There are few feelings more enjoyable than realizing you’ve cracked the code by giving yourself permission to explore the world, whether it’s finally visiting that iconic city you’ve been dreaming about or a lesser-known hideaway that locals have been keeping secret.
In fact, as many popular destinations have become unwelcoming, more travelers are doing just that by finding hidden gems and venturing more off-path.
As such, it’s always important to check entry requirements as even a minuscule detail can derail an epic trip before it even kicks off.
One such bucket-list destination is now requiring all foreign tourists to complete a digital form upon arrival.
Launching in 2 phases, both this month and November, adventurers ready to cross off Nepal from their wishlist have some bureaucratic duties to handle before trekking Everest or immersing in the country’s fascinating culture.
Phase 1: Luxury Travelers Draw The Short Straw
Nepal may not exactly be known as a luxurious destination, but your dollar will undoubtedly go far here.
While some Asian locales can drain your bank balance faster than a Macau slot machine, Nepalese cities tend to substantially stretch your budget.
For example, in the vibrant capital Kathmandu, there are a handful of name-brand 5-star hotels under $150 per night:
- Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
- Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
- Hilton Kathmandu
- Radisson Hotel Kathmandu
There’s a small elephant in the room, however. There’s no universal scale determining 5-star status. Some countries hype up their level of luxe to entice more guests to pay a visit (cough, cough – Turkiye).
Why is this worth mentioning?
Because as the first phase of Nepal’s new entry requirement rolls out, only foreign travelers staying in 5-star accommodations will be required to register their trip online.
This new policy is set to launch September 17, 2025, likely to test the waters before the next phase.
Phase 2: All Travelers Must Register
Bougie travelers will only be singled out for so long. All travelers will have to register their trip no matter how you got here, where you’re staying, or how many commas may or may not be in your bank account.
This phase is slated for November 17, 2025.
Simply follow these steps to register your trip:
- Install the official appor open the NepaliPort web portal
- Create an account and log in
- Follow prompts detailing your trip and personal documents (which can be done pre-arrival)
- Once approved, scan QR code at hotels, vacation rentals, tours, currency exchange centers, etc. (enter details manually if QR code fails)
The Nepali government encourages users to keep alerts turned on for key reminders regarding your visit.
Cue Michael Jackson
Ever feel like you’re being watched?
In an era where our data seems to be this century’s goldmine, you may have already noticed the overbearing nature of Nepal’s new check-in requirements.
Toeing the line of the pandemic, unsightly QR codes might have you thinking, “aren’t we past this?”.
In the Nepali Government’s own words, they say “Through the implementation of this system, it is expected that the residency and activities of foreign nationals entering Nepal will be systematically recorded, making it easier to ensure rescue and security in emergency situations.”
Adding, “Further, it is anticipated that this system will contribute to the secure and organised development of the tourism sector by making the information exchange process effective among security agencies, tourism entrepreneurs, and other concerned entities.”
In other words, you’re being watched whether you like it or not.
Is Nepal Becoming Trendy?
Not often do you hear of Nepal making headlines. Heck, there are human remains that may never be recovered on the hike up Mt. Everest, becoming somewhat of a morbid landmark, and it flies under the radar as if that’s totally normal.
Though it was named a place to avoid in 2025 due to immense crowding and heaps of waste…
Largely viewed as a nature destination, it’s clear Nepal is trying to form a new identity.
For starters, just a few months ago, Nepal became the latest country to join the digital nomad craze by launching their own visa catered to remote workers wanting to make their base in one of Asia’s cheapest destinations.
Before then, one specific mountain town began to take away from Kathmandu’s shine, becoming plastered on every travel publication and their mother as a top solo destination.
Of course, we’re talking about Pokhara, which will surely become a haven for said digital nomads too.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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