KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Home Ministry has banned visa-on-arrival for citizens of 13 countries, including Iran. With Iran added to the list, the number of countries whose nationals are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Nepal has increased from 12 to 13, meaning travelers from these countries must obtain visas from Nepali diplomatic missions before arriving in the country.

Officials said the decision was taken amid concerns that the number of Iranian nationals seeking to travel to Nepal could increase as people attempt to move to safer destinations following the recent U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

Earlier, the Home Ministry had barred visa-on-arrival for citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria due to security considerations. With the addition of Iran, the list now includes 13 countries.

Following the decision made at the Home Ministerial level, Iranian citizens traveling to Nepal must now obtain visas in advance from Nepali diplomatic missions abroad.

Home Ministry spokesperson Anand Kafle confirmed that the government has suspended visa-on-arrival facilities for Iranian nationals. He said the decision was taken in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while considering national security concerns.