Do You Need a Visa for Nepal?
Most international visitors to Nepal require a visa. Fortunately, Nepal operates one of the most straightforward visa-on-arrival (VOA) systems in South Asia, making the entry process relatively simple for travellers from most countries.
The main exceptions are citizens of India and China, who have separate entry arrangements. Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal.
Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is available to citizens of most countries at the following entry points:
- Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu
- Major land border crossings: Birgunj, Belhiya (Bhairahawa), Kakarbhitta, Kodari/Tatopani, and Mahendranagar
Current Visa Fees
| Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 15 days (single entry) | $30 |
| 30 days (single entry) | $50 |
| 90 days (multiple entry) | $125 |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify current rates on the official Department of Immigration Nepal website before travel.
What You'll Need at Arrival
To obtain your visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, have the following ready:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- A completed visa application form (available at the airport or via the online pre-registration system)
- Two passport-sized photos (or use the photo booth at the airport)
- Exact visa fee in USD cash (other major currencies may be accepted; check in advance)
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (rarely asked, but good to have)
- Confirmed return or onward ticket (again, rarely checked but recommended)
Online Pre-Registration (Recommended)
Nepal offers an online visa pre-registration system through the Department of Immigration's official website. Completing this before you fly saves time at the airport — you'll receive a reference number that speeds up processing at the VOA counter. While not mandatory, it's highly recommended during peak tourist seasons (October–November and March–April) when arrival queues can be long.
Extending Your Visa
If you want to stay longer than your initial visa permits, extensions are straightforward:
- Visit the Department of Immigration in Maitighar, Kathmandu
- Extensions cost approximately $3 per day for the first 30 days (beyond your initial visa period)
- The maximum stay for most nationalities is 150 days per calendar year
- Bring your passport, existing visa, a passport photo, and the extension fee
Trekking Permits — Separate from Your Visa
Your tourist visa covers general travel in Nepal, but trekking in restricted or national park areas requires additional permits:
- TIMS Card: Required for most trekking routes; available from Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- National Park Permits: Required for Sagarmatha (Everest), Langtang, Annapurna Conservation Area, etc.
- Restricted Area Permits: Required for Upper Mustang, Dolpo, and other special zones — more expensive and require a licensed guide
Practical Entry Tips
- Arrive with USD cash for your visa fee — card payment is not always reliable at the VOA counter
- The queue at Kathmandu airport can be slow during peak hours — plan for up to 2 hours of immigration processing
- Make sure your passport photo is a recent, clear image — blurry or old photos can cause delays
- Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa somewhere separate from your original documents
- Register with your home country's embassy or consulate once in Nepal — especially useful if you're trekking remotely