Nepal Couple Visa and Travel Tips

Practical preparation makes the difference between a smooth honeymoon and one troubled by avoidable logistics. Nepal has specific entry requirements and some cultural norms that couples should understand before arrival.

Visa Requirements

Nepal offers a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at several land border crossings.

Fees (as of 2024):

• 15-day tourist visa: USD 30 per person
• 30-day tourist visa: USD 50 per person
• 90-day tourist visa: USD 125 per person

Most honeymoon couples choose the 30-day visa, which provides flexibility.

What to bring for visa on arrival:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
• One passport-sized photograph (some booths have digital capture but having a physical photo is safer)
• Exact USD cash payment (USD 50 per person)
• Completed visa application form (available at the airport)

Processing takes 20-40 minutes at the visa counter, longer during peak season when flights arrive simultaneously.

Nationalities with free visa: Indian citizens do not require a visa. SAARC nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) receive different terms. Check the current Nepali Embassy website for the latest information.

Currency

Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). The exchange rate from USD is approximately NPR 130-135 per USD (confirm current rate before travel).

Exchange: Change money at official bank exchange counters or your hotel. Avoid street money changers.

ATMs: Standard in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Daily withdrawal limits of NPR 15,000-35,000 per transaction apply at most ATMs. International card fees apply. Most ATMs have English language interfaces.

Cash is essential: Many restaurants, small hotels, activity operators, and shops outside of top-tier establishments do not accept credit cards. Carry NPR in cash for daily expenses.

Indian Rupee: Indian currency is not accepted in Nepal. Convert INR to NPR at official counters before spending.

Communication

Local SIM card: Purchase an NCell or Nepal Telecom SIM at the airport or in Thamel. Bring your unlocked phone. A SIM with data costs NPR 500-1,000. Data coverage in Kathmandu and Pokhara is good (4G). Coverage deteriorates on trekking routes above lower elevations.

Wi-Fi: Available at most hotels and restaurants in tourist areas. Connection quality varies.

Health Preparations

Vaccinations: Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations typically include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and a general travel vaccine review.

Altitude: Kathmandu sits at 1,400 metres and Pokhara at 800 metres. These elevations rarely cause serious altitude issues, but some people experience mild headaches on arrival. Stay hydrated.

Water: Drink only bottled water or water treated with purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks at basic establishments.

Cultural Etiquette for Couples

Nepal is a conservative country in public spaces, even though Kathmandu and Pokhara are relatively liberal by South Asian standards.

Public affection: Holding hands is generally acceptable in tourist areas. Kissing and embracing in public is not conventional in Nepali culture and may attract unwanted attention in non-tourist areas, temples, and rural communities.

Dress at temples: Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees when visiting Hindu or Buddhist religious sites. Many temples have cloth wraps available at the entrance, but carrying a light scarf is more convenient.

Photography: Always ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly at religious sites. Do not photograph the burning ghats at Pashupatinath where cremations take place without permission.

Entering temples: Remove shoes before entering temples or home interiors. Follow the lead of other visitors.

Safety

Nepal is generally safe for tourists. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded tourist areas (Thamel, bus parks), traffic on busy roads, and altitude on trekking routes.

Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original. Store valuables in your hotel safe.

Emergency number in Nepal: 100 (police), 101 (fire), 102 (ambulance).

Transport Between Cities

Kathmandu to Pokhara: Domestic flight (25 minutes, USD 80-120 per person) or tourist bus (7-8 hours, USD 8-15 per person). Private car costs USD 120-180 for the vehicle.

Within cities: Taxis are available everywhere. Negotiate fare before boarding or insist on the meter.