Nepal for Indian Passport Holders in Dubai — Entry Requirements & Travel Guide [2026]

Indian nationals have a unique privilege when visiting Nepal — completely visa-free entry with no application, no fee, and no time limit on their stay. This arrangement is based on the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which allows citizens of both countries to travel, reside, and work freely across the border. When arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu from Dubai, Indian passport holders proceed directly to the immigration counter. The officer checks your passport and stamps your entry — there is no visa process, no fee, and no form to fill out.

While Indian passport holders do not need a visa for Nepal, there are several documents you should carry for a smooth travel experience, particularly when flying from Dubai. Airlines and Kathmandu airport immigration have specific document expectations even for visa-free travellers.

While Indian passport holders do not need a visa for Nepal, trekking permits are required if you plan to trek in any of Nepal’s conservation areas or national parks. The good news is that as a SAARC national, Indian passport holders benefit from significantly reduced permit fees compared to non-SAARC nationalities.

Indian passport holders travelling from Dubai to Nepal will find the experience familiar and comfortable. The cultural connections between India and Nepal run deep, and Hindi and Nepali share significant linguistic overlap. Here is essential practical information for planning your trip.

• flydubai and Air Arabia operate direct flights from Dubai to Kathmandu — the flight takes approximately 4.5 hours with a very affordable ticket price, often between AED 600 and AED 1,200 return.
• Indian nationals can also consider flying Dubai-Delhi-Kathmandu, which sometimes offers cheaper fares and more flight options.
• Hindi is widely understood in Kathmandu tourist areas, particularly in Thamel, Durbar Square, and major hotels. This makes communication significantly easier for Indian travellers compared to other foreign visitors.
• Indian Rupees (denominations of INR 500 and below) are widely accepted in Nepal. The exchange rate is fixed at NPR 1.6 = INR 1. Note that INR 2,000 notes are not accepted.
• You can also bring USD from Dubai and exchange it at money changers in Thamel, Kathmandu, for a better rate than exchanging AED directly.
• The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the local currency. ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but are unreliable along trekking routes — carry sufficient cash.
• Mobile data SIM cards are available at Kathmandu airport and in Thamel for NPR 300 to 500 — Ncell and Nepal Telecom are the main providers.
• Nepal uses Type C, D, and M power sockets. Carry a universal adapter from Dubai. Power cuts are less common in Kathmandu than they were historically, but carry a portable charger for trekking.

The arrival process at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is straightforward for Indian passport holders. Since you do not need a visa, you bypass the visa counters entirely and proceed directly to the immigration desk.

1. 1After deplaning, proceed to the immigration hall. You will see visa application counters and automated kiosks — Indian passport holders can bypass these entirely.
2. 2Go directly to the immigration counter. Look for the line marked for Indian nationals or the general immigration queue.
3. 3Present your valid Indian passport to the immigration officer. There is no form to fill, no fee to pay, and no photo required.
4. 4The officer will check your passport and stamp your entry. The entire process takes 2 to 5 minutes.
5. 5Proceed to the baggage carousel to collect your luggage.
6. 6After collecting your bags, pass through customs (nothing to declare for standard tourist items) and exit into the arrivals hall.
7. 7Exchange currency at the airport counter or withdraw NPR from an ATM in the arrivals hall. Pre-arranged hotel pickups typically wait just outside the terminal.

The entire process from deplaning to exiting the airport typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for Indian passport holders, including baggage collection. This is significantly faster than for other nationalities who need to process visas on arrival.

While Nepal does not require travel insurance for entry, it is strongly recommended for all visitors, particularly those planning to trek. Helicopter evacuation from trekking routes can cost USD 3,000 to USD 5,000 or more, and standard health insurance policies from the UAE often exclude high-altitude trekking activities.

Nepal offers an extraordinary range of experiences for Indian travellers, from world-class trekking routes to cultural heritage sites, spiritual pilgrimages, and adventure activities. The best trekking seasons from Dubai are March to May (spring with rhododendron blooms) and September to November (clear skies, cool weather, and post-monsoon clarity).

• Everest Base Camp trek (12 to 14 days) is the ultimate bucket-list trek. The trail passes through Sherpa villages with stunning views of the world highest peaks. SAARC permit fees apply for Indian passport holders.
• Annapurna Base Camp trek (7 to 12 days) is shorter and equally spectacular, with diverse landscapes from rice paddies to alpine glaciers. The ACAP conservation fee for Indians is just NPR 200.
• Poon Hill trek (4 to 5 days) is ideal for beginners and families — a shorter Annapurna route with sunrise views over the Himalayan range that does not require extreme fitness.
• Kathmandu Valley offers Pashupatinath Temple (one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world), Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. No trekking permits required.
• Pokhara is the gateway to Annapurna treks and offers paragliding over Phewa Lake, Sarangkot sunrise viewpoints, and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere.
• Lumbini — the birthplace of Gautama Buddha — is a significant pilgrimage site for Indian Buddhist and Hindu travellers.
• Chitwan National Park offers jungle safaris with rhinos, elephants, and Bengal tigers in a subtropical setting completely different from the mountain landscapes.

While Indian passport holders do not need visa assistance for Nepal, OraVisa provides comprehensive travel guidance to help you plan the perfect Nepal trip from Dubai. From trekking permit advice to travel insurance recommendations, itinerary planning, and connecting you with reliable trekking agencies, we ensure your Nepal adventure is well-prepared and memorable.

• Trekking permit guidance — we explain the TIMS card and conservation area permit process and help you understand which permits you need for your chosen route
• Travel insurance recommendations — we connect you with insurers that cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation
• Itinerary planning support — whether you are trekking to Everest Base Camp or exploring Kathmandu Valley temples, we help you plan a realistic and rewarding itinerary
• Flight and logistics advice — we recommend the best flight options from Dubai and practical tips for arriving in Kathmandu
• Other visa needs — if you are combining Nepal with visits to other countries (India, Bhutan, Tibet), OraVisa handles the visa requirements for those additional destinations