Essential Visa and Permit Requirements for Nepal and Kailash Mansarovar in 2026
As global travel regulations evolve, staying informed is the key to a stress-free Himalayan adventure. Whether you are planning to trek to Everest or embark on the holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026, the entry and permit landscape has seen significant updates this year.
As your trusted travel agency in Kathmandu, Samrat Tours & Travels has compiled this comprehensive checklist of everything you need to know before you fly.
New Digital Entry Requirements for Nepal
Starting in 2026, the Nepal Department of Immigration has emphasized a "Digital First" approach. While Visa on Arrival is still available at Tribhuvan International Airport for most nationalities, the process is much faster if you complete the online pre-arrival form within 15 days of your flight.
A major update for 2026 is the mandatory registration in the Foreign Nationals Management Information System (FNMIS). Travelers are now issued a digital QR code upon entry, which is used for check-ins at hotels and security checkpoints in remote trekking zones. This system ensures better safety and real-time tracking for tourists in case of emergencies.
Understanding the Chinese Group Visa for Kailash
If you are planning the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, remember that you cannot enter Tibet on a standard individual Chinese tourist visa. You must obtain a Chinese Group Visa, which is issued as a separate official document listing all members of your tour.
In 2026, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has implemented a dual submission process, requiring both digital and physical documentation. Processing times have also extended to approximately six working days, meaning you should plan to spend about a week in Kathmandu before your journey to Tibet begins.
Mandatory Permits for Your Himalayan Journey
The documentation required for the Himalayas goes beyond a simple visa. Depending on your destination, you will need several specific permits:
For the Everest Region: Instead of the old TIMS card, you now require a local entry permit from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, along with your Sagarmatha National Park entry pass.
For the Kailash Kora: Beyond the Chinese Group Visa, your tour operator must secure the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), the Alien Travel Permit (ATP) for restricted zones, and a Military Permit due to the proximity of Mount Kailash to international borders.
For Restricted Zones (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo): These regions require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). In 2026, many of these zones require a minimum of two travelers per group and a mandatory licensed guide to ensure environmental preservation and cultural respect.
Let Samrat Nepal Handle the Paperwork
The logistics of a Himalayan trip can be complex, but they don't have to be your burden. Samrat Tours & Travels specializes in managing every detail of your documentation. From securing difficult-to-get Tibet permits to assisting with your Nepal FNMIS registration, we ensure you can focus entirely on your spiritual and physical journey.
