Online trek Permits Nepal has commenced from 2024

The government of Nepal ended the paper-based trekking Permit in Nepal on February 23, 2024. The Online Trek Permit for Nepal allows trekkers to apply for their trekking permits through a convenient online portal.

You can now apply for trek permits in Nepal online, making the process easier and more convenient. Visit the official website and follow the instructions to apply for your trekking Permit.

How has a trek permit in Nepal been provided until now?

Trekking in Nepal is an amazing adventure that anyone can enjoy, either alone or in a group. Nepal has the best trekking destinations.

The Government of Nepal closely manages some areas, known as ‘Restricted Areas.’ They do not allow solo trekkers, referred to as FITs (Free Individual Trekkers), to enter these places. To trek in these areas, you must get a special permit from the Department of Immigration.

To get a permit, you need to contact authorised trekking agencies. They will help you with the application process and make sure you fulfill all the requirements. You can’t apply for the Permit independently; you must go through a licensed trekking agency.

When you trek in these restricted areas, you must be in a group with at least two people and accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. This is for your safety and to protect the environment.

The cost of the Permit varies depending on the route you want to take. You can find detailed information about the permit fees on the official website.

You need to pay the fees in Nepali Rupees, although they are quoted in US dollars. One important thing to remember is that the authorities will not issue the permit beyond the expiration date of your visa. So, make sure your visa covers the duration of your trekking schedule. This way, you can enjoy your trekking adventure without any worries.

How to fill out the application?

If you plan to apply for a visa online to visit Nepal, here are some tips to make the process smoother and avoid unnecessary hassles. With the Online Trek Permit, you can fill out the form, upload documents, and pay for your Permit from anywhere with internet access.

First and foremost, make sure you have your valid passport ready, as you’ll need it for the application. Additionally, prepare a recent digital photograph of yourself, ensuring it meets the required size of 1.5″ x 1.5″, which you’ll upload during the application process.

Before starting your application, gather some important information. You’ll need to provide your detailed permanent residence address as well as a detailed address in Nepal. Make sure you have both your landline and mobile phone numbers handy, as well as your email address, as you’ll need to include these in your application.

Submission Period

Once you’ve completed and submitted your application, it will remain in the system for 15 days. After this period, it will be automatically deleted. Upon successful submission, you’ll receive a receipt via email immediately. Be sure to print out this receipt and keep it safe, as you’ll need to show it to the Immigration Authority.

The receipt will contain important information, including the deadline by which you need to contact the Immigration Authority. This deadline will ensure you get all necessary appointments and deadlines. Additionally, the receipt will outline the documents you’ll need to present to the Immigration Authority when you contact them.

It’s crucial to adhere to the deadline provided in the receipt and contact the Immigration Authority within 15 days of submitting your application. Please do so to avoid delays or complications with your visa application process.

When you do contact the Immigration Authority, make sure you have your receipt and all the required documents, including any necessary fees. This will help streamline the process and ensure everything proceeds smoothly.

Note

It’s important to note that there are certain countries for which Nepal does not offer on-arrival visas. These countries include Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia. If you’re from one of these countries, you’ll need to apply for a visa in advance of your travel to Nepal. The Nepal Trek Permit Online system allows trekkers to apply for their trekking permits conveniently from anywhere with an internet connection.

Online Visa Application

The Nepal Trek Permit Online system has made obtaining trekking permits in Nepal more accessible and efficient for trekkers. To open an Online Visa Application portal, follow these steps:

1. Open the URL below in any web browser: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
2. Select “Electronic Travel Authorization” from the given list.
3. A new page with input fields will appear on the screen.
4. Fill in the required details and click the “proceed” button.
5. A form will appear on the screen after clicking the “proceed” button.
6. Fill in the personal and passport details accordingly, upload the profile and passport images, and click on the “proceed” button.
7. The visa options page will appear on the screen.

For Visa category selection:

1. Select your preferred visa option and purpose of visa, and type your address in Nepal or hotel address and contact number (optional).
2. Then click on the “proceed” button.
3. You will be redirected to the confirmation page.

Confirmation page:

1. Confirm all the details and click on the “submit” button.
2. Otherwise, click on the “back” button to edit the details.
3. After successfully registering the application to the particular Nepalese diplomatic mission, you will see a message saying, “Your application has been submitted successfully!” with a submission ID starting with a ‘Z’ letter.

Print/Download/Apply Again page:

1. Print or download the generated slip or take a screenshot of the page.
2. Click “Apply Again” if you want to apply for your relative/others.

Application Status Tracking:

1. You can track your application status.
2. Select “Visa Application Track” to track your application.
3. Provide your country name, submission number, passport number, and date of birth, and click “Track application.”
4. The application status appears on the screen if the entered details are correct.

Payment Details:

1. After your application is verified, you will receive an email for payment.
2. Select “View application Track and Pay online” to view the application track and pay online (Now only available in the Nepali Banking System) using mobile banking or available payment gateways.
3. Use the preferred payment gateway and proceed with payment.

Documents needed 

You must prepare several documents to apply for an online trekking permit in Nepal. First, you’ll need to access the trekking permit application form online, which you can find on the official website. Once you have the form, you’ll need to gather copies of your passport and a valid visa that covers your trekking days. These documents are essential for verifying your identity and ensuring you have permission to enter the country and engage in trekking activities.

You’ll need to provide a list of the names of all the trekkers participating in the trek. This helps authorities track who is trekking in the region and ensures everyone’s safety. You’ll also need to submit a program schedule detailing your trekking itinerary and the list of names. This includes information about the routes you’ll be taking, the duration of each day’s trek, and where you’ll be staying overnight.

Guarantee letter and Trekking agency

You’ll need to include a guarantee letter from the trekking agency you’re working with and an agreement with the agency outlining the terms of your trekking arrangement. These documents demonstrate that you’re trekking with a reputable agency and have made proper arrangements for your journey. You’ll need to provide the tax clearance certificate of the trekking agency, along with documents relating to insurance for both foreign nationals participating in the trek and any Nepalese staff accompanying the group.

The trekking agency must have a license issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Civil Aviation to operate their trekking business. This ensures that the agency is authorized to lead trekking expeditions and adheres to government regulations. They should have a license issued by Nepal Rastra Bank, allowing them to exchange foreign currencies, which may be necessary for handling any financial transactions related to your trek.

Finally, you’ll need to submit the registration certificate of the Permanent Account Number and a voucher of bank payment for the permit fees.

These documents verify the financial aspects of your trekking permit application and ensure that you have paid all necessary fees. Once you’ve gathered all these documents, you can proceed with your online trekking permit application, knowing that you’ve met all the requirements for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in Nepal.

How long it will take to get the Permit?

Once you submit your online permit application, it will remain in the system for 15 days

After this period, the system will automatically delete the application. Therefore, ensuring the timely completion and submission of your application within this timeframe is essential to avoid any inconvenience or loss of data.

Which Trek permit can be issued online, and which permits cannot?

In Nepal, specific trekking permits could be issued online, while others couldn’t. The permits that can be issued online include the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for treks in the Annapurna region. These permits can be obtained through authorized trekking agencies or directly from the Nepal Tourism Board’s website for Annapurna trek permit online, Langtang Trek permit online and Everest trek permit online.

According to the information provided by Secretary Vinod Sapkota, the Department of Immigration has started issuing route permits online for tourists traveling to restricted areas since last week. Three Chinese citizens have been issued route permits online under the Magical Nepal initiative. The Chinese citizens eligible for online route permits are Bing Si, Chichi Ping, and Vinhuwa Luo.

This online route permit system will also facilitate tourists visiting the upper Mustang region, upper Dolpo region, Chum and Nubri Valley in Gorkha, Simikot in Humla district, and Chankheli and Namkha in Taplejung, making it easier for them to obtain permits. With the Online Trek Permit, trekkers can easily apply for permits from anywhere with an internet connection.

How much does an online trek permit in Nepal cost?

A Nepal trekking permit is mandatory for all trekkers wishing to explore the beautiful trekking routes in Nepal. When trekking in Nepal, it’s important to understand the permit fees for different regions, especially in the Restricted Areas where special regulations apply.

Upper Mustang

Trekking in Upper Mustang requires a permit fee of USD 500 per person for the first 10 days. USD 50 per person per day beyond that.

Upper Dolpa

For Upper Dolpa, the permit fee is also USD 500 per person for the first 10 days. An additional USD 50 per person per day for extended treks.

Gorkha Manaslu Area

The permit fees for the Gorkha Manaslu Area vary based on the season. From September to November, it’s USD 100 per person per week and USD 15 per person per day beyond that. From December to August, it’s USD 75 per person per week and USD 10 per person per day beyond that.

Humla

In Humla, the permit fee is USD 50 per person per week. An additional USD 10 per person per day for longer treks.

Taplejung

For Taplejung, the permit fee is USD 20 per person per week for the first 4 weeks. USD 25 per person per week beyond that.

Lower Dolpa Area

In the Lower Dolpa Area, the permit fee is USD 20 per person per week. An additional USD 5 per person per day for longer treks.

Dolakha

Dolakha requires a permit fee of USD 20 per person per week.

Gorkha Tsum Valley Area

In the Gorkha Tsum Valley Area, the permit fee is USD 40 per person per week from September to November. USD 30 per person per week from December to August. There’s also a daily fee of USD 7 per person for longer treks.

Sankhuwasabha

For Sankhuwasabha, the permit fee is USD 20 per person per week for the first 4 weeks. USD 25 per person per week beyond that.

Solukhumbu

In Solukhumbu, the permit fee is USD 20 per person per week for the first 4 weeks. USD 25 per person per week beyond that.

Rasuwa

Rasuwa, (Langtang National Park) (Gosaikunda) requires a permit fee of USD 20 per person per week.

Manang

The permit fee for Manang (Tilicho) is USD 100 per person per week from September to November. USD 75 per person per week from December to August. There’s also a daily fee of USD 15 per person for longer treks.

Bajhang

Bajhang requires a permit fee of USD 90 per person per week for the first week and USD 15 per person per day beyond that.

Mugu Rara

In Mugu, the permit fee is USD 100 per person per week. An additional USD 15 per person per day for longer treks.

Darchula

Darchula requires a permit fee of USD 90 per person per week. An additional USD 15 per person per day for longer treks.

Please note that in the Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa region. The difference in the amount should be paid, if the royalty paid for a mountain expedition is less than the trekking permit fee.

Who will experience the impact of the Permit?

The Trek Permit in Nepal online system has revolutionized the way trekkers obtain permits for trekking in Nepal. With the Online Trek Permit, trekkers can avoid long queues at government offices, making their trekking experience more enjoyable. The impact of trekking permits in Nepal is primarily experienced by trekkers themselves, trekking agencies, and local communities.

Trekkers

Trekkers are directly affected by permit regulations as they need to obtain permits to trek in certain regions of Nepal. With the Nepal Trek Permit Online, trekkers can ensure they have all necessary permits before starting their trek. These permits come with associated costs, which can vary depending on the region and duration of the trek. Additionally, permit regulations may influence the choice of trekking routes and itineraries for trekkers. The Trek Permit in Nepal online system has made trekking in Nepal more accessible and hassle-free for adventurers.

Trekking Agencies

Trekking agencies play a crucial role in facilitating the permit process for trekkers. They handle the application process, acquire permits on behalf of trekkers, and provide necessary guidance and support throughout the trek. Permit regulations impact trekking agencies in terms of administrative responsibilities, costs, and compliance with government regulations.

Local Communities

Permit fees contribute to Nepal’s local economy of trekking regions. Local communities may benefit from permit revenues through investments in infrastructure, conservation efforts, and community development projects. However, there can also be challenges, such as environmental degradation, cultural impacts, and economic disparities. This needs to be addressed sustainably.

How do you make online payments?

Currently, payment for an e-visa to Nepal can only be made using Nepali payment channels. Such as mobile banking apps, Connect IPS, E-sewa, and Khalti. However, there are discussions about potentially adopting a dollar payment system, further simplifying the process. This would make it easier for international travelers to pay for their e-visas. It potentially increases the convenience and accessibility of obtaining a visa for Nepal. The Trek Permit in Nepal online system is a convenient and reliable way for trekkers to obtain permits for their trekking adventures in Nepal.