Sharp 37% Drop in Nepali Visitors to the U.S.

Despite the number of Nepali visitors arriving in the United States in August being the highest of the current year, it still marks a 37% decline compared to August of last year. Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce indicates that 5,879 Nepali nationals entered the U.S. as visitors in August.

The monthly visitor numbers for the current year are as follows: July (3,846), June (3,151), May (3,873), April (2,553), March (2,480), February (1,873), and January (4,051). Compared to the same months last year, the number of Nepali visitors has seen a consistent monthly drop ranging from 11% to 37% between January and August. This downward trend appears to have started in December 2024.

For several months starting in April 2021, the number of Nepali visitors to the U.S. showed growth when compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. This growth trend continued until August 2024. While the numbers for the following three months were roughly similar to the previous year, the decline began in December.

The Department of Commerce data classifies as “visitors” those who stay in the U.S. for more than one night and fall under specific visa categories. The count is determined based on the number of I-94 arrival/departure records issued. As a result, this data does not distinguish between first-time entrants and those who are returning after a trip outside the U.S.

The count generally includes travelers on B-category (visitor) visas, F and M-category (student) visas, I-category (media) visas, and E-category visas. Non-immigrant visa categories for temporary work are not included in this figure, and it covers arrivals through all types of transportation and all ports of entry.

The month of August traditionally sees a higher number of Nepali visitors to the U.S. compared to other months. In August 2024, 9,339 Nepali visitors arrived, which was the highest monthly figure not only for that year, but also for any month in history. Similarly, in August 2023, there were 6,010 Nepali visitors, and in August 2022, there were 4,937, with both months being the high points for their respective years.

The total number of Nepali visitors entering the U.S. in 2024 (January to December) was 48,525, which was the highest annual count to date. In the first eight months of the current year (2025), the total stands at 27,706. For context, the annual totals for previous years were: 42,472 in 2023, 30,116 in 2022, 18,436 in 2021, and 8,134 in 2020 (a sharp drop attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic).