight, ensuring both security and accessibility in the visa process.
Officials from the immigration department said the new rule seeks to make the system more citizen-friendly while discouraging the growing influence of travel agents and intermediaries who often mislead or overcharge applicants. The DoI reiterated that Nepali travelers should directly contact official agencies and follow verified procedures to avoid potential fraud and travel complications.
