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Madagascar Joins Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Barbados, Laos,and Burundi to Enhance Tourism and Global Mobility with Nepal’s New Visa-Free Access to 32 Countries
Similarly, Nepal is offering visa-free access to a wide array of countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Macau, Indonesia, Philippines, and Iran (eVisa). Also benefiting from this newfound freedom are countries such as Cook Islands, Fiji, Micronesia, Niue, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Senegal, Angola, Gambia, Togo, Guinea-Bissau, Somalia, and Comoros. The impact of this expanded access is further fuelling tourism growth and encouraging deeper international ties.
Growth in Visitor Numbers
Nepal welcomed 92,573 international visitors in January 2026, which represents a 15–15.7% increase compared to January 2025. This surge in arrivals has been driven by various factors, including the easing of global travel restrictions, the growing appeal of Nepal as a tourism destination, and increased promotional efforts by the Nepal Tourism Board. The increase in visitors also surpasses figures from January 2019, a clear indication of the sector’s strong rebound post-pandemic.
Projections for 2026
Sector analysts are optimistic about Nepal’s tourism growth, projecting that the country could receive between 1.3 million and 1.5 million international tourists by the end of 2026. This growth is expected to continue if the current trends of increased arrivals and the recovery of global mobility persist.
Key Tourism Trends
Nepal’s tourism industry is benefiting from its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, which attract a diverse range of travelers. Adventure tourism, including trekking and mountaineering, remains a key draw, with the Himalayas being a major attraction for thrill-seekers. Additionally, spiritual tourism, particularly related to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, continues to attract religious and cultural tourists.
Furthermore, Nepal’s strategic positioning as a hub for regional tourism, with its proximity to key countries in South Asia such as India, China, and Bangladesh, enhances its appeal for tourists seeking easy access to a variety of destinations. The country is also a part of the broader “Silk Road” network, with growing interest in cultural and historical tourism, particularly from Europe and the Middle East.
Government Initiatives and Infrastructure Development
The Nepal Tourism Board has been actively promoting the country’s tourism offerings through campaigns and partnerships, both domestically and internationally. With government support, infrastructure improvements have been a key focus, aiming to enhance the travel experience for international visitors. New airports, road networks, and hospitality projects are designed to cater to increasing tourism demand, making Nepal a more accessible and appealing destination for travelers worldwide.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the growth in inbound tourism is promising, Nepal still faces challenges, including infrastructure limitations, environmental sustainability concerns, and the need for better marketing strategies to compete with other destinations in the region. Nevertheless, the government’s emphasis on sustainable tourism practices, combined with the growing global interest in nature and adventure tourism, presents significant opportunities for the country to solidify its position as a top travel destination.
Outbound Tourism Reaches New Heights in 2025 in Nepal
Nepal’s tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with the country receiving 92,573 international visitors in January 2026, marking a 15–15.7% increase compared to January 2025. This surge in inbound travel exceeds the numbers recorded in January 2019, highlighting a robust recovery for the industry. The increase in international arrivals reflects the growing appeal of Nepal as a destination, driven by the country’s diverse attractions and its improving infrastructure.
Sector analyses project that Nepal will see between 1.3 million and 1.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2026 if the current growth trajectory continues. This upward trend positions Nepal as an increasingly significant player in the global tourism market.
As Nepal’s inbound tourism flourishes, outbound tourism is also gaining momentum. To stay updated on outbound tourism data for Nepali residents, the Nepal Tourism Board provides official reports, including their “Tourism Insights” and “Nepal Tourism Statistics” PDFs. The January 2026 edition of these reports will contain the most recent outbound figures, once they are compiled.
According to latest “Tourism Insights” or “Nepal Tourism Statistics” for 2026, where “Departures of Nepalese citizens by air.” These tables will provide annual and monthly outbound totals, giving a clear view of the travel patterns of Nepali residents heading abroad.Taken together,Tourism’s contribution to Nepal’s GDP (direct + indirect) is currently estimated at about 7–8 % of GDP, and most recent analyses describe it as “roughly 6.7–8 %” in normal years when arrivals exceed 1 million.
| Destinations | Visa Requirement |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | VoA |
| Albania | VoA |
| Algeria | VoA |
| American Samoa | VoA |
| Andorra | VoA |
| Angola | VoA |
| Anguilla | VoA |
| Antigua and Barbuda | VoA |
| Argentina | VoA |
| Armenia | VoA |
| Aruba | VoA |
| Australia | VoA |
| Austria | VoA |
| Azerbaijan | VoA |
| Bahamas | VoA |
| Bahrain | VoA |
| Bangladesh | Visa Free |
| Barbados | Visa Free |
| Belarus | VoA |
| Belgium | VoA |
| Belize | VoA |
| Benin | VoA |
| Bermuda | VoA |
| Bhutan | VoA |
| Bolivia | VoA |
| Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba | VoA |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | VoA |
| Botswana | VoA |
| Brazil | VoA |
| British Virgin Islands | VoA |
| Brunei | VoA |
| Bulgaria | VoA |
| Burkina Faso | VoA |
| Burundi | Visa Free |
| Cameroon | VoA |
| Canada | VoA |
| Cape Verde Islands | Visa Free |
| Cayman Islands | VoA |
| Central African Republic | VoA |
| Chad | VoA |
| Chile | VoA |
| China | VoA |
| Colombia | VoA |
| Comoro Islands | VoA |
| Congo (Dem. Rep.) | VoA |
| Congo (Rep.) | VoA |
| Cook Islands | Visa Free |
| Costa Rica | VoA |
| Croatia | VoA |
| Cuba | VoA |
| Curacao | VoA |
| Cyprus | VoA |
| Czechia | VoA |
| Côte d’Ivoire | VoA |
| Denmark | VoA |
| Djibouti | Visa Free |
| Dominica | Visa Free |
| Dominican Republic | VoA |
| Ecuador | VoA |
| Egypt | Visa Free |
| El Salvador | VoA |
| Equatorial Guinea | VoA |
| Eritrea | VoA |
| Estonia | VoA |
| eSwatini | VoA |
| Ethiopia | VoA |
| Falkland Islands | VoA |
| Faroe Islands | VoA |
| Fiji | VoA |
| Finland | VoA |
| France | VoA |
| French Guiana | VoA |
| French Polynesia | VoA |
| French West Indies | VoA |
| Gabon | VoA |
| Gambia | VoA |
| Georgia | VoA |
| Germany | VoA |
| Ghana | VoA |
| Gibraltar | VoA |
| Greece | VoA |
| Greenland | VoA |
| Grenada | VoA |
| Guam | VoA |
| Guatemala | VoA |
| Guinea | VoA |
| Guinea‑Bissau | Visa Free |
| Guyana | VoA |
| Haiti | Visa Free |
| Honduras | VoA |
| Hong Kong (SAR China) | VoA |
| Hungary | VoA |
| Iceland | VoA |
| India | Visa Free |
| Indonesia | VoA |
| Iran | VoA |
| Iraq | VoA |
| Ireland | VoA |
| Israel | VoA |
| Italy | VoA |
| Jamaica | VoA |
| Japan | VoA |
| Jordan | VoA |
| Kazakhstan | VoA |
| Kenya | Visa Free |
| Kiribati | VoA |
| Kosovo | VoA |
| Kuwait | VoA |
| Kyrgyzstan | VoA |
| Laos | Visa Free |
| Latvia | VoA |
| Lebanon | VoA |
| Lesotho | VoA |
| Liberia | VoA |
| Libya | VoA |
| Liechtenstein | VoA |
| Lithuania | VoA |
| Luxembourg | VoA |
| Macao (SAR China) | VoA |
| Madagascar | Visa Free |
| Malawi | VoA |
Visa‑free and visa‑exempt access to Nepal for certain nationalities supports global mobility by making short‑term travel easier and cheaper for both tourists and officials.
Asia
- India – Indian citizens enjoy full visa‑free entry; they do not need a tourist visa and may use valid government ID instead of a passport for most routes.
- China – Holders of Chinese diplomatic and official passports are exempt from visas, and ordinary Chinese tourists are currently exempt from paying tourist‑visa fees, which effectively lowers barriers to travel.
- Thailand, Mongolia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Israel, Serbia – Nationals holding diplomatic or official passports from these countries are visa‑exempt for entry into Nepal, facilitating official and government travel and strengthening regional global mobility links.
Africa
- Madagascar – Nepalese travelers enjoy visa‑free access to Madagascar, while Nepal reciprocally offers standard visa‑on‑arrival facilities for many African visitors, helping build two‑way global mobility.
- Burundi, Cape Verde, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea‑Bissau – These countries provide visa‑on‑arrival for Nepali citizens; inbound visitors from these states can typically obtain visas on arrival in Nepal as well, keeping administrative friction low for African–Nepal travel flows.
Oceania
- Cook Islands, Micronesia, Niue – These Pacific island states grant visa‑free entry to Nepalese passport holders, and travelers from Oceania benefit from Nepal’s generally liberal visa‑on‑arrival regime, extending global mobility links across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Americas
- Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, Bolivia – These American destinations offer either visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to Nepali citizens. Visitors from these countries can rely on Nepal’s easy visa‑on‑arrival policy, which supports long‑haul global mobility between South Asia and the Americas.
Europe and Eurasia
- Russia, Brazil (Americas but also BRICS context), China (Eurasia) – Holders of diplomatic or official passports from Russia and Brazil, along with China, are exempt from visas when entering Nepal, reflecting deepening political and economic ties and encouraging higher‑level global mobility for officials, delegations, and business travelers.
TTW’s Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan, says: “Nepal’s expanding visa‑free and visa‑on‑arrival access in 2026 is a game‑changer for global tourism. As countries such as Bangladesh, Barbados, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Guinea‑Bissau, Haiti, Laos, Madagascar, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, India, Kenya. This development not only boosts outbound tourism from Nepal but also strengthens the country’s position as an emerging player in the global travel market. With easier access to iconic landmarks, rich cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural wonders worldwide, Nepali travellers are now better placed than ever to embark on new adventures, driving cultural exchange and fuelling the international tourism boom.”
Top five key airports that shape most international and domestic travel.
- Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) is the country’s principal gateway, handling the bulk of international flights and overall passenger traffic as Nepal’s oldest and busiest airport.
- Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairahawa) functions as the second international entry point, strategically serving Lumbini and the western plains, especially for Buddhist pilgrims and regional travellers.
- Pokhara International Airport (Pokhara) is a newer hub in western Nepal, designed to improve direct access to the Annapurna region and reduce reliance on Kathmandu for international connections.
- Lukla (Tenzing‑Hillary) Airport is the pivotal domestic airstrip for Everest‑bound trekkers, providing the primary link between Kathmandu and the Khumbu region’s remote mountain communities.
- Pokhara Airport (domestic) remains an important internal hub, funnelling tourists and locals between Kathmandu and many of central and western Nepal’s adventure and leisure destinations.
The main airlines currently regarded as the top carriers in Nepal are
- Nepal Airlines – The national flag carrier, operating both international and domestic routes and connecting Kathmandu with key cities in Asia and the Middle East.
- Himalaya Airlines – A major private international carrier based in Kathmandu, flying to destinations in the Gulf, China, Malaysia, and other Asian hubs.
- Buddha Air – The largest domestic airline by fleet, routes, and passenger volume, serving most major Nepali cities and also flying to Varanasi, India.
- Yeti Airlines – A leading domestic airline known for frequent services to popular trekking gateways like Pokhara, Bhairahawa, and Biratnagar.
- Shree Airlines – A growing carrier that operates both fixed‑wing aircraft and helicopters, serving major domestic routes as well as charter and rescue missions.
