The number of foreign nationals overstaying their visas in Nepal has steadily increased, with Chinese and U.S. citizens topping the list. According to Nepal’s Department of Immigration, 54 U.S. citizens were deported in 2024 for overstaying their visa duration, making them the second-largest group after Chinese nationals.
In the same year, 141 Chinese citizens were sent back to their home country for similar violations, marking the highest number of deportations for visa overstays. Nepal, a popular destination for tourists, trekkers, and spiritual seekers, has seen a growing trend of foreign nationals failing to comply with visa regulations.
The Immigration Department reported that Bangladeshi citizens ranked third, with 51 individuals deported in 2024, followed by 30 Pakistani and 27 British nationals who were also sent back for overstaying their visas.
Nepal offers various types of visas to foreign nationals, with the tourist visa being the most common. Tourist visas are typically issued for 15, 30, or 90 days, with a maximum stay of 150 days allowed in a calendar year. Travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or other entry points. To extend their stay, travelers can visit immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara with the required documents, including a passport, recent photograph, and the applicable fee.
Failure to extend a visa before its expiration incurs a fine of USD 3 per day, with more severe consequences like deportation or re-entry bans in serious cases, according to the Department of Immigration of Nepal.
The Immigration Department has urged foreign nationals to strictly adhere to visa regulations and extend their visas on time to avoid penalties. However, intentional overstays remain a significant issue. Authorities have noted an increase in foreign nationals, some allegedly involved in criminal activities in their home countries, using Nepal as a hideout. This trend has raised concerns about the enforcement of immigration laws and the monitoring of foreign visitors.
Nepal’s lenient visa policies and its allure as a cultural and natural haven continue to attract millions of visitors annually. 121,800 foreign tourists visited Nepal in March 2025, according to the latest statistics released by the Nepal Tourism Board.
Leading the list of arrivals in March was India, with 21,412 tourists making their way to Nepal. China followed closely in second place, contributing 11,443 visitors. The United States secured the third spot with 11,012 American tourists exploring Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and heritage sites. Other notable countries included Sri Lanka, with 8,886 visitors, and the United Kingdom, with 5,995 tourists.
The Nepal Tourism Board’s report further noted that the first three months of 2025 have been exceptionally strong for the tourism sector, with a cumulative total of 298,000 foreign visitors arriving in the country. January saw 79,900 tourists, while February welcomed 96,800 travelers, including 10,348 from the United States.
Over a year has passed since Nepal’s Department of Immigration introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, designed to streamline the visa process for foreign nationals. This initiative allows tourists to apply for visas online from anywhere in the world, aiming to eliminate the need to visit Nepali embassies or endure long queues at airports.
Yet, despite its potential, the system’s effectiveness has been questioned, as revealed in an interview with Anup Neupane, Director of the Information Technology Section at the Department of Immigration. Additionally, specific guidance for U.S. citizens and details about the ETA process shed further light on its implementation and challenges.
Since its inception, the Department of Immigration has received 29,796 ETA applications but has directly approved only 1,865. Meanwhile, Nepali embassies and missions abroad have processed a significant number of ETA applications, totaling 12,069 approvals, which travelers use to enter Nepal. Unlike in the past, embassies no longer issue physical visa stickers, relying entirely on the ETA system. However, the low approval rate at the department level has sparked concerns about the system’s efficiency.
According to Neupane, the absence of an international card payment facility is the main obstacle. Applicants outside Nepal struggle to pay fees directly to the department, with the 1,865 approvals facilitated through travel agencies that handle revenue payments. This limitation has created a bottleneck in the process, undermining the ETA’s goal of convenience.
Launched to attract more tourists, the ETA has had mixed results. It has eliminated the need to send blank visa stickers to embassies, a cumbersome pre-ETA task. Travelers now arrive with ETA approvals, but Neupane notes that without online payment integration, the system falls short of its potential. “If we could offer this facility, it would be far more effective,” he says.
While formal tourist feedback is lacking, the ETA has removed the need for embassy visits and airport queues. Thailand leads in ETA usage, according to department records. Neupane believes that adding payment options would further boost its appeal to foreign visitors.
The department is working on online revenue collection, a process guided by the Office of the Comptroller General. “We are arranging for online revenue payments through ETA,” Neupane assures, though technical hurdles mean it will take time to implement fully.
For U.S. citizens planning to visit Nepal, obtaining an ETA before travel is recommended. It simplifies entry, ensuring a smoother experience upon arrival, according to Nepal Immigration. The ETA, electronically linked to the passport upon approval, serves as proof of authorization and may need to be presented to officials. It typically allows multiple entries within its validity period—up to six months—depending on regulations, as noted in FAQs from Nepali embassies.
For travelers from visa-on-arrival-eligible countries like the U.S., an ETA isn’t mandatory, but it expedites the process at immigration desks, offering significant convenience compared to past delays. The U.S. Department of State warns that obtaining a visa on arrival can take hours, with land travelers responsible for their own documentation. Non-compliance risks severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
The ETA itself is not a visa but converts into one upon arrival. Travelers present it—digitally or via their passport—at immigration, where it is scanned, verified, and transformed into a printed visa affixed to the passport. If the ETA expires before travel, a new one is required.
U.S. citizens crossing by land must carry new U.S. dollar bills (post-2003, in good condition) to pay visa fees, as credit cards and other currencies are not accepted. At land borders, 24-hour service is available for those on foot, though travelers from India should be prepared for cash-only payments.
The ETA allows applications at travelers’ convenience, a feature that could elevate Nepal’s tourism sector if paired with an efficient payment system. “If foreigners don’t need to visit embassies, it’ll encourage more visits to Nepal,” Neupane says. The department’s strategy involves fast-tracking online payments to make the ETA a seamless entry tool, potentially transforming Nepal’s appeal to global travelers.
Support NepYork – Your Nonprofit News Media for the Nepali Community
NepYork, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the Showcase of Nepalis in New York, delivering timely local news and vital resources on immigration, housing, taxes, health, business, and more. Our mission is to safeguard community journalism, amplify the voices of Nepali immigrants in NYC, and foster understanding, solidarity, and empowerment.
By donating to NepYork, you help us enhance participation in democracy, improve access to essential resources, and share authentic stories that reflect the vibrant, diverse experiences of Nepali New Yorkers. Together, we can connect, inform, and empower our community. Every contribution ensures these voices are heard and valued.
Donate today to keep Nepali stories alive and thriving in New York!
Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist based in Kathmandu. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks in Nepal.
