Immigration Act, 2049 (1992)

This Act is called the Immigration Act, 2049. It applies to all foreign nationals entering, staying in or departing from Nepal.

In this Act 'foreigner' means a person who is not a citizen of Nepal, and 'visa' means the permission granted under this Act to a foreigner to enter and stay in Nepal for a stated period and purpose.

A foreigner may enter Nepal only through a designated entry point with a valid passport and a visa, unless exempted by a treaty or by decision of the Government of Nepal.

A tourist visa may be issued for up to one hundred and fifty days in a calendar year. It does not permit the holder to take up employment or run a business in Nepal.

A business visa may be granted to a foreign investor or their authorised representative on the recommendation of the Department of Industry, for up to one year at a time and renewable while the investment continues.

A foreigner employed by an enterprise in Nepal may obtain a work visa on the basis of a work permit issued by the Department of Labour. The visa is valid for the period of the permit, up to one year at a time.

A study visa is issued to a foreigner admitted to a recognised educational institution. A residential visa may be granted to a person of international repute or to an investor meeting the minimum investment threshold.

The spouse and dependent children of a foreigner holding a business, work or study visa may be granted a non-tourist visa for the same duration.

A foreigner must not engage in any activity beyond the purpose for which the visa was granted, and must leave Nepal or renew the visa before it expires.

A foreigner staying longer than the period fixed by the rules must register with the Department of Immigration. Hotels and hosts must report the stay of foreign guests to the local authority.

A foreigner may not enter areas declared restricted by the Government of Nepal without a special permit. Trekking in restricted regions requires a licensed guide and a permit issued by the Department.

A foreigner who remains in Nepal after the visa has expired is liable to a daily fine for each day of overstay together with the visa fee for that period. Prolonged overstay may result in deportation and a ban on re-entry.

A foreigner who works or does business in Nepal without the appropriate visa and permit is liable to a fine and deportation. The employer who engaged the foreigner is also liable to a penalty.

The Director General of the Department of Immigration may order the deportation of a foreigner who violates this Act and may prohibit re-entry for up to ten years depending on the seriousness of the violation.