Sticker visa via the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu — required for all Nepali tourists (no visa-on-arrival or K-ETA option). Current single-entry tourist fee is NPR 5,400.
South Korea requires Nepali tourists to obtain a sticker (C-3 short-term) visa in person from the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu before travel — there is no visa-on-arrival, and Nepal is not on Korea's K-ETA eligibility list. The embassy revises its fee schedule periodically via its own notices, so it's worth a quick check before you apply.
Fee: NPR 5,400 for a single-entry tourist visa (up to 90 days), per the Embassy's own fee schedule. Korea's embassy has changed this fee more than once in recent years via official notice, so confirm the current amount on the Embassy's website before applying.
Processing: Around 21 working days is the commonly quoted standard — apply at least 3 weeks before your intended travel date. Appointments for document submission are typically only available on set days (e.g. Monday/Wednesday mornings), so book ahead.
Stay: Typically up to 90 days for a single-entry tourist (C-3) visa; the exact permitted stay is shown on the visa sticker itself.
Steps
Gather required documents — Passport, photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and bank statements showing sufficient funds.
Book an appointment and submit your application — Book a submission appointment online in advance with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu — submission days are limited (typically Monday and Wednesday mornings) — then submit your application in person at that slot (or through an authorized visa agency, if the embassy directs applicants there for your visa type).
Pay the visa fee — Fee changed as of 1 January 2026 — verify the current amount with the embassy or its official notice board before applying.
Wait for a decision — Apply 2-4 weeks ahead of travel to allow processing time.
Documents
Machine Readable Passport (MRP) valid for at least 6 months
Completed visa application form with a glued (not stapled) photo
Cover letter describing your purpose of visit, itinerary and sponsorship (if any)
Round-trip flight booking with a valid reservation reference
Hotel confirmation showing the full address and contact details
Personal bank statement covering the last 6 months, from an A-class bank
Employment certificate from your employer or educational institution
PAN and business registration (original and copy), if self-employed
TB (tuberculosis) medical report from a designated hospital
Asset evaluation certificate, certified by a chartered accountant
Notarized English translation for every document issued in Nepali; any Korea-issued supporting document must be original and issued within the last 3 months
Can I use K-ETA instead of a visa, like some other nationalities?
No — Nepal is not on Korea's K-ETA eligibility list, so a full sticker visa from the Embassy is required for every Nepali tourist.
What is the 'asset evaluation certificate' and do I really need one?
It's a certified valuation of your property or other assets, prepared by a chartered accountant — Korea's tourist visa checklist for Nepali applicants lists it alongside your bank statement as financial proof. If you don't own significant property, a strong 6-month bank statement and employment certificate can still carry the application, but including an asset evaluation strengthens a borderline case.