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Going to Nepal as a Nepalese-origin US citizen (the “no-visa” facility / NRN)
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About
Who this is for
U.S. citizens of Nepali origin planning travel to Nepal, especially former Nepali citizens and families deciding whether to use a tourist visa, NRN card/citizenship, or Nepal immigration's NRN arrival process.
Use the current official category, not a nickname
People often say "no-visa" or "visa-not-required," but the official process is more specific. Nepal immigration currently lists NRN as a visa category for Non-Residential Nepali citizenship or card holders. Tribhuvan International Airport's arrival page says NRN card holders need a valid passport, the original NRN card issued by the Government of Nepal, and a pre-filled visa application form.
If you are a former Nepali citizen
- The Embassy's NRN ID page lists a foreign citizen of Nepali origin category, valid for 10 years, and requires a U.S. passport plus proof of Nepali origin.
- The Embassy currently requires a copy of renouncement of Nepali citizenship for foreign citizens of Nepali origin applying for the NRN ID card.
- The Embassy FAQ says it is not authorized to issue NRN citizenship; applicants should contact the relevant District Administration Office in Nepal.
What to do before travel
- If you already have an NRN card or NRN citizenship, carry the original document, your valid U.S. passport, and the pre-filled application/ETA paperwork Nepal immigration requires.
- If you do not have the original NRN document, do not assume you can use the NRN counter. Use the tourist visa/ETA/on-arrival process that applies to your passport, or ask Nepal immigration/Embassy before travel.
- If you are applying for an NRN ID card, use the Embassy/MoFA application path and verify fees, processing time, and documents before mailing or visiting.
- For children or mixed-citizenship families, confirm eligibility directly with the Embassy because the FAQ has specific child-eligibility limits.
Official sources checked July 9, 2026
Frequently asked
Is this literally visa-free travel?
Do not rely on the nickname. Nepal immigration currently lists NRN as a visa category, and TIA says NRN card holders need a valid passport, original NRN card, and pre-filled visa application form.
What if I have an NRN card?
Carry your valid passport, original NRN card issued by the Government of Nepal, and the pre-filled application/ETA paperwork required by Nepal immigration. Digital or photocopy-only NRN evidence may not be accepted at TIA.
I became a U.S. citizen. What does the Embassy ask for?
For a foreign citizen of Nepali origin applying for an NRN ID, the Embassy currently lists U.S. citizenship/naturalization or birth evidence, U.S. passport, proof of Nepali origin, and a copy of renouncement of Nepali citizenship.
Can the Embassy issue NRN citizenship?
No. The Embassy FAQ says the Government of Nepal has not authorized the Embassy to issue NRN citizenship; contact the relevant District Administration Office in Nepal.
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