Nepal’s mountainous landscape offers much to love, and Nepali passport holders enjoy modest travel freedom worldwide. As of 2025, the Nepalese passport ranks around 98th globally, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to roughly 38 destinations. For Nepalis living in Australia (students, PR or visa holders), understanding these rules is key to planning trips. This guide breaks down visa-free, visa-on-arrival, eTA/e-visa destinations, and offers practical visa tips. We also explain how Visa Centre Au – an Australia-based, Nepal-led visa service – can help you apply smoothly.

Visa-Free Countries (No Prior Visa Needed)

Nepali passport holders do not need a visa to travel to 11 countries. Notably, India has an open-border agreement – Nepalis (and Indians) may enter and stay without a visa indefinitely. Other visa-free destinations include popular spots like Singapore, Pakistan, Philippines, and several Caribbean and Pacific island nations. In summary, Nepali travelers can visit without a visa:

India – Open border. Nepalese and Indian citizens can enter each other’s country without visa or passport (unlimited stay).
Singapore – Visa-free for up to 30 days.
Pakistan – Visa-free for up to 30 days.
Philippines – Visa-free for up to 30 days.
Barbados – Visa-free (durations vary).
Cook Islands – Visa-free (duration per Cook Islands rules).
Dominica – Visa-free for short stays.
Gambia – Visa-free (West Africa).
Haiti – Visa-free in the Caribbean.
Micronesia – Visa-free for up to 30 days.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Visa-free for up to 30 days.

These visa-free countries allow Nepali visitors to enter with just a passport (though durations and conditions vary).

Visa on Arrival Countries

In addition, Nepali citizens can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) in 23 countries. Upon landing, you complete forms and pay a fee to get the visa. Key visa-on-arrival destinations include:

Bangladesh – VOA at most entry points (typically 30 days).
Cambodia – VOA (tourist visa on arrival).
Maldives – VOA for 30 days (popular holiday spot).
Mauritius – VOA for up to 60 days (Indian Ocean island).
Seychelles – Visitor’s permit on arrival (for up to 3 months).
Madagascar, Egypt, Tanzania, Senegal, Tanzania, etc.
Laos, Rwanda, Palau, Burundi, Timor-Leste, Nepali citizens can also get a visa on arrival in Cambodia, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, and many other countries.

(Visa-on-arrival rules change, so check embassy info. Generally you’ll need funds, passport photos, and visa fees in USD.)

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Countries

Two countries offer a pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorization rather than a traditional visa:

Kenya – eTA (apply online before travel).
Sri Lanka – eTA (apply online for tourism/business).

Nepalese travelers can obtain these eTAs easily online and avoid embassy visits. Approved eTAs are usually granted within days.

e-Visa (Online Visa) Countries

About 61 countries require Nepalese to get an e-Visa (apply online) before arrival. Notable examples include Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Georgia, Turkey, Maldives (if longer stay), and many African and Asian nations. For instance:

Australia – Australian visitor visas (eVisitor) can be applied online (often within a few days).
Malaysia – eVisa required (apply on Malaysia eVisa portal).
Indonesia – eVisa (apply online, or VOA if eligible).
Singapore – Note: Singapore is visa-free (see above).
Hong Kong – eVisa or e-Channel registration.
Turkey, Seychelles, Azerbaijan, and many others also use e-Visas for Nepalis.

In total, 61 countries allow e-Visa applications. Always apply well in advance and ensure you meet document requirements (e.g. passport scan, photo, travel itinerary).

Countries Requiring a Traditional Visa

All other destinations not listed above require a visa obtained before travel. This includes major countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Schengen Zone (EU countries), Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and most of Latin America and Africa. In fact, about 132 countries demand a visa from Nepalis. For example:

USA, Canada – Tourist visas must be obtained at the respective embassies.
Schengen Area (e.g. Germany, France, Italy) – Schengen visa required.
UK – Standard UK visitor visa needed.
China, Japan (Based on Location), New Zealand – Consular visas required.

Visa requirements vary by country, so check each embassy’s site. Begin applications early, as processing times can be long and paperwork (invitation letters, proof of funds, etc.) may be needed.

Travel Tips and Advice

To make your trips smoother, keep these visa and travel tips in mind:

Check passport validity: Most countries (including India) require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry. Many also require 2 blank pages for stamps. Renew your passport early if it’s close to expiring.
Plan ahead: Start visa applications early. Some visas may take weeks or months. Keep track of embassy updates or policy changes.
Gather documents: Prepare required documents like invitation letters, proof of funds, hotel bookings, flight tickets, and passport photos. Incomplete applications cause delays.
Travel insurance: Buy comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. Governments (including the U.S. State Dept.) recommend it to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, etc..
Local regulations: Always check specific entry rules on official sites (some countries have COVID rules, vaccine requirements, or strict customs). For example, visa waiver eligibility can depend on your purpose of visit or prior visas.
Currency for fees: If traveling to visa-on-arrival countries, carry sufficient USD or local currency to pay visa fees on entry. Keep embassy contact info handy in case of emergencies.

How Visa Centre Au Can Help

Navigating visa rules can be complex. Visa Centre Au is an Australian-based, Nepal-led visa service specializing in global travel for Nepalese clients. Our visa experts provide personalized support at every step. We simplify the process: real-time application tracking, document checks, and clear guidance. “Our team of visa and immigration experts is here to guide you at every stage, offering personalised support, quick responses, and unmatched knowledge of global visa regulations”.

Whether you need help applying for an Australian visa, a Schengen visa, or any other destination, Visa Centre Au can assist. We handle paperwork, advise on embassy requirements, and help meet deadlines. For Nepalese living in Australia, we offer Nepali-language support and understand common destinations and challenges.

Ready to travel? Contact Visa Centre Au for expert visa assistance. Our goal is to make your international trips hassle-free, so you can focus on exploring visa-free paradises or fulfilling your overseas plans.

Safe travels, and remember: Always verify entry rules before you go, and let Visa Centre Au streamline your visa application process!

Nepalese Passport Travel Guide (2025): Visa-Free Countries & Visa Tips