Are you planning on visiting Nepal from India through a land border, but are struggling to find the correct information? The good news is that you have come to the right place, with current, and most importantly, CORRECT INFORMATION for foreigners traveling from India to Nepal via the Sonauli Border crossing.
During our research for a land border crossing into Nepal from India, we came across numerous conflicting articles – some claiming that foreigners couldn’t pass through this border crossing, others saying that visas weren’t available on arrival, and a few even questioned whether the Sonauli Border was open to foreigners at all. It was painful, to say the least.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive and accurate guide for crossing from India to Nepal at the Sonauli border, based on our own experiences as foreigners who have gone through the process ourselves.
In this travel article, we’ve compiled all the essential information you need, including where to go, what to bring, and the costs involved, all organized in easy-to-follow steps. We wish we had access to this information when we crossed the Sonauli-Belahiya border, and we hope it helps make your journey to Nepal from India smoother.
To make things even easier, we’ve included a video of our entire process at the end of this article – so you’ve got all the details you need in one place. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
We’re sure you’ve had enough of endless research and just want the facts, so let’s get straight to the point. Whether you’re traveling by bus, car, or on foot, here’s everything you need to know to cross the Sonauli border with ease.
Let’s start from the beginning and walk you through our Sonauli border crossing journey. With the right information, crossing the border is actually quite straightforward.
Where is Sonauli?
Located in the northern region of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Sonauli is a main border crossing point between India and Nepal. This border connects the Indian town of Sonauli with the Nepali town of Belahiya, making it a key entry point for travelers heading to popular destinations in Nepal, such as Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and the scenic city of Pokhara.
The Sonauli Border is one of only two land border crossings open to foreign travelers who want to travel from Nepal into India, the other being the Raxaul – Birgunj Border.
Crossing from India into Nepal via the Sonauli Border: Varanasi to Gorakhpur
Most travelers crossing the Sonauli Border from India into Nepal typically start their journey in Varanasi. Getting to the Sonauli Border from Varanasi involves two steps. First, you’ll need to reach the city of Guwahati, and then you must take another means of transport to get to the Sonauli Border from Guwahati.
We left our hotel in Varanasi at 5 am for an early morning train. Once you get through the maze of narrow streets that is Varanasi and get to the main road, there will be plenty of tuk-tuks waiting for you, even at that hour.
We jumped into a tuk-tuk during some of the heaviest rain we’ve experienced (and we are from Ireland, so that is really saying something) and went to Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
What a great start to a long travel day – you can watch the video of this miserable experience below.
The Varanasi to Gorakhpur train journey took 5 hours and a second-class seating ticket cost 115 INR per person at the time of writing. Make sure to book your train in advance on 12go from Varanasi to Gorakhpur as seats can be booked out.
Crossing from India into Nepal via the Sonauli Border: Gorakhpur to Sonauli
Once you arrive in Gorakhpur you still have a couple of hours travel left. There are no direct trains from Gorakhpur to Sonauli, only local busses, shared taxis, and private taxis.
Local buses leave from Gorakhpur Bus Stand to the Sonauli border, and the fare is around 250 INR per person. Taking the local bus was our initial plan, but as soon as we stepped outside the train station, we were approached with an offer for a shared taxi for 500 INR per person.
We decided to go with the shared taxi option instead – choose your battles and all that! We shared the ride with two others, and the 120-kilometer journey from Gorakhpur to Sonauli took about 3 hours, including a 30-minute food stop.
Make sure to walk outside the train station (Gorakhpur Junction) to find shared taxis, as, like anywhere else, you will certainly be overcharged within the station grounds. Inside, we were quoted 1200 INR per person for a shared taxi – remember we paid 500 just by walking a few hundred meters!
Crossing from India into Nepal via the Sonauli Border: The Sonauli Border Crossing
Congratulations on reaching the Sonauli border – all easy so far right?! Now, let’s go through the actual process of crossing from Sonauli to Nepal step by step.
Before we go any further, please pay attention, because this part is very important – DO NOT FORGET TO GET STAMPED OUT OF INDIA!!
The Sonauli/Belahiya border is not your typical immigration border crossing, it feels more like a street that continues into another country because it allows both Nepalese and Indians to walk across freely without having to go through the immigration process.
We met an Englishman who didn’t get stamped out of India and simply crossed the Sonauli border into Nepal without getting stamped in either. This was obviously a massive problem when he tried to return to India after a lovely holiday in Nepal. He ended up having to backtrack to Kathmandu to the British Embassy for assistance. Don’t be like this man!
The Sonauli Border Crossing: Step 1
Our shared taxi dropped us off right outside the Indian Immigration office, and we were guided inside from the main street. If that doesn’t happen for you, you can easily find the Indian immigration office by searching for “Immigration Check Post Sonauli” on Google Maps or by searching for Niramjana Hotel.
This was a quick and easy process, show your passport and get stamped out of India – easy peasy.
- Even if you don’t have an Indian SIM card or an E-SIM, you can still save these locations on Google Maps when you have Wi-Fi. Google Maps will still show your location, so you can navigate your way there easily.
The Sonauli Border Crossing: Step 2
As soon as you exit the office, you’ll likely be approached by rickshaw drivers telling you that the walk to the border is too far, don’t be fooled, it’s not. But each to their own of course.
Walk (or take a rickshaw) about 500 meters towards the border. You will know when you are at the Sonauli border when you see the India-Nepal Arch. Without this arch, you wouldn’t even realize you’re crossing into Nepal from India.
Welcome to Nepal!
You’ve now arrived at the Belahiya Border on the Nepal side, but the process isn’t finished just yet. After you pass through the gate into Nepal, friendly soldiers will guide you to the immigration officers/soldiers who will write down your details in a log book.
You’ll find this office on the right side of the arch on the Nepal side – the “office” is just a gazebo where a few officials are sitting inside.
The Sonauli Border Crossing: Step 3
On to the next stage – the Tourist Police Office. After having your details put into the log book you will walk another couple of hundred meters towards the Tourist Police Office. Here you’ll need to hand over your passport and answer a few more standard questions, such as how long you plan to stay in Nepal and the purpose of your visit (tourism, etc.).
This step was again pretty straightforward, and the woman who assisted us was friendly and helpful in guiding us to the building for your final step of the immigration process, getting the actual Nepal visa.
Visa Requirement: Non-Indian nationals, including citizens of the United States, the UK, the EU, Australia, and others, will need to obtain a tourist visa for Nepal. You can apply for a visa on arrival at the Sonauli border, which is usually valid for 15, 30, or 90 days.
Before you travel to Nepal, we recommend double-checking the exact requirements on the official website of Nepal’s Department of Immigration.
The Sonauli Border Crossing: Step 4
Head over to the Belahiya Immigration Office, where you’ll need to complete an online visa application for your final step to enter Nepal from India through the Sonauli Border crossing.
Connect to the free Wi-Fi and scan the QR code to access the form. Once you fill it out, show it to one of the friendly officials there. If you happen to make a mistake, as Kevin did, don’t worry, you’ll just need to complete the online form again.
Once completed correctly and the immigration officer is happy, head to the payment office next door, (literally the next door) to pay your visa fee – 50 USD for 30 days.
- Ensure that you carry TWO passport-sized photographs, the correct visa fee in USD or EUR in new notes, and your passport for the visa process. Indian Rupees are not accepted.
Once that’s done, return to the immigration office, where the officer will stamp your passport, take your photo, and complete all the necessary immigration procedures.
At each step, we had someone guiding us through the process. While it might sound like a lot to handle, each stage only took a few minutes, so we hope you’ll have the same smooth experience.
And there you have it – your India to Nepal crossing at the Sonauli border is complete. It is possible after all, and not only that, it is pretty easy!
- While you are in research mode for your Nepal trip make sure to read our 13 best things you need to know before you visit.
Continue to read on as we share how to get out of Sonauli.
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Transportation From Belahiya to Pokhara
Many travelers opt to stay in Belahiya border town, or the nearby town of Lumbini once they cross the Sonauli Border from India to Nepal.
However, once you’ve completed the immigration process on both sides of the border, you can continue your journey into Nepal. The Belahiya border town offers plenty of transport options to all main destinations in Nepal, ranging from buses to private taxis and shared vehicles.
By the time we finished the immigration process, it was already 5 pm, and after a long day of travel, we decided to stay in Belahiya overnight. This gave us a chance to take care of a few tasks, like getting a Nepalese SIM card and exchanging currency.
By Bus: Several buses run from Belahiya to Lumbini, Pokhara, and Kathmandu. These buses are typically comfortable and affordable. For the more comfortable “Tourist Buses” we were quoted 1200 Nepalese rupees per person.
Avoid the minivans, even if you’re told they’re luxury “AC” buses that go directly to Pokhara – this is far from the truth. We ended up waiting 3 hours for the bus to fill up, there was no AC, and it stopped to pick up more passengers along the way, resulting in an overcrowded ride. This was a rookie mistake on our part!
We paid 3000 INR (about 35 USD) for a night’s accommodation and two (minivan) bus tickets to Pokhara, after being approached with this offer once we exited immigration. We were exhausted and didn’t feel like searching for a hotel, so it seemed like a wonderful offer at the time.
Don’t underestimate the journey from Belahiya to Pokhara – it’s an 8-hour trip on bumpy, winding roads. We recommend opting for the comfort of the tourist buses, which depart every hour. We made the mistakes so you don’t have to – you’re welcome!
By Taxi or Private Car: If you’re after a faster, more direct option, taxis and private cars are available, though be prepared to pay a significantly higher price.
Currency Exchange
Nepal’s official currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), whereas India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). While Indian Rupees are widely accepted in many border towns, you may need to exchange currency for larger transactions or if you’re heading further into Nepal.
At the Belahiya border, you will find currency exchange booths where you can convert Indian Rupees into Nepalese Rupees. The commission charges here were some of the best we have ever encountered, in fact pretty much non-existent!
No visit to Nepal is complete without witnessing the highest mountain on Earth – Mount Everest. Use the link below to find out more!
Safety and Security
Both towns at the Sonauli border and the Belahiya border are generally safe for travelers and we had no issues – apart from getting fooled by the bus choice! However, as with any border crossing, you should remain vigilant, especially regarding your personal belongings.
Checkpoints and Procedures: Always follow the official procedures at the border posts. Be respectful to border officials and ensure that you have all necessary documents. Everyone we encountered were lovely and friendly to us.
Currency and Scams: Be cautious when exchanging money. Only use reputable exchange counters, and avoid unlicensed operators.
It’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers border crossings and international travel, in case you encounter any unexpected issues along the way.
Read our top tips to avoid scams before you visit.
Time Zone Difference
Just to really mess with your head Nepal operates on Nepal Time (NPT), which is 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST).
This may not seem like much, but it’s useful to remember when planning your travel schedule or arranging transport across the border.
Best Time to Travel
The ideal time to cross from India to Nepal via Sonauli is between October and March when the weather is cool and dry, making travel more comfortable. During the monsoon season (June to September), road conditions may worsen, so travel could take longer.
- Prepare yourself by reading everything you need to know about Nepal weather.
Things to Do Around the Belahiya/Sonauli Border
After crossing the Sonauli border into Belahiya, Lumbini is just a short distance away – 5km – and worth visiting. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Not a bad first stop-off in Nepal!
If you choose to stay in Belahiya, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and hotels. As far as border towns go, it wasn’t too bad and actually had more to offer than we expected, making it a good place to get settled before your Nepal adventure. It’s perfect for a night to grab a meal and rest before continuing your journey.
Check out the video below of our Sonauli Border experience and see exactly how we got on:
Sonauli Border Crossing: Summary
Congratulations on successfully crossing the India-Nepal Sonauli border! An incredible adventure in Nepal is now waiting for you. Here are some final points to take with you.
Things to remember:
- Visa on Arrival: Foreign nationals can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at the Sonauli border, but you must carry a valid passport and a passport-sized photo. The visa fees are only accepted in USD and EURO, and you’ll need to fill out an online visa application upon arrival. Don’t forget to get stamped out of India!!
- Immigration Procedures: After entering Nepal, you’ll need to complete the standard immigration process at the Belahiya Immigration Office. You’ll provide your passport, answer basic questions about your stay, and have your photo taken. The immigration staff are generally friendly and helpful.
- Currency Exchange: Indian Rupees (INR) are accepted in some places in Belahiya, but you’ll likely need to exchange them for Nepalese Rupees (NPR) once you cross the border. The currency exchange booths at the Belahiya Border town offer very low commission rates, making it an excellent place to convert money.
- Transport Options: While local buses are available to take you to major destinations like Lumbini, Pokhara, and Kathmandu, you can also opt for shared taxis or private cars. Be cautious of overpriced options at the border – go for the more comfortable tourist buses that depart regularly, not the minivans!
- Accommodation and Amenities: If you plan to stay overnight in Belahiya, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants available. It’s a relatively busy border town with more amenities than you might expect, making it a convenient stop for a night’s rest or to take care of tasks like getting a SIM card or exchanging currency before heading further into Nepal.
Crossing the Sonauli border from India to Nepal is a relatively simple process when you have the correct, up-to-date information. We hope this travel guide has addressed all your questions, but if there’s anything else you’re unsure about, feel free to reach out we’re always happy to help!
In fact, why not let us know how you got on and if your experience was similar? We would love to hear from you.
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Slán go fóil
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Hi there, are there any money exchanges I can get some USD or Euros out at Sonauli or Belahiya? I am in Sonauli now waiting to cross but I don’t want to check out of India without USD bank notes to pay the Nepali visa fee.
I’ve also made a Nepali E Visa application online, apparently I can pay by internet banking once it is approved. Do you know if an E Visa can be used to cross at Sonauli?
Cheers!
Hey Adrian, we presume you made it through at this stage!
There were plenty of exchange places on the Belahiya side, but getting USD isn’t always guaranteed, its more subject to availability.
We read that you can cross with an E-visa, but we bought ours at the border.
Let us know how you got on please. we can put that info in the article then.
Cheers
Thank you for your extremely helpful summary. It’s priceless. 🙂
One minor comment. There are limited train services from Gorakhpur Junction to Nautanwa. I hope to take service 15105, 10:10 AM to 12:25 PM (Nautanwa InterCity Express) at the end of Dec 2024. It comes up on my Where is My Train app which is usually pretty accurate. It looks like there are a couple of other limited services running.
Thank you Erik, keep us updated and we will put in some extra notes into the article! Have a good one.