Will this definitely work to reset my Indian tourist visa?

It works for most nationalities but Indian immigration has discretion. Stay 72+ hours in Nepal, keep all documentation, and be prepared to explain your genuine tourism activities. Success rate is high but not guaranteed.

Can I do this visa run multiple times?

Repeatedly doing visa runs raises red flags with Indian immigration. Once or twice may be acceptable, but frequent runs suggest you're living in India rather than touring. Consider proper long-term visa instead.

What if I can't get Indian visa on arrival when I return?

Some nationalities must apply at Indian embassy in Kathmandu. This adds 2-3 days and costs extra. Check your country's current requirements before starting the trip.

Is it cheaper to fly to another country instead?

Nepal overland is usually cheapest option from north India. Flying to Thailand or Sri Lanka costs $300+ for flights alone. Nepal visa run keeps costs under $400 total for most travelers.

How to Plan a Nepal Visa Run from India

A Nepal visa run from India takes 3-5 days minimum and costs $200-400 total. Cross at Sunauli or Raxaul, stay 72+ hours in Nepal to reset your Indian tourist visa, then return with fresh Indian visa eligibility.

Check your Indian visa status. Confirm you're on a tourist visa that needs renewal. Business and other visa types have different rules. You must have been in India for at least 60 days before attempting a visa run.
Choose your border crossing. Sunauli (near Varanasi) is most popular - 8 hour bus from Delhi, easy crossing. Raxaul (near Patna) works from eastern India. Both have decent facilities and straightforward procedures.
Book transport to the border. From Delhi: Take overnight bus to Varanasi (12 hours, ₹800-1200), then local bus to Sunauli (3 hours, ₹150). From Mumbai: Fly to Varanasi (₹4000-8000) then bus. From Kolkata: Train to Raxaul (10 hours, ₹300-800).
Cross into Nepal and get tourist visa. At the border, show your passport and get exit stamp from India. Walk 200 meters to Nepal immigration. Tourist visa costs $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days. Bring USD cash and passport photos.
Stay in Nepal for minimum 72 hours. This is crucial - Indian immigration requires proof you actually visited Nepal, not just crossed the border. Stay in Lumbini, Pokhara, or Kathmandu. Keep hotel receipts and take photos as evidence.
Return to India and apply for new visa. Exit Nepal with proper stamp. At Indian border, explain you're returning from tourism in Nepal. You can now apply for a fresh Indian tourist visa - either on arrival (if eligible) or at Indian embassy in Kathmandu before crossing back.

Will this definitely work to reset my Indian tourist visa?: It works for most nationalities but Indian immigration has discretion. Stay 72+ hours in Nepal, keep all documentation, and be prepared to explain your genuine tourism activities. Success rate is high but not guaranteed.
Can I do this visa run multiple times?: Repeatedly doing visa runs raises red flags with Indian immigration. Once or twice may be acceptable, but frequent runs suggest you're living in India rather than touring. Consider proper long-term visa instead.
What if I can't get Indian visa on arrival when I return?: Some nationalities must apply at Indian embassy in Kathmandu. This adds 2-3 days and costs extra. Check your country's current requirements before starting the trip.
Is it cheaper to fly to another country instead?: Nepal overland is usually cheapest option from north India. Flying to Thailand or Sri Lanka costs $300+ for flights alone. Nepal visa run keeps costs under $400 total for most travelers.