UK Visitor Visa for Nepalese Citizens 2026
What you need to know
- •Nepalese citizens are visa nationals and must apply before travelling.
- •The Standard Visitor visa is £115 for up to 6 months in 2026.
- •No TB (tuberculosis) test is needed for a short visit under 6 months.
- •Give biometrics at the VFS centre in Kathmandu.
- •Sponsor and invitation letters are common for family visits.
Nepalese passport holders need a UK Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK. The visa costs £115 for up to 6 months in 2026. This guide explains who needs the visa, the financial evidence and documents you need, how invitation and sponsor letters work for family visits, and how to apply through VFS in Kathmandu.
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Do Nepalese Citizens Need a UK Visitor Visa?
Yes. Nepal is a visa national country. This means Nepalese passport holders must apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa before they travel. You cannot enter the UK as a visitor without one. This is different from countries like the United States, whose citizens do not need a visitor visa.
You apply online and then give your biometrics in person. You should be granted the visa before you book final travel. For the full overview, see our UK Visitor visa guide.
What You Can and Cannot Do as a Visitor
A Standard Visitor visa lets you do many things. You can:
- Visit family and friends
- Come as a tourist
- Attend a business meeting or conference
- Take a short course of up to 6 months
There are firm limits. You cannot work for a UK employer, do paid or unpaid work, or claim public funds. You also cannot live in the UK through frequent or back-to-back visits. See our work restrictions guide for full detail.
The £115 Fee in 2026
The Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for a stay of up to 6 months in 2026. You pay this when you apply online. Long-term visitor visas, valid for 2, 5 or 10 years, cost more, but each visit is still limited to 6 months.
Fees can change. Always check the current price on GOV.UK before you apply. See our visitor visa cost guide.
Financial Evidence
You must show you can pay for your trip and that you have a settled financial life in Nepal. Provide:
- Bank statements: the last 6 months, showing regular income and a steady balance
- Payslips: recent payslips that match your bank deposits
- Employment letter: confirming your job, salary, and approved leave dates
- Business papers: registration documents if you are self-employed
Avoid large deposits that you cannot explain. The Home Office wants to see a steady pattern, not a one-off balance. For a full breakdown, see our financial evidence guide.
Sponsor and Invitation Letters for Family Visits
Many Nepalese visits are to see family in the UK. A family member or friend can write an invitation letter to support your application. The letter should include:
- Their name, address, and immigration status in the UK
- How they know you and your relationship
- The dates and reason for your visit
- Whether they will pay for or host your stay
If your UK sponsor offers to cover your costs, they can add their own bank statements and proof of income. A sponsor helps, but you must still meet the visitor rules yourself. See our invitation letter guide.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £179, paid once.
Documents You Need
Along with financial evidence, prepare these documents:
- A current passport with a blank page
- Your travel dates and a simple itinerary
- Proof of where you will stay
- Return or onward travel plans
See our documents guide for a full checklist.
How to Apply and Give Biometrics
You apply online on GOV.UK and pay the fee. After that, you book an appointment at the VFS Global visa application centre in Kathmandu to give your fingerprints and photo.
Processing Times
- Standard: about 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment
- Priority: faster service where available, for an extra fee
Book early during busy travel seasons. See our processing time guide.
Do You Need a TB Test?
No. A TB (tuberculosis) test is not needed for a short visit of up to 6 months. You only need a TB test if you apply to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, such as some study or family routes. See our TB test guide.
Common Refusal Reasons
Applications are most often refused when:
- Financial evidence is weak or hard to verify
- Your reasons to return to Nepal look weak
- Your travel plans are vague or do not add up
- The application has gaps or mistakes
Prepare carefully to avoid these. See our refusal reasons guide and the full requirements guide.
Next Steps
Related guides:
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £179, paid once.