us visit visa nepal

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

भाषा परिवर्तन : Change to Nepali

Apply for a U.S. Visa

• Bank and Payment Options
• Form DS-160 Information
• Appointment Wait Times
• Photos and Fingerprints
• Visa Waiver Program
• Security Regulations
• Apply for a Visa
• Pay My Visa Fee
• Complete My DS-160
• Schedule My Appointment
• Track My Passport
• Apply for an Expedited Appointment
• Interview Waiver & Visa Renewal
• Application Refused Under INA 221(g)
• Immigrant Visa Information
• K Visa Applicants
• Expedited & Medical Hold Cases
• Health Workers and Employment-Based Immigrant Visa
• Reschedule My Immigrant / Diversity Visa Appointment
• Check My Immigrant Visa Petition Status
• Immigrant Visa Wait Times
• Travel Coordinator
• Group Appointments
• Diplomatic and Government Officials
• Applicants under 14 years of age or age 80 and over
• U.S. Embassy
• Passport/Visa Collection Locations and Drop-off Locations
• Bank Locations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Holidays and Closures
• Rights and Protections
• Helpful Links

You are here: Home / Interview Waiver & Visa Renewal

Interview Waiver & Visa Renewal

On this page:

Eligibility Criteria

How to apply.

In an effort to improve customer service, the U.S. government allows certain nonimmigrant visa applicants to apply for visas without an interview under the Interview Waiver. This process is not for first-time applicants. It is only for certain applicants applying for visas and some restrictions also apply.

Please check the Website  RedBanner  for the latest information on Interview Waiver eligibility criteria.

If you are applying for a B, F, H-1, H-4, J, non-blanket L, M or O category visa, please first create a profile, proceed with your application, and print 2 copies of the interview-waiver confirmation letter to submit to one of the six document delivery centers if you meet the following qualifications as applicable.

INTERVIEW WAIVER ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS:

Before you answer “YES” to the below statements, please ensure that your situation meets the criteria. The statements below help determine your eligibility to submit an application through the interview waiver process. They do not guarantee that a visa will be issued. After a review of your application, a consular officer will determine whether or not you are required to appear for an interview or if your visa can be issued without an interview. If you are found to be not eligible for a visa without an interview, your application will be refused under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act pending your appearance at a visa interview.

Renewal of B, F, H1B, H4, J, non-blanket L, M and O visa in the same category:

• I am currently present in Nepal;
• I am a Nepali citizen, or I have been a resident of Nepal for at least the previous 6 months;
• I am renewing my visa;
• I am applying for the same visa class;
• My visa is still valid, or I am applying within 48 months of my previous visa's expiration date;
• I was previously interviewed for a visa on or after January 1, 2008;
• My last visa was “multiple” entry (it should read as “M”);
• My last visa was issued for full term;
• My most recent prior application in this category resulted in an issued visa;
• My most recent visa has never been revoked, lost, or stolen;
• My name, date of birth, nationality, and place of birth are the same on both applications (current and previous) or I can provide evidence of the reason for the change;
• On my previous visit to the United States, I did not overstay my authorized time;
• On my previous visa, I did not apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) while in the United States.

Interview Waiver Applications for previously issued F, H1, H4, J, non-blanket L, M and O visa; applying for new visa category:

• I am a Nepali citizen, or my usual place of residence is Nepal;
• I have been issued a previous U.S. visa in a visa category other than a B Visa;
• My visa is still valid, or I am applying within 48 months of my previous visa's expiration date;
• I have not been refused in any visa category during my last visa interview at the U.S. Embassy;
• On my previous visit to the United States, I complied with all immigration laws and regulations;
• I am applying for a visa in the J category, and box 4 of my DS-2019 states one of the following:  Secondary or university student, professor, research scholar, short-term scholar, or specialist. If box 4 states any other category, including Alien Physician, then you are  not  eligible to submit an interview waiver application.

Interview Waiver Based on Age:

Applicants for a B1/B2 visa may also apply for a visa without requiring an interview if they meet the below criteria:

• I am applying after my 80th birthday; or
• I am applying before my 14th birthday; and
• Both of my parents hold valid B1/B2 visas, or, One or both of my parents are applying for their visa renewal; and I am applying together for the same visa class;

My age was below 14 when the last visa was issued. I am applying for visa now and I am still under 14 years of age

If your answer is “ YES ” to the above questions, you may be eligible to apply for the interview waiver. Please drop off your passport along with the listed documents as outlined below at your pre-selected document delivery center. You do not need to schedule an appointment to come to the U.S. Embassy unless a consular officer asks you to do so.

• Interview waiver confirmation letter.
• Current passport that has a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. (all categories)
• Passport containing most recently issued U.S. visa
• The DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application confirmation sheet (all categories)
• Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt; Cash Deposit Receipt if paid in cash at NIMB Bank Branch, or the payment transaction detail downloaded from connectIPS after EFT payment
• One photograph taken within the last six months (conforming to the guidelines on  this webpage ). In the vast majority of cases, YOU MAY NOT SUBMIT THE SAME PHOTOGRAPH THAT APPEARED ON YOUR LAST VISA. Failure to submit a valid photograph will delay the processing of your case.
• Copy of I-20 and original transcript (F1/F2, M1/M2)
• Original DS-2019 (J1/J2)
• Copy of valid visa in the same visa class for both parents if the applicant is a child under 14 years of age applying for a B category visa.
• If your name, date of birth, nationality, or place of birth has changed since your prior application, provide evidence of the reason for the change.
• Supporting documentation (photo copy) required for your  visa type

Additional documents for the Petition based  (H and L) applicants:

• Copy of petition papers (I-129, I-797 notice of approval)
• Employment contract
• For H-1B applicants, submit Labor Condition Application (LCA)
• For H-4 applicants, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, wedding photos, etc.).

Note:  Children under 14 years of age must submit a photocopy of both parents’ passport biographic information page, both parents’ valid U.S. visa, and a copy of the child’s birth certificate. If the parents do not hold U.S. visas, the children are not eligible for the interview waiver for B visa categories.

Please note  that eligibility for interview waiver does not guarantee a visa issuance nor does it guarantee that the interview will be waived. Although your interview may be waived, you may still be required to appear for fingerprint scanning. Any necessary notification will be made via the email address listed in your DS-160 online application.

Determine your visa type by reading  Common Nonimmigrant Visas . Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items. Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.

Be sure to also review the  Visa Waiver Program . If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you do not need to apply for a visa if you are traveling for business or pleasure and will only be staying in the Unites States for 90 days or less.

The next step is to complete the  DS-160 Form . Be sure to read the  Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form  carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you need assistance, please consult an immigration lawyer or translator. The call center cannot help you complete your DS-160. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.

Once you have determined the correct visa type and completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa fee. The  visa fee page  lists the visa types and correlating visa fee in U.S. dollars and local currency.

To pay your visa fee, read the  Bank and Payment Options  page. This page explains how to make your visa fee payment. You will create a profile and must keep your receipt number to book your visa appointment.

Now you will need to  log in  to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.

Click on Schedule Appointment on the left-hand side menu.

This will start the process for scheduling your appointment. You will need:

• Your current passport.
• The receipt number from your Visa Fee receipt. Click  here  if you need help finding this number.
• The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.

Deliver your interview-waiver visa application to a  Team CGI Document Drop-Off Center . Bring the second copy of your document checklist with you. A Team CGI employee will review your document checklist before accepting your application for delivery to the U.S. Embassy.

Note: Failure to submit the above documents as per the described criteria will delay the processing of your case.

If any additional information is needed to complete the processing of your case, you will be informed by email. If your application is approved, your passport and visa will be delivered for pickup to your selected Document Collection center you specified when you scheduled your interview. Details on passport delivery are available on  this webpage .

When your passport is available at the selected location you will receive an email that your passport is “Ready for Pick Up”. 

© CGI Federal Inc.

• NIV Information
• NIV Application
• Immigrant Visas
• Local Visa Programs
• General Information

गृह मन्त्रालय

अध्यागमन विभाग.

कालिकास्थान, काठमाडौँ

• पर्यटक भिषा

पर्यटक भिषा 2074-10-18

पर्यटक भिषा अध्यागमन कार्यालय, त्रि. अ. बि. तथा बिदेश स्थित नेपाली दूताबास तथा कुटनैतिक नियोगबाट प्राप्त गर्न सकिन्छ भने पर्यटक भिषाको म्याद थप गर्ने कार्य अध्यागमन बिभागको पर्यटक भिषा शाखाबाट हुने गर्दछ।

१.​ शाखाबाट प्रवाह हुने सेवाहरु:

(क) पर्यटक भिषाको म्याद थप (१५० दिन भित्रको) (ख) भिषाको प्रकार परिवर्तन (अन्य भिषाबाट पर्यटक भिषामा परिवर्तन गर्ने)

२.  आवश्यक कागजातहरु: (क) पर्यटक भिषाको म्याद थप गर्न आवश्यक कागजातहरु: - अनलाइन निवेदनको प्रिन्टेड कपी - राहदानी तथा चालू भिषाको फोटोकपी - १० वर्ष मुनिको बच्चाको हकमा अभिभावकको राहदानीको फोटोकपी

ख) भिषाको प्रकार परिवर्तनका लागि आवश्यक कागजातहरु: - अनलाइन निवेदनको प्रिन्टेड कपी - राहदानी तथा चालू भिषाको फोटोकपी - भिषा परिवर्तन गर्नुपर्ने कारणसहितको निवेदन - व्यावसायिक भिषाबाट पर्यटक भिषा लिनु परे एक आर्थिक वर्ष व्यतित भएकोमा करचुक्ता प्रमाण पत्रको फोटोकपी - १० वर्ष मुनिको बच्चाको हकमा अभिभावकको राहदानीको फोटोकपी

३.  लाग्ने दस्तुर: - भिषाको म्याद थप गर्दा लाग्ने शुल्क १ दिन देखि १५ दिन सम्मको लागि न्यूनतम ४५ US $ र त्यसपछी प्रत्येक दिनको ३ US $ का दरले हुन आउने रकम । - भिषा अवधिको लागि बहुप्रवेशी सुविधा लिन चाहेमा थप २० US $ दस्तुर लाग्नेछ । - भिषा थप गर्न भिषाको अवधि समाप्त गरी आएमा भिषा शुल्क बाहेक ढिला भएको प्रत्येक दिनको ५ US $ का दरले हुन आउने अतिरिक्त रकम तथा Gratis भिषा पाउनेको हकमा    अध्यागमन ऐन, २०४९ को दफा १० (४) बमोजिम तोकिएको जरिवाना रकम । - १० वर्ष मुनिको बच्चा तथा चिनियाँ नागरिकहरुको हकमा १५० दिन सम्म Gratis भिषा उपलब्ध गराउने ।

४.  लाग्ने समय: - भीड नभएमा तुरुन्त र भीड भएमा २ घण्टा ।

Do you need a visa to travel to Nepal?

Feb 6, 2022 • 5 min read

Applying for visa on arrival in Nepal may be all that stands between you and the mountains © My Good Images / Shutterstock

With world-class trekking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting, historic cities and abundant wildlife, it’s easy to understand why Nepal draws so many travelers from across the globe. Few countries in the world fit so many thrilling landscapes – from the towering Himalayas to forested foothills and steamy lowlands – into such a small space.

Deciding to visit Nepal is easy, but the logistics of getting into the country can be a bit more complicated. Here’s our handy guide to the visa requirements for Nepal, including information on tourist visas, how to extend your stay and applying to work or study in the country.

Most travelers can get a Nepali visa on arrival

Here's the good news – for most travelers, the entry requirements for Nepal are fairly simple and pain-free. Indian citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit the country, and most other tourists can get a 15-, 30- or 90-day visa on arrival. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and most other Western European countries. 

When you land at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport , you need to fill in an arrival card and have your photo taken at one of the automatic registration machines – to save time, you can do this online in advance (this must be done less than 15 days before you arrive). If you leave it till you land in Kathmandu, expect the process to take over an hour, with lots of queuing.

Once the paperwork is filed, you must then pay a visa fee of US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, or US$125 for 90 days at the payment counter. Children under the age of 10 do not need to pay for their tourist visas unless they are US citizens. Payment is accepted in a variety of major currencies but it’s advisable to bring small bills.  Finally, head to the immigration desk with your arrival form, payment receipt and passport, and enjoy Nepal!

Crossing into Nepal overland

You can also cross into Nepal overland via a series of border crossings in the Terai plains, including the busy crossing at Sunauli/Bhairawa, accessible by bus from Delhi and Varanasi in India. You can still get a visa on arrival if you enter Nepal by land, but it's best to bring some passport photos with you, and you'll need to pay the visa fee in cash in US dollars. 

Getting a visa in advance will save time

Even if you're eligible for a visa on arrival, the queues for a tourist visa at Tribhuvan airport can move painfully slowly, particularly during the October–November peak season. To save time, you can get a tourist visa in advance from the Nepali embassy or consulate in your home country (or the nearest embassy in a neighboring state).

If you do obtain a visa before you travel, you must enter the country within six months of the visa being issued, though the 15-, 30- or 90-day period only starts when you actually arrive in Nepal. The web portal of the Government of Nepal has a full list of Nepali overseas missions.

Some travelers can get a free visa

Reflecting Nepal's friendly relations with neighboring states, Chinese citizens are eligible for a free tourist visa, while Indian travelers can enter Nepal without a tourist visa. Travelers from many South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries can get a free 30-day visa for their first visit to Nepal in a calendar year. This rule applies to citizens of Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but not to citizens of Afghanistan.

Other travelers must get a visa in advance

Citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Syria and Zimbabwe must obtain a visa from their local Nepali embassy or consulate before traveling. Refugees with travel documents from their host nation must do the same.

Travelers can pay extra for a multiple entry visa

While it's more common to detour from India to Nepal than the other way round, you can turn your single-entry Nepali visa into a multiple-entry visa for US$25 at the Central Immigration Office in Kathmandu or the smaller office in Pokhara . This is helpful if you plan to take a side trip from Nepal to Bhutan or Tibet .

If you are entering Nepal from India and plan to return to India, make sure you get a multiple-entry India visa – obtaining a new visa for India in Kathmandu is a painfully slow and complicated process.

You can extend your visa for up to 150 days

If you decide you need more of Nepal's mountains and monasteries, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, up to a limit of 150 days in any calendar year (January to December). Extensions cost US$45 for the first 15 days, followed by US3 per day after that until you reach the 150-day limit.

Don’t overstay your visa – if you do you’ll be fined US$5 per day and you may have trouble visiting Nepal in future. Make sure you leave a gap of several days between the end of a trek and your international flight home in case there are delays getting back to Kathmandu from the trailhead.

Apply for work and study visas well in advance of travel

If you want to work or study in Nepal, you’ll need to apply for a special class of visa and fulfill a number of strict criteria. The process can be complicated, bureaucratic and time-consuming, as you have to provide recommendation letters, bank statements and other documents. Visit the Department of Immigration’s website for detailed information.

You may also like: Tragedy and resilience among the Sherpa people of the Himalaya Uncovering Kathmandu’s cosmopolitan culture: why you're going to want to linger longer 7 expert tips to sustainably trek to Everest Base Camp

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Feb 22, 2024 • 5 min read

The Maldives is not a cheap place to visit, but there are ways to make your money stretch further. Here are our top budget tips.

Feb 22, 2024 • 3 min read

Feb 2, 2024 • 15 min read

Jan 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 16, 2024 • 5 min read

Jan 11, 2024 • 4 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Dec 20, 2023 • 7 min read

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

USCIS Guide

Find Answers to Immigration Questions

Visa Requirements to Visit the U.S. from Nepal

Do i need a visa to visit from nepal to the united states, what types of visas can i get from nepal to visit the united states, do i need an visa interview to visit from nepal to the united states, what are the required documents to visit fromnepal to the united states, what are the steps to apply for a visa to visit from nepal to the united states, are there special instructions to visit from nepal to the united states, what is the visa fee to visit from nepal to the united states, what is the processing time to get a visa to visit from nepal to the united states, what to do in case of a visa denial to visit from nepal to the united states, what are the frequently asked visa questions and answers to visit from nepal to the united states.

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Tourism & Visit

Study & Exchange

Other Visa Categories

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Share this page:

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

Country specific footnotes.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

Visa Category Footnotes

The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

• G-1 through G-4
• NATO 1 through NATO 6

An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder. **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

Canadian Nationals

Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

• T-2 (spouse)
• T-3 (child)
• T-4 (parent)

The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

General Documents

General document information.

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development does not require a fee for general document registration within 35 days of the registration.  If it exceeds 35 days, there is a fee.

Effective from 24 Nov 2015, births, deaths, marriages, divorces and migrations can be registered ONLINE at https://donidcr.gov.np/ or the applicant can go to their respective municipality website and click on the vital registration tab.

Process: Complete the online form including the mobile number. The Metropolitan City Office (Local Registrar’s Office) will provide a TOKEN number to the mobile number listed.  The applicant may use the token number to collect the certificate from the office within 30 days. After 30 days, the token number will expire.

Birth, marriage and death certificates contain:

• The name of the person,
• The name of the person’s father,
• The name of the person’s grandfather,
• The person’s place of birth,
• The person’s date of birth, and
• The date the certificate was issued.

Effective March 2013, documents such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce registration certificates are issued in both Nepali and English.  In most cases, the top half of the document will be in Nepali and the bottom half will be in English. Police certificates will be printed in English.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth certificates.

Fees:   The ward office, municipality, sub-metropolitan city office, and the metropolitan city office charge fees at their discretion.

Document Name:  Birth Certificate; also referred to as a Birth Registration Certificate / Recommendation Certificate / Birth Verification Certificate.

Issuing Authority:

A person born before 1973  can present his/her citizenship card in order to obtain a birth certificate from the ward office or municipality, sub-metropolitan city office, or metropolitan city office of each district.  They will only receive a “recommendation of birth”.

A person born in or after 1973 can obtain a birth certificate from the ward office where the person is residing or was residing at the time of his/her birth or death. 

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are several valid formats of typewritten, handwritten, or hybrid (typewritten and handwritten) birth certificates.  Generally, these are marked with the black-and-white rubber seal or color self–ink stamp of the issuing authority.  The different formats diverge widely because four different types of offices in each of Nepal’s 77 districts issue birth certificates.  Some birth certificates are in English, some are in Nepali, and some are in both languages.  No uniform special seal, color, or format that exists across all Nepali birth certificates. Birth certificates are widely referred to as Schedule 12.

Registration Criteria: A concerned person or a concerned person’s family may request the issuance of birth registration certificates.  Nepali law requires birth registration.  Despite this requirement, very few parents register the birth of their children at the time of their children’s birth.  Birth registration certificates are often issued long after an individual’s actual birth.  Birth records issued by hospitals are not considered legal documents, but can be used to obtain a legal birth certificate.

Procedure for Obtaining: Registrants must print the required form using the link below and submit it to one of the appropriate offices or the ward office.  The certificate generally contains the parents’ and grandparents’ names, applicant’s name, date, and place of birth.  The forms are available online at  https://donidcr.gov.np/ .

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: Nepali Citizenship Card

Exceptions: None

Comments:  None

Death Certificates

Document Name: Death Registration Certificate

Issuing Authority: The ward office, municipality, sub-metropolitan city office, or metropolitan city office of each district.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are several valid formats of typewritten, handwritten, or hybrid (typewritten and handwritten) death certificates, generally marked with the black rubber seal or self-ink stamp of the issuing authority.  The different formats diverge widely because four different types of offices in each of Nepal’s 77 districts issue death certificates.  Some death certificates are in English, some are in Nepali, and some are in both languages.  No uniform special seal, color, or format exists across all Nepali death certificates. The document is widely referred to as Schedule 21

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The ward secretary, local registrar, or chief justice/judge

Registration Criteria: A concerned person’s family may request the issuance of death registration certificates.

Procedure for Obtaining: Registrants must print the required form using the link below and submit it to the appropriate office at the ward office municipality, sub-metropolitan city office, or metropolitan city office where the deceased person was born or resided. The certificate generally contains the parents’ and grandparents’ names, the deceased person’s name, and the date and place of death.  The forms are available online at  https://donidcr.gov.np/ . After thirty-five (35) days from the date of death, a charge of 200 NPR will be applied to process the document.

Alternate Documents: A Death certificate issued from a hospital.

Comments: None

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage certificates.

Fees:   If the marriage is registered within 35 days of being solemnized, the base cost is free and if after 35 days, the base cost is 50 rupees, but some Ward Offices charge an additional fee of up to 1000 rupees for processing.

Document Name: Marriage Registration Certificate (If the certificate was issued before August 2017 and the wedding took place in a court, the document may be called Court Marriage Certificate).  Since 2017, the court wedding document is called a Deed of Consent to Marriage and is intended to be taken to the Ward Office for the marriage to be registered, leading to the final document, which is the Marriage Registration Certificate.

Issuing Authority:  Before August 2017, marriages could be recorded at a Court, or if initiated by customary, traditional, or religious wedding ceremonies, then at either a Municipality Office or Ward Office.  Since August 2017, marriages are only registered at the Ward Office. Marriage certificates produced after August 2017 can only be produced by the respective Ward Office, regardless of which office originally recorded the marriage .

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  For marriage certificates issued before August 2017, there were several valid formats of typewritten, handwritten, or hybrid (typewritten and handwritten) marriage certificates, generally marked with a black rubber seal or self–inking stamp of the issuing authority.  Some marriage certificates were in English, some in Nepali, and some in both languages.  No uniform special seal, color, or format existed.  Even the orientation of Nepali marriage certificates (landscape versus portrait) varied.

• For marriage certificates issued after August 2017 (even if the marriage was formed at an earlier date), the marriage certificate should be issued by the Ward Office and signed and stamped by the “local registrar” from the Ward Office.  The document should appear in portrait orientation, with a red national stamp at the top left corner and a regional red stamp in the upper right corner, a black ink stamp at the bottom right and a signature of the local registrar at bottom left.  There are photos of the groom and bride on the certificate.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  For marriage certificates produced after August 2017, the issuing authority is the Ward Office, and the certificate is authorized by the “local registrar” employed at the Ward Office. Marriage certificates produced before August 2017 could have been issued by the Ward Office, Village Office, Municipality Office, or District Court.

Registration Criteria:  The couple must submit to the Ward Office an application and evidence that their marriage was solemnized, which could be a “Deed of Consent” issued by a District Court (or Nepali Embassy), evidence of a religious/cultural wedding ceremony (may require witness statements), or a child’s birth certificate with both names of the father and mother listed.  Both the groom and bride must be 20 years of age or older, free to marry, and have disclosed certain disabilities or illnesses to one another if they exist (as described in the Civil Code).  They also must not be related to one another in way that violate anti-incest laws, so must furnish information about their family lineage.

Procedure for Obtaining:  In order to register a marriage, a couple must first solemnize their marriage and then, within 35 days, apply for a marriage certificate at the appropriate Ward Office based on the domicile of the groom, or if he is not a Nepali citizen, then on the domicile of the bride. 

For most Ward Offices, the application can be submitted online at: https://donidcr.gov.np/ . A few days after submitting their application, the couple will receive a confirmation with a “token number” and can then go to the Ward Office to complete their application in person. Some Ward Offices do not yet have the connectivity to receive the application online and will require a paper form matching the online questions.  Normally, both the bride and groom must go to the Ward Office together, and they will need to bring evidence that their marriage was solemnized, which could be a “Deed of Consent” issued by a District Court (or a Nepali embassy abroad), evidence of a religious/cultural marriage (including witness statements), or a mutual child’s birth certificate with both names of the father and mother. 

If either the groom or bride is not a Nepali citizen, the marriage must be solemnized in a District Court.  Before marrying in a District Court, the foreign groom or bride will be required to attest to his or her eligibility to marry by obtaining an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry (to fulfill a requirement sometimes referred to as a “no objection letter”).  An Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry is available at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for the price of a notarial fee.  Additional details to book an appointment can be found at:  np.usembassy.gov .  The District Court may also require witness(es) to attest that the parties are free to marry.  The District Court will require that both the groom and bride have resided in-district for 15 days.

The Ward Office, satisfied with the documentation that a marriage was solemnized by the bride and groom, and in the absence of any legal impediment, will record the marriage and produce a marriage certificate.  The Ward Office has the discretion to back-date the marriage to the effective date of the wedding, or the birth of the child if the couple already has a child.  The marriage registration certificate would show both the date the marriage was registered and the effective date from which they are to be considered to have wed. 

Alternate Documents: There are no Alternate Documents.

Divorce Certificates

Fees:  Fees charged by Ward Offices vary from 0-1000 rupees.

Document Name: Divorce Certificate

Issuing Authority: The District Court issues the Divorce Decree, signed by the district judge. The applicant will only get the photocopy of the Divorce Decree, the original copy remains in the district court. On the basis of the Divorce Decree, the ward office will register the divorce and issue a divorce certificate, which is the final document and the divorce is then reflected in the person’s vital records. Prior to August 2017, municipality and sub-metropolitan offices could also issue Divorce Certificates based on judicial Divorce Decrees.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The Divorce Decree from the District Court is only in the Nepali language. It should be translated into English by a Notary Public. The copy of divorce decree from the court is signed by the issuing authority with red ink. Divorce certificates issued by the Ward office, and can include Nepali, English or both languages.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  The District Court Secretary for the Divorce Decree and the Local Registrar employed at a Ward Office for the final Divorce Certificate.  Before August, 2017, municipality and sub-metropolitan offices could also be the issuing authority for the Certificate.

Registration Criteria: Divorce Certificates are issued when a judicial Divorce Decree is registered at the Ward Office.

Procedure for Obtaining: To receive a divorce certificate, an individual must present a copy of a valid, court-issued divorce decree to the ward office. Prior to August 2017, an individual could also apply to a municipality, sub-metropolitan city office, or metropolitan city office to obtain this same certificate.

Adoption Certificates

Fees:  The adoption processing fee is $3,000 USD, payable to the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MOWCSW), plus a $5,000 USD, child care contribution to the orphanage.  After these fees are paid, the MOWCSW issues a Final Adoption Decree.

Document Name:  Final Adoption Decree

Issuing Authority: The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The color of the decree is white, the title is printed in red, and the document bears the seal of MOWCSW.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The legal officer, MOWCSW

Registration Criteria:  Please refer to icab.gov.np

Procedure for Obtaining: Formal, written request to Legal Officer, MOWCSW

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Comments:  On August 6, 2010, the U.S. Department of State and USCIS suspended processing new adoption cases from Nepal that involve children who are identified as abandoned.  In Nepal, evidence presented to support a claim of abandonment is overwhelmingly unreliable.  Cases involving relinquishment by known birth parent(s) are unaffected by the suspension.  For more information, please see travel.state.gov .

In November 2014, the U.S. Department of State and USCIS conducted a joint effort to reevaluate Nepal’s current child welfare system and adoption procedures.  The U.S. government still has concerns about the infrastructure of intercountry adoption process in Nepal.  The U.S. Department of State and USCIS strongly recommend that prospective adoptive parents refrain from adopting children from Nepal, and that service providers not accept new applications for adoption from Nepal.  For more information, please see uscis.gov/adoption .

Identity Card

Fees:  There are no fees.

Document Name: Citizenship Certificate (also sometimes referred to informally as “National ID”)

Issuing Authority: The district administration office

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Typewritten certificate with the black-rubber seal of the issuing authority.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The district administration office

Registration Criteria: An applicant may obtain a citizenship certificate from the district administration office after presenting the birth certificates and citizenship certificates of the applicant’s parents.  For more information, please see the following site moha.gov.np .   

Procedure for Obtaining:  Please follow this link: moha.gov.np . 

Comments: All 77 district administration offices in Nepal issue Citizenship Certificates.

At the completion of age sixteen, a Nepalese citizen can apply to the Chief District Office (CDO) for a citizenship certificate.  This document contains the person's name, the father's name (or the husband’s name in the case of a married woman if the individual so chooses), the date of birth, and the district where the person resides.  The citizenship certificate is the most reliable proof of identity in Nepal.

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police records.

Available: Available to both foreign nationals and Nepali citizens.

Fees:  There are no fees,

Document Name:  Police Clearance Certificate

Issuing Authority:  The Nepal Police Headquarters, Character Verification Section, Naxal, Kathmandu, and the Nepal Police. For more information, see the Nepal Police official website at nepalpolice.gov.np

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The police clearance certificate contains the dispatch number, applicant's citizenship number, name, date of birth, passport number and photograph.  The photograph is stamped by the police headquarters, verification section.  Police certificates obtained in paper form have a hologram and rubber seal of the issuing authority.  Certificates obtained online and printed by the applicant can be verified via the QR code or at the following link using the dispatch number, last name, and date of birth of the applicant:  https://opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np/#/crossVerify .

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The deputy superintendent of police / inspector of police

Registration

Police Certificates obtained online and printed by the applicant are accepted at the U.S Embassy Kathmandu.

Prison Records

Unavailable: Generally unavailable.

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name: Prison Record

Issuing Authority: The Department of Prison Management (DOPM) / Individual Prison Centers

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Office Stamp

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The director general, director, or jailer

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants must issue a formal request for official purpose

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Military Records

Available : Available for all current and former employees of the Nepal Army.

Document Name : Military Record

Issuing Authority: The adjutant general, army headquarters

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Typewritten or handwritten letter with black and white rubber seal of the issuing authority.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The adjutant general

Registration Criteria: Applicants may submit their applications at the Nepal Army Headquarters or at the Nepal Army Offices where the applicant served.

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants can submit their applications at the Nepal Army Headquarters or at the Nepal Army Offices where the applicant served.

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available: There are four types of Nepali Travel Documents.  The regular Nepali passport is green, the official passport is blue, the diplomatic passport is red, and the travel document is black. The validity of regular Nepali passports is ten years. The validity of diplomatic passports is five years. The maximum validity of an official passport is ten years; however, the passport expires on the date of the passport holder’s retirement from Nepali government service. A travel document’s validity is determined on a case-by-case basis, but generally is valid for one year and a single journey.

Fees: 5,000 Nepali rupees to obtain documents by regular handling from  the District Administration Office, and 10,000 Nepali rupees per document for expedited handling (generally within one week).

Document Name: Passport / Travel document

Issuing Authority: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Passports

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Green, red, blue, and black types (see above), all with various security features described below. The latest versions of machine-readable travel documents and Nepali passports share the same security features. These include:

Micro printing on the lines on page 2 (biometrics page) that form the data boxes, and on page 3 on the signature line and the three lines for "name and address of the next of kin." Visible under magnification, the micro printing reads in Nepali script “Nepal Passport.” This micro printing will smudge if photocopied or scanned.

The laminate covering on page 2 contains a row of five blue Nepalese coats of arms along the bottom border. Another row of five coats of arms along the top border of the page is visible only under ultraviolet (UV) light. If the laminate is lifted (as happens when a photograph is switched), this top row will be disturbed.

All pages feature four Nepalese coats of arms, one in each corner, visible under UV light, and each page's number is visible in the center of the page under UV light.

The thread holding the book together will also fluoresce under UV light.

Each page has a watermark with the letters “SN.”

Registration Criteria:  Please follow the link at: nepalpassport.gov.np  

Procedure for Obtaining:  Information on obtaining a Nepali passport can be found at: nepalpassport.gov.np .

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Other Records

Citizenship certificate.

Fees : There are no fees.

Document Name:  Citizenship Certificate (also sometimes referred to informally as “National ID”)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Typewritten or handwritten letter with the black-and-white rubber seal of the issuing authority.

Registration Criteria: An applicant may obtain a citizenship certificate from the district administration office after presenting the birth certificates and citizenship certificates of the applicant’s parents.  For more information, please see the following site:  moha.gov.np .

Procedure for Obtaining:  Please follow this link:  nidmc.gov.np .

Relationship Verification Certificate

The Relationship Verification Certificate verifies the relationship with the deceased or verifies the relationship with immediate family members.  Although, the person may have his/her own citizenship proving his/her relation with the deceased or family, a Nepali citizen must provide this document if he/she wishes to transfer any movable or immovable property registered in the name of the deceased.

Fees: The ward office, municipality, sub-metropolitan city office, and the metropolitan city office charge fees at their discretion.

Document Name: Relationship Verification Certificate

Issuing Authority:   The ward office

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are several valid formats of typewritten, handwritten, or hybrid (typewritten and handwritten) relationship verification certificates, generally marked with the black-and-white rubber seal or self-ink stamp of the issuing authority.  The different formats diverge widely because four different types of offices in each of Nepal’s 77 districts issue relationship verification certificates.  Some certificates are in English, some are in Nepali, and some are in both languages.  No uniform special seal, color, or format exists across all Nepali relationship verification certificates.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The ward office secretary

Registration Criteria: A concerned person’s family may request the relationship verification certificate.

Procedure for Obtaining: Registrants must submit the appropriate documents to the appropriate office at the ward office, where the deceased person was born or resided.

Documents required:

Application with photo of the applicant,

A copy of citizenship certificate,

Document showing proof of relationship (the death certificate is one such document), and

Migration certificate if the person has migrated from another district

• Visa Issuing Posts
• Post Title:   Embassy of the United States of America, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Address:   Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Email:  [email protected]
• Phone Number:  +977-1-423-4000
• Comments / Additional Information:

Visa Services

All visa categories.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

• Reciprocity: What's New
• Temporary Reciprocity Schedule
• Country Acronyms
• Terrorist Designation Lists
• State Sponsors of Terrorism
• Treaty Countries

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brunei Darussalam

Burkina Faso

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Congo the Democratic Republic of the

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Côte d'Ivoire

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Iran, Islamic Republic of

Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of

Moldova, Republic of

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea

North Macedonia

Palestinian Authority

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Russian Federation

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Virgin Islands, British

Wallis and Futuna

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit: