Govt relaxes visit visa rules, dollar requirement scrapped

Kathmandu, Nov 1 : The government has simplified the rules for visit visas, removing several existing requirements through a Ministry of Home Affairs-level decision.

The Department of Immigration (DoI), in a press conference on Friday, announced that travelling abroad on a visit visa has been made more convenient.

Travellers will now need only a passport valid for at least six months. Entry permission from the destination country is required only where applicable; countries offering on-arrival visas do not require prior authorisation. 

Passengers must also hold a return air ticket, carry documents supporting the purpose of their visit, and provide a self-declaration accepting responsibility for any consequences arising from their travel, the Department stated.

Previously, travellers applying for visit visas were required to show a minimum of USD 500, present a round-trip air ticket, provide advance hotel bookings, or submit a sponsor’s certificate. The Department has confirmed that these obligations have now been scrapped.

A high-level study and review committee was formed to address longstanding issues in immigration and visit visa administration. The committee recommended safeguarding the fundamental rights of Nepali citizens as enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring freedom of movement, and curbing malpractice previously associated with visit visas.

The committee also suggested revising the six-point standard currently in place to promote good governance and professionalism in immigration administration. Following these recommendations, the department has annulled various previous provisions related to visit visas, including the six-point standard implemented from January 24, 2024. 

The new regulations take effect immediately, said Director General for the Department Ram Chandra Tiwari. The department has urged Nepali citizens to plan their journeys confidently and independently, without influence from agents or mediators, and to remain fully informed about their travel arrangements.