Visa guide · Nepali passport holders

United Kingdom Visa for Nepali Citizens

Visa requiredLast reviewed April 26, 2026

Nepali passport holders visiting United Kingdom as tourists use the Standard Visitor Visa — Tourism / Family Visit. Visa fee: GBP 135 (Standard Visitor, up to 6 months). Processing time: 15 working days standard via VFS Hattisar. Apply through VFS UK Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu. The sources and the date this record was last reviewed are listed at the end of the page.

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Tourist visa: Standard Visitor Visa — Tourism / Family VisitStay: Up to 6 months per visit.
Visa fee: GBP 135 (Standard Visitor, up to 6 months)
Processing time: 15 working days standard via VFS Hattisar
Where to apply: VFS UK Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu

At a glance

At a glance — United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa — Tourism / Family Visit

Visa fee: GBP 135 (Standard Visitor, up to 6 months). Long-term multi-entry (2 / 5 / 10-year) costs more — see gov.uk fee schedule. Visitor in Transit: GBP 74.50.
Processing time: 15 working days standard via VFS Hattisar. Priority Service: 5 working days (additional GBP 500). Super Priority Service: 24 hours next-business-day (additional GBP 1,000) — limited slots, depends on UKVI Sheffield availability.
Stay duration: Up to 6 months per visit.
Visa validity: 6 months single-entry (default for first-time applicants); OR 2-year / 5-year / 10-year multi-entry for repeat travellers with clean UK history.
Entries: Single (default) or Multiple.
Bank balance / financial proof: Bank statement (last 6 months) showing capacity for the trip — recommended ending balance NPR 5 lakh (5,00,000)+ for a typical 7–14-day UK trip — plus 3-year Income Tax Returns and an international credit card with 3-month statement. UKVI Sheffield Visa Officers reference GBP 100/day as the per-diem benchmark for proof-of-funds calculations.
Where to apply: Apply online at gov.uk/standard-visitor, create UKVI account, fill application + upload documents + pay fee online, book biometric appointment at VFS Hattisar via vfsglobal.com/uk/np, submit biometrics + originals, wait for UKVI Sheffield decision, then courier passport collection at VFS.

Visa types

Visa categories available

Tourist — Standard Visitor Visa — Tourism / Family Visit
Tourism, sightseeing, leisure travel, visiting family / friends, short academic visit, private medical treatment, attending business meetings, recreational courses (≤ 30 days non-credit) within the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).
Stay
Up to 6 months per visit.
Processing
15 working days standard via VFS Hattisar. Priority Service: 5 working days (additional GBP 500). Super Priority Service: 24 hours next-business-day (additional GBP 1,000) — limited slots, depends on UKVI Sheffield availability.
Fee
GBP 135 (Standard Visitor, up to 6 months). Long-term multi-entry (2 / 5 / 10-year) costs more — see gov.uk fee schedule. Visitor in Transit: GBP 74.50.
Business — Standard Visitor Visa — Business
Business meetings, contract negotiations, conferences, exhibitions, after-sales service of equipment sold by Nepali employer, internal corporate training (≤ 6 months) — no direct employment in UK.
Stay
Up to 6 months per visit.
Processing
15 working days standard; 5 days Priority; 24 hours Super Priority.
Family Visit — Family Visa — Spouse / Partner / Parent / Child
Joining a British citizen, person with Settled Status / Pre-Settled Status / Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / valid Skilled Worker visa as family member (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, fiancé(e), child under 18, parent of British child, adult dependent relative).
Stay
Spouse / partner: 2 years 9 months initially -> extension to total 5 years -> eligibility for ILR. Child: until 18, then transition to own basis.
Processing
12 weeks standard via VFS Hattisar. Priority Service: 30 days (additional GBP 573). Super Priority Service: 5 working days (additional GBP 956).
Student — Student Visa (Tier 4 — Student route)
Full-time study at a UKVI-licensed Sponsor institution (university, FE college, independent school) with Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Stay
Programme length + 4 months grace post-completion. Bachelor's: 3 years + 4 months. Master's: 1–2 years + 4 months. PhD: up to 4 years + 4 months. Pre-sessional + Foundation: programme length.
Processing
15 working days standard via VFS Hattisar. Priority Service: 5 working days (additional GBP 500). Super Priority Service: 24 hours next-business-day (additional GBP 1,000).
Work — Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2 — sponsored employment)
Salaried employment at a UKVI Sponsor Licence-holder employer in an occupation on the eligible occupations list with Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Stay
Up to 5 years initially per CoS, renewable. After 5 years, eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR — settlement).
Processing
15 working days standard via VFS Hattisar. Priority Service: 5 working days (additional GBP 500). Super Priority Service: 24 hours next-business-day (additional GBP 1,000).
Transit — Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) / Visitor in Transit (VIT)
Transit through a UK airport (Heathrow LHR / Gatwick LGW / Stansted STN / Manchester MAN / Birmingham BHX / etc.) en route to a third country. DATV: airside-only transit, no UK entry. VIT: transit with UK entry (e.g. to change airports).
Stay
DATV: up to 24 hours airside. VIT: up to 48 hours including UK entry.
Processing
15 working days at VFS Hattisar.
Multi-Entry — Standard Visitor Visa — Long-Validity Multi-Entry (2 / 5 / 10 years)
Repeat visits to UK for tourism, business, family — long-validity multi-entry visa for established Nepali travellers with clean visa history.
Stay
Up to 6 months per entry; total 180 days within any 12-month period.
Processing
15 working days standard.

Checklist

Required documents — United Kingdom tourist visa

27 required · 13 conditional — tick them off as you build your file.

UKVI online application form (signed digital)
Required
Filed online at gov.uk/standard-visitor. Generates a Visa Application Form (VAF) reference number used at VFS biometric appointment.
Nepali passport (≥ 6 months validity beyond intended return; ≥ 1 blank page)
Required
Plus photocopies of front + last + every used page of current passport AND last 2 old passports.
One passport-size digital photograph (45 × 35 mm, white background, < 6 months old)
Required
Captured at VFS Hattisar during biometric appointment.
Travel medical insurance (recommended but not mandatory)
Conditional
GBP 30,000+ medical coverage Schengen-style policy acceptable.
Confirmed return / onward air ticket
Required
Yatra dummy ticket (NPR 999) acceptable at file-prep stage. Booking inspected by airline check-in staff in Kathmandu.
Confirmed accommodation in the UK for the entire stay
Required
Hotel booking, B&B reservation, OR invitation-letter accommodation with sponsor full address.
Detailed travel itinerary (locations, duration per location)
Required
Common UK tourist circuits: London + Edinburgh + Lake District + Bath + Stonehenge. Provide day-by-day plan.
Cover letter explaining purpose of trip
Required
Addressed to the UKVI Visa Officer; outlines who, why, where, when, who funds the trip, and why you will return to Nepal.
Bank statement (last 6 months, NPR 5 lakh ending balance recommended)
Required
Original on bank letterhead, signed and stamped, in English. Supplementary signed bank letter confirming average balance strengthens applications.
Income Tax Returns (last 3 years, personal + company as applicable)
Required
Notarised English translations.
International credit card copy + last 3 months statement
Conditional
Strengthens financial profile when bank balance is borderline.
Proof of social / professional status
Required
Employed: employer letter on letterhead (position, tenure, leave grant, last 3 months salary slips, return-to-role commitment). Self-employed: company registration + PAN + audited accounts. Student: institution leave letter + valid ID.
Nepali citizenship certificate copy + birth certificate (notarised English translations)
Required
For visiting family / friends: Letter of invitation from UK host (citizen / Settled / Pre-Settled / ILR / valid visa)
Conditional
Includes host name, address, status, relationship to applicant, dates of stay, who covers expenses, accommodation arrangement. UK host's passport / status proof copy attached.
For medical treatment: NHS / private hospital appointment letter + cost estimate + treatment plan
Conditional
For academic visitor: invitation from UK academic institution + research / collaboration plan
Conditional
Foreign-exchange purchase receipt OR passport endorsement
Conditional
Demonstrates funds being carried for the trip.
Minor-only documents (if applicant < 18): birth certificate + notarised parental consent if travelling without both parents + parent passport copies
Conditional
ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed)
Required
See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application)
Required
Important Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
1. Business Income
Conditional
Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
PAN Certificate
Required
Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Business Registration Certificate
Required
Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable)
Conditional
Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
Latest Audit Report
Required
Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
Tax Clearance Certificate
Required
Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
2. Salary-Based Income
Conditional
Applicants who are employed must provide:
Salary Certificate / Salary Letter
Required
On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
Leave Approval Letter
Required
Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
Required
Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements
Required
Either personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
3. Pension Income
Conditional
Applicants receiving pension must submit:
Pension Certificate (Pension Patta)
Required
Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
Company ID Card (if available)
Conditional
Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
Recent Pension Bank Statement
Required
Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank
Required
On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
4. Rental Income
Conditional
Applicants earning rental income must provide:
Land Ownership Certificate
Required
Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
Building Completion Certificate
Required
Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate
Required
Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

Where to apply

United Kingdom embassy in Nepal

Mission: British Embassy — Kathmandu (consular jurisdiction over Nepal; visa decisions issued by UKVI Sheffield Decision-Making Hub)
Address: British Embassy, Lainchaur, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal (P.O. Box 106)
Phone: +977 1 4237100
Email: ukinnepal@fcdo.gov.uk
Hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–17:00, Fri 09:00–13:00 (consular by appointment for emergency travel documents only — visa applications go via UKVI online + VFS Hattisar). The Embassy provides British nationals consular services; visa decisions are NOT made at the Embassy.
Application centre: VFS UK Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu (Hattisar) — Hattisar Plaza, Kathmandu (3rd Floor) — Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00 submission, 14:00–16:00 collection. Biometric capture (fingerprints + photo) happens here AFTER online UKVI application is filed. Book appointment at gov.uk/standard-visitor -> Apply online -> after fee payment, schedule biometric appointment at VFS Kathmandu via vfsglobal.com/uk/np.
Online portal: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Notes

Important notes

Every Nepali-language document MUST be accompanied by a certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Where this page's destination notes ask for an apostille or a specific translator, follow those notes; otherwise a translation notarised by a Notary Public is the usual standard.
Income proof for UK visas: ANY ONE of the four Nepal-side income bundles is sufficient (Business OR Salary OR Pension OR Rental) — pick the bundle matching your active income source.
Nepalis MUST apply for a UK visa for ALL visits — Nepal is NOT on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) eligible list (which started rolling out Apr 2025 for visa-exempt nationalities only — Nepalis remain in the full-visa category).
UK is NOT in the Schengen Area and NOT in the EU since 1 February 2020 (Brexit). UK + Ireland operate the Common Travel Area (CTA) — visas to one country do NOT automatically allow entry to the other, EXCEPT under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) since 2014: a UK Standard Visitor Visa endorsed "BIVS" permits Ireland entry and vice-versa.
British Embassy IS in Kathmandu (Lainchaur, Lazimpat) since 1816 — oldest UK Embassy in Asia after India. Embassy provides British-national consular services; visa decisions are made by UKVI Sheffield Decision-Making Hub (a centralised UK government office).
VFS UK Visa Application Centre IS in Kathmandu (Hattisar Plaza, 3rd Floor) — biometrics + document drop-off only. Online application is the first step; biometric appointment at VFS Hattisar is the second.
Biometrics (fingerprints + facial photograph) are mandatory for ALL UK visa applications. Captured at VFS Hattisar.
Travel medical insurance is NOT mandatory for UK visit visas (UK has reciprocal NHS access for some nationals — Nepalis pay full charges if they need medical care). Strongly recommended for visit visas.
For ALL UK visas with stay > 6 months, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is mandatory — GBP 1,035/year (Adults), GBP 776/year (Students/Youth Mobility), GBP 776/year (Children). Paid online during application.
UK's eVisa (digital immigration status) replaced Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards from December 2024. New visa holders receive an eVisa accessible via the UKVI Account; existing BRP holders received eVisas automatically. Carriers (airlines / Eurostar) verify eVisa status via the UKVI Carrier API at check-in.
Skilled Worker Visa salary threshold (effective 4 April 2024): minimum gross annual salary GBP 38,700 OR specific Going Rate for the occupation (whichever is higher). Salary thresholds revised annually by Home Office.
Health and Care Worker Visa: minimum salary GBP 23,200/year — preserved at lower threshold to maintain NHS / care-sector hiring. Major route for Nepali nurses + healthcare assistants.
Graduate Visa (post-study work): 2 years for Bachelor's + Master's graduates; 3 years for PhD graduates. Available to Nepali students who completed degree at a UKVI-licensed sponsor institution.
Common refusal patterns for Nepal visit visas: weak ties to Nepal (no property / business / family obligation), unexplained funds, vague itinerary, undisclosed prior UK / Schengen / US refusals, applicants under 30 without dependants, weak English-language proficiency for student / skilled-worker categories.
UK visa decisions are SUBJECTIVE — UKVI Sheffield Visa Officers apply the "balance of probabilities" test on every application. Strong supporting documents + clear cover letter materially improve approval odds.
UK uses GBP (Pound Sterling) — 1 USD ≈ GBP 0.80 (2026).

Machine-readable version: /visa/united-kingdom/markdown

Guides

United Kingdom visa guides

FAQ

United Kingdom visa for Nepali citizens — frequently asked questions

Common questions Nepali citizens ask before applying for a United Kingdom visa — answered from the official sources listed below.

Which visa do Nepali citizens use to visit United Kingdom as tourists?

Nepali passport holders visiting United Kingdom for tourism use the Standard Visitor Visa — Tourism / Family Visit, which allows a stay of up to 6 months per visit.

How much is the United Kingdom tourist visa fee for Nepali citizens?

GBP 135 (Standard Visitor, up to 6 months). Long-term multi-entry (2 / 5 / 10-year) costs more — see gov.uk fee schedule. Visitor in Transit: GBP 74.50. Fees change, so confirm the current amount at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa before paying (last reviewed 2026-04-26).

How long does a United Kingdom tourist visa take to process for Nepali citizens?

15 working days standard via VFS Hattisar. Priority Service: 5 working days (additional GBP 500). Super Priority Service: 24 hours next-business-day (additional GBP 1,000) — limited slots, depends on UKVI Sheffield availability.

What bank balance is required for a United Kingdom visa?

Bank statement (last 6 months) showing capacity for the trip — recommended ending balance NPR 5 lakh (5,00,000)+ for a typical 7–14-day UK trip — plus 3-year Income Tax Returns and an international credit card with 3-month statement. UKVI Sheffield Visa Officers reference GBP 100/day as the per-diem benchmark for proof-of-funds calculations.

How many days can Nepali citizens stay in United Kingdom on a tourist visa?

Up to 6 months per visit (Standard Visitor Visa — Tourism / Family Visit).

Where do Nepali citizens apply for a United Kingdom tourist visa?

Apply online at gov.uk/standard-visitor, create UKVI account, fill application + upload documents + pay fee online, book biometric appointment at VFS Hattisar via vfsglobal.com/uk/np, submit biometrics + originals, wait for UKVI Sheffield decision, then courier passport collection at VFS.

What documents are required for a United Kingdom tourist visa from Nepal?

Required documents include: UKVI online application form (signed digital); Nepali passport (≥ 6 months validity beyond intended return; ≥ 1 blank page); One passport-size digital photograph (45 × 35 mm, white background, < 6 months old); Confirmed return / onward air ticket; Confirmed accommodation in the UK for the entire stay; Detailed travel itinerary (locations, duration per location); Cover letter explaining purpose of trip; Bank statement (last 6 months, NPR 5 lakh ending balance recommended).

Where is the United Kingdom embassy in Nepal?

British Embassy — Kathmandu (consular jurisdiction over Nepal; visa decisions issued by UKVI Sheffield Decision-Making Hub) — British Embassy, Lainchaur, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal (P.O. Box 106). Phone: +977 1 4237100. Applications are lodged at VFS UK Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu (Hattisar), Hattisar Plaza, Kathmandu (3rd Floor) — Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00 submission, 14:00–16:00 collection. Biometric capture (fingerprints + photo) happens here AFTER online UKVI application is filed. Book appointment at gov.uk/standard-visitor -> Apply online -> after fee payment, schedule biometric appointment at VFS Kathmandu via vfsglobal.com/uk/np.

Can Nepali citizens apply for a United Kingdom business visa?

Yes — Standard Visitor Visa — Business. Business meetings, contract negotiations, conferences, exhibitions, after-sales service of equipment sold by Nepali employer, internal corporate training (≤ 6 months) — no direct employment in UK. Processing: 15 working days standard; 5 days Priority; 24 hours Super Priority.

Is there an official online portal for the United Kingdom visa?

Yes. The official starting point is https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

How is the United Kingdom visa fee paid?

UKVI fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) paid online by Visa / MasterCard / AmEx during the application. VFS service charge + courier in cash NPR or by card / QR at VFS Kathmandu counter. NO Demand Draft accepted for UKVI fees — all UK government fees settled online.

Can Yatra For Fun help with a United Kingdom visa application?

Yes — Yatra For Fun's visa desk can help you prepare your United Kingdom visa file over WhatsApp (the embassy or visa centre makes the decision), and you can order reservation documents for your file: a dummy flight ticket (NPR 999) and a dummy hotel booking (NPR 499). The reference number is a Yatra For Fun document number, not an airline PNR, so it will not appear on an airline's Manage Booking page.

Sources

Sources & last updated

Last reviewed: April 26, 2026

https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa — UKVI Visa Checker (start here to confirm eligible category)
https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor — Standard Visitor Visa policy
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa — Skilled Worker Visa policy
https://www.gov.uk/student-visa — Student Visa policy
https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa — Health and Care Worker Visa policy
https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk — UKVI Online Application Portal (mandatory for ALL applications)
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/gbr — VFS UK Nepal (biometric appointment booking, Hattisar Plaza Kathmandu)
https://www.gov.uk/world/nepal — British Embassy Kathmandu (consular jurisdiction over Nepal; visa decisions issued by UKVI Sheffield)
UK + Ireland Common Travel Area (CTA) + British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) since 2014 — UK Standard Visitor Visa endorsed BIVS allows entry to Ireland
Skilled Worker Visa salary threshold raised to GBP 38,700 effective 4 April 2024
Family Visa Minimum Income Requirement raised to GBP 29,000 effective 11 April 2024
UK Student Visa funds proof updated 2 January 2024: London GBP 1,483/month × 9 = GBP 13,347; outside London GBP 1,136/month × 9 = GBP 10,224
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) standard rate: GBP 1,035/year (most categories) / GBP 776/year (Students / Youth Mobility / Children / shortage occupations from Oct 2025)
UK eVisa replaced Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards from December 2024
Tuberculosis (TB) test mandatory for all Nepali UK visa applicants for stays > 6 months — performed at IOM MHAC Sankhamul Kathmandu
Nepal joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 14 March 2024 — Nepal-issued documents apostilled by Nepal MoFA after that date are accepted by UK authorities without further consular legalisation

Fees and rules change — confirm on the official source before you pay or apply.

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United Kingdom visa requirements for Nepali passport holders — documents, fees, processing time, and embassy contact

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Last reviewed

April 26, 2026

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