Getting a Thai Visa in Kathmandu, Nepal

By Mark Wiens 58 Comments
Thai Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal
Thai Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal

Getting a Thai tourist visa in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a fairly easy process.

The Thai embassy is located in a quiet neighborhood, and is one of the calmest and most relaxed offices I’ve yet to visit – similar to the Thai embassy in Seoul.

I’ve read contradicting stories online about the challenges of getting a Thai visa in Kathmandu, but I personally (I carry a US passport) had no problems.

Though I only applied for a 2 month single entry Thai tourist visa, double entry is an option (unlike getting a Thai visa in Yangon where you are only allowed a single entry).

For applying for a Thai visa at the Thai embassy in Kathmandu, there are a few things that are very different from applying for a Thai visa in other locations – so please do read the following information clearly – especially the things you’ll need and the process of making the payment (#2).

Things you’ll need:

Manager's check for Thai visa in Kathmandu
Manager’s check for Thai visa in Kathmandu

Step 1

Before getting your Thai visa in Kathmandu, be sure to gather all your documents and have everything prepared and filled out.

Step 2

IMPORTANT: Unlike getting a Thai visa in Seoul or anywhere else, instead of paying cash directly at the embassy, you have to pay at Bank of Kathmandu. There’s a location about a 10 minute walk from the Thai embassy in Kathmandu. I walked there, paid my fee which is really 3,050 rupees as the bank takes 50, and was given a bank check.

Note: In order to make sure I didn’t pay the fee without being eligible for the visa (or something odd like that, just in case), I first went to the embassy, where the employee checked all my documents, and after getting confirmation that everything was alright, I then went to pay the fee. I guess if you’re certain you have everything in order, you could stop by Bank of Kathmandu and pay before going to the embassy, saving a few minutes.

Step 3

Go to the Thai embassy and drop off all your documents. A nice lady will ensure you have everything in order and then you’ll be handed a receipt and told when to come back to pick up your Thai visa and passport.

Official opening for visa applications is at 9:30 am, and because the embassy is quite small and relaxed, I showed up at around 10 am and waited for just 1 other person in line before me – nice and hassle free.

Step 4

Come back to the Thai embassy, hand in your receipt, and pick up your passport. Confirm the visa is alright.

Your Thai visa will take 2 working days. Meaning if you apply on Monday, you’ll pick up on Wednesday.

Visa drop off time: 9:30 am – 12 pm
Visa pick up time: 2 pm – 4 pm

Also, remember to check the holiday calendar as the Thai embassy is closed on both Thai and Nepalese holidays.

How to Get to the Thai Embassy in Kathmandu

The Thai embassy in Kathmandu is located on a quiet neighborhood street in northern Kathmandu, just north of Ring Road. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, and I paid 250 NPR from the Thamel area. It’s just a short distance from the Australian embassy.

Address: Royal Thai Embassy, Kathmandu, 167/4 Ward No. 3, Maharajgunj-Bansbari Road, P.O. Box. 3333, Kathmandu, Nepal


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58 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Heavenly Nepal

    3 years ago

    Welcome Nepal

  • Stuart Lansdale

    5 years ago

    Just thought I’d give an update at this is the blog which appears if people search to do this. I did the application this morning (11th December 2018). Everything said is pretty much correct. I went with a one way flight print out, last month bank statement and 3x application forms with 3x photos. I didn’t have any problem applying as a UK citizen. They asked if I had been to Thailand before but never actually checked my passport. When they said docs were ok, I went to the bank to make payment, went back with the receipt and got told to come back Monday 17th December. This would indicate that the processing time is currently 3 working days. Hope this information is useful as I was looking for current info and found it hard to come by. I applied for a single entry tourist visa.

  • Edson Canendo

    6 years ago

    Thailand visa is free only no need money to pay its how come hay payment god always I’m coming Thailand I didn’t pay any money for 1 month visa stay in Thailand god last month I when Thailand I didn’t pay my visa

  • Asa Hershoff

    7 years ago

    YOU BETTER UPDATE THIS NCIE DESCRIPTION AS IT IS WRONG!!! They now require FIVE WORKING DAYS to process your visa! Quite ridiculous really. AND YOU WONT FIND THIS ON THE THAI CONSULATE OF NEPAL VISA WEBSITE (P.S I was told is on the “Announcements” section of the site.. ie. where NOBODY will ever look). I found the staff quite rude and unconcerned, could actually care less about misleading and wasting ones entire day. In spite of looking at our flight FIVE DIFFERENT TIMES did not mention that we couldnt get a visa in time, until they had wasted our morning.

  • Koen van Huut

    7 years ago

    Just got my visa last week. Applied on thrusday and got it on Wednesday next week. Rest is still the same.

  • Daniel Hill

    7 years ago

    The visa now costs 3500 NPR plus 100 for the bank and it will take them at least five working days to issue your visa. If you apply on a Monday your passport will not be ready until the following Tuesday. This is despite the fact that the embassy’s website still quotes only needing two working days! The only exception that they will make is for urgent medical treatment and then they will still need three working days to issue your visa. My advice is that unless you have a lot of time go to Laos or Myanmar where your visa will be issued on the second day. Good luck.

  • samrat

    7 years ago

    despite being a nepali, i did not know this

  • ram sinjali

    8 years ago

    I search and got this website today. it is very enough information for visiting Thai Embassy in Kathmandu for visa.

  • Dr Kiran Soti

    8 years ago

    I am a Nepalese citizen currently studying Master of Medicine in China . I am going Nepal in my vacation after 15 days . I want to travel Thailand for 3 weeks from Nepal and come back to China . What documents should I need ? Can I show bank statement of Chinese bank ?

  • Ravi

    8 years ago

    Much helpful

  • Helena

    8 years ago

    This was a very helpful post! I am just wondering what one should write under “Name and address of Local Guarantor” and “Name and address of Guarantor in Thailand” on the application form? Do you know this?

  • Ram kumar mahat

    8 years ago

    I want to need thiland business visa.how can I process.and how much money bank balance need.give me some reason plz

  • Shiva raj subedi

    8 years ago

    Thanks for kind information and helpful too

  • Beni

    8 years ago

    It’s been very helpful Mark. Appreciate so much for your time put into it! God bless!

  • biman

    8 years ago

    if you list required document also better for us

  • Barbara Weibel

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark:
    Just came from the Thai Embassy here in Nepal. Appreciate your article very much as it made things simple for me. I was in and out in less than an hour, including going to the bank for the cashier’s check. And your advice was spot on to go to the embassy first to have them review the paperwork before getting the check, since I had to present my paperwork that had been stamped approved by the embassy at the bank.

    I’ve read through the comments and seen where some have been rejected because they did not have a previous entry into Thailand. I can’t speak to that, because I go every year so I had a previous entry in my passport. But the visa rules in Thailand are changing on an almost daily basis, so some of what has been said by other commenters is now incorrect. Americans, Brits, Aussies, and Canadians (and maybe some European countries – not sure) are all eligible for visa exempt entry into Thailand. Note that this is NOT a visa, and as such, it cannot be extended. In fact, at the moment, in/out entries (leaving and coming back on the same day just to get another exempt entry, commonly known as a visa run) are no longer allowed at any border station in Thailand. Same day reentry is currently allowed for those who present valid multiple entry visas, however even this was not allowed for a while after the bombings at Erawan Shrine and Saphan Taksin pier.

    As of last week, Thailand began offering ONLY two types of tourist visas. The first is a 60 day single entry, the other is the brand new six-month Multiple Entry Thai Visa (METV). The 60 day multiple entry visa is no longer available, and indeed the woman at the Nepal Thai Consulate confirmed that they no longer issue them.

    The 60 day single entry is now 3500 NRS, I assume because of the weakening Thai baht. Once in Thailand, this visa can be extended for an additional 30 days at an immigration office, for 1900 baht, I believe. The METV is good for 6 months and costs around $200.

    I also wanted to pass along that it cost me 800 NRS (about $8) each way for a taxi from Thamel, rather than the 350 you quoted. This is due to the fuel shortage resulting from the blockade at the southern border with India. Fuel, when it is available, now costs $4 per liter, and they have to wait in line for hours to get any. Whether the prices will return to normal after the blockade ends is anyone’s guess. Thanks again for your article!

  • Cristian

    8 years ago

    As another person mentioned earlier, at this moment, the Thai consulate in Kathmandu does not accept visa applications from non-Nepal residents (thus, foreigners on tourist visas). An exception could be made in case of foreigners that had previously visited Thailand. When I presented my application file they didn’t even care about documents, bank statements etc, but looked directly into my passport if there is any stamp or visa that would show I have previously been to Thailand. After they refused to receive my application, I wrote an email to the consul explaining why they should make an exception and still accept my application and grant me the visa. Did not receive any response. So, just in case I went once again to the Thai Consulate in a couple of days. The kind lady there told me that this is the policy at this particular embassy and that the day before they refused applications from citizens of Germany, USA, Australia, so I am not the only case. Her suggestion was to apply for a Thai visa in Malaysia, India or Laos. So, I changed my flight ticket and will fly to Malaysia for visa, as it seemed more reasonable for me than going to India, when adding up the Indian visa price, wait time, additional stress and expenses to go to New Delhi.

  • Shankar Banjara

    8 years ago

    what a useful information given with the step by step instructions thanks for sharing really useful to get Thailand visa in Nepal

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Thank you very much Shankar, glad this is helpful.

  • suraj subba

    9 years ago

    Hello mark.How about nepalese citizen with less than 6 months bank statement(maybe 4-5 months) apply for thai visa?

  • Rebati raj khadka

    9 years ago

    how much money should I have in my account to be eligible for get visa …….? is there any minimum amount line ?

  • Niranjan

    9 years ago

    Hi,

    I am planning to visit Thailand for 4 days starting from 10th of June 2015 from Malaysia. I have airline ticket confirmed for both the ways already however I couldn’t apply Thai Visa as the Thai Embassy was closed on 29th of May 2015 due to Democracy Day in Nepal and today, 1st of June 2015 due to Thai Holiday.

    I will be flying to KL on 3rd of June at night and I have only one working day. Can I obtain Thai Visa on urgent basis?

    Valuable suggestions are highly appreciated.

    Niranjan

  • guest

    9 years ago

    Thank you for sharing. It’s really helpful.There is a hurry question. is it necessary cash should be checked when my nepal friend arrival in Thailand. my friend is nepal person. he got the visa of Thailand already. but his friend told him he need to exchange on thousand dollar ,if he don’t have that ,Thailand can send he back to nepal. Is it real? Is that right?

  • bipin

    9 years ago

    Thank you so much for the detailed instructions. ☺

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      You’re welcome, glad it’s helpful Bipin.

  • Tanzil

    9 years ago

    Hi,

    I have an urgent question.

    I am in Nepal now for the last two months.
    I shall be apply for a Thai visa within next few days.

    My bank will not mail me my bank statement outside my country.
    But I have access to my online bank account.
    Did you submit your bank statement by taking a printout from online account?
    I mean – do they accept online printout of bank statement?

    Or is a bank statement printed by the bank itself with a bank seal on the statement is mandatory?

    Please let me know. It is urgent.

    Thanks in advance.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Tanzil, I think you should be able to print off a copy and that should be fine. I don’t think they are too strict.

    • Tanzil

      9 years ago

      UPDATE: This morning I went to the embassy with all the papers. I was anxious if they will accept my digital version of bank statement. But the nice lady at the counter did not even go up to that page. When she saw that I was a tourist and did not go to Thailand before, the lady at the counter said that I should go back to my country and try from there.

      REASON: They allow visa only to Nepali citizens and foreigners working here. (Oh No! I was upset but had nothing to do.)

      So, I went to the Thai Airways office at Durbar Marg and cancelled my ticket.

      Just imagine… she did not even check / open all the pages in the application but refused. 🙂

    • Lra

      9 years ago

      Thanks for the info Tanzil, you saved me a lot of hassle, I was about to buy tickets to start the visa process and read your update, such a shame we can not get first time visa in Nepal..

  • Hideko

    9 years ago

    Nepali also can get Thai visa only 2 working day of Thai embassy ?

    • Hideko

      9 years ago

      And I want double entry visa. Possible?

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Hideko, yes I think it’s possible.

  • Val

    10 years ago

    Unfortunatly the embassy doesn’t provide double entry visa anymore. You won’t find this information on their website, but I went to the embassy just yesterday. Also, the fee is now 3500 rupies for a single entry.

  • Rob

    10 years ago

    Hi, Thanks for the instructions they were really helpful. Unfortunately, it seems as though there has been a change of process. I had everything in order but when I arrived the Embassy staff said that unless I had a previous stamp from Thai immigration in my passport I would not be able to get the 2 month visa. I’m a UK citizen.

    I was told to get a visa on arrival but I understood from the website information that this is not the preferred way to go about it. The staff were incredibly helpful and as I talked with them and explained that I was going to Thailand for a sports training camp they said I could apply for a 90 day visa…I’ve just got confirmation from the training camp that I’m going so I can now get that visa. It’s more expensive, I think 6,000 Nepalese Rupee but it gives me 90 days.

    Hope this helps people out. Might be worth putting a warning in case others face the same issues?

    Cheers,
    Rob

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Rob, thank you so much for sharing! Will this be your first time to Thailand? Hmmmm, that seems a little strange to me (not what you said, but what they said), that one has to have a previous Thai stamp in their passport to get a new Thai visa… thanks for sharing. I’m going to look into this further!

    • Rob

      10 years ago

      Hi. Yes, first time. I thought exactly the same. It is weird. She told me that some embassys will do it but jut not the one in Kathmandu. I don’t know what to believe but I do know they wouldn’t give me the 2 month visa. I got the 90 day one because I could prove I was going to a sports training camp.

    • Val

      10 years ago

      I think Rob is right. Quote from the “summary of regulations”:

      “The visas issued by the Royal Thai Embassy are only prima facie evidences that persons have been permitted to enter into the Kingdom of Thailand”

      http://www.thaiembnepal.org.np/downloads/visa_application_back.pdf

    • Josep Sayol

      10 years ago

      I can confirm what Rob said, I just came from the embassy this morning and I had the same problem. They told me that for those who are not residents in Nepal we need to provide proof in our passports that we have been allowed into Thailand before.

      I explained that I had been to Thailand 3 years ago but that I had renewed my passport since then (which is true), and i assumed that they could just confirm this with the immigration department. Sadly, they told me that the only way is to show a previous stamp on my passport, otherwise they won’t give a visa.

      In my case, as with Rob, they were also quite helpful. When I said I needed a 60-day tourist visa, the lady I talked to said I could just get a 30-day visa at the airport and then extend it for another 30 days at immigration once in Thailand, so I guess that’s what I’ll do.

      I hope this is helpful to others. And Mark, it might be a good idea to update the information on the post to reflect this 🙂

    • Rob

      10 years ago

      @Josep, just remember that when you are here you will need to cross a border in order to get an extension. It’s a huge business here. There are trips everyday to the border from where I am staying in Phuket at the moment. Some people have issues when they arrive at the Burmese or Malaysian border because the country they are from does not issue on arrival visas so they can’t get across to come back again…

      It’s usually a day trip, around 15 hours from here, and you pay around 1700 bhat and no visa fee renewal. You go to the Burmese border and get a 30 day extension. I think the Malaysian crossing only gives you 15 days but I can’t be sure on that.

      A lot of people I know just use the opportunity to fly to Hong Kong, KL or somewhere else for a few days and then come back again and get a new 30 day visa.

      It seems as though it’s a massive money making exercise because people have to travel and spend a lot of money on doing it. Great for the economy and small businesses, annoying for tourists.

  • DNH

    10 years ago

    Thanks for the great information Mark.

    Question for anyone: Where besides the Kathmandu airport can I get passport photos? I know, I know…I should carry them. Unfortunately I used them all in India.

    Where can I get photos? Any help appreciated!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey DNH, there are plenty of photo stores around the Thamel area of Kathmandu where you can get photos. Best of luck!

  • Tristan

    10 years ago

    I just picked up my single entry Thai visa today (November 14, 2013) here in Kathmandu and everything was still just as you described. For the ticket, I printed off the Travelocity ticket confirmation information (and it was a one-way flight, not round trip), and for the bank statement, I printed out my most recent digital bank statement. No problems.

    Also, just so people are aware, there’s a sign in the embassy that says that you need to apply for your visa at least five days before your travel date (to Thailand). Not sure if this is enforced, but it’s good to keep in mind.

    Thanks for the info!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Cool to hear that Tristan, thanks for the update!

  • Peter

    11 years ago

    Everything as you described.

    Addendum:
    They only issue double entries, if you can show an outbound ticket.
    For single entry any flight confirmation like BKK-KTM was enough. (although it makes no sense to show an inbound ticket)
    Same with the financial proof – just showed a copy of my credit card bill.

  • Malone

    11 years ago

    Why? Many nationalities do not need a visa for Thailand, and most of those who do can easily get one on arrival at a Thai airport

  • Sailesh

    11 years ago

    Do you really need a plane ticket for this ? I mean

  • Owen Lipsett

    11 years ago

    Great information as usual Mark! I hope this also means you’ll be writing some posts about Nepali food soon 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Owen, oh yes, many coming in the future!

  • Mike

    11 years ago

    It’s amazing all the red tape involved in migration everywhere. Perhaps you’ve heard of those Thai language student visas. Could that be a viable option for someone who wants to stay in Thailand for a while?

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Mike, yah that could be an option, haven’t looked at it too much. The thing is you’d need to be enrolled in a Thai language course…. which could be a good idea. Might have to do more research on this in the future!

    • Mike

      11 years ago

      I hear that some of the schools don’t necessarily take attendance.

  • Bijaya Ghimire

    11 years ago

    It does not need a great topic for great post. It needs greater insight and information. Great post with all the useful details.

  • flip

    11 years ago

    Very helpful post Mark!

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Thanks for checking it out Flip!

    • Sange Tamang

      9 years ago

      Presently I am living in India. Can I apply Thai visa from here ? Could you please confirm at your earliest convenience. Thank you

      Sincerely Yours

      Sange Tamang

  • Ray @StingyTraveller

    11 years ago

    Great detailed step by step instructions. Very useful!