The Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok has clarified that India is the only country whose citizens can enter Nepal without a visa, setting the nation apart from all other foreign travellers. The announcement, published as general visa guidance, confirms that nationals of every other country must secure a valid visa before arriving in the Himalayan nation.
India's Unique Visa Exemption
According to the embassy notice, citizens of India are exempt from the visa requirement entirely. This exemption is rooted in the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which established an open border arrangement between the two countries. Under this agreement, Indian and Nepali citizens have historically enjoyed the freedom to travel between the two nations without passports or visas, a relationship that has no parallel elsewhere in Nepal's foreign policy framework.
For all other nationalities, regardless of passport strength or bilateral ties, a valid visa is mandatory before entering Nepal. The embassy notice makes clear that this applies broadly to all non-Indian nationals travelling to Nepal for tourism purposes.
Digital Visa Application Process
For those who do not qualify for visa-free access, Nepal requires all applications to be submitted digitally through its official immigration portal. Applicants are directed to select the visa option from Nepali Missions, then choose their nearest Nepalese embassy, such as the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok, before proceeding with the application steps.
The standard visa category for visiting foreigners is the Tourist Visa, which is issued as an entry visa. The embassy notice emphasizes that this process is mandatory for all non-Indian nationals.
Nepal to Launch Full E-Visa System
In a related development, Nepal is set to fully launch its e-Visa system on August 17, 2026, marking a major step in digitising entry procedures. The new process would allow travellers to apply online and receive their visa by email, reducing wait times and easing queues at immigration checkpoints.
This move aligns with the broader digital transformation of Nepal's immigration system, which already requires online applications for most visitors. The e-Visa system is expected to streamline the process further, making it more efficient for travellers from all countries except India.
