Admin UserMost international visitors can get a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land borders. The process is straightforward, but queues and payment glitches happen, so knowing the steps ahead of time will save you hours. This guide explains the current fee structure, how to pre-register online, what to bring, how to extend your stay and how the visa fits with trekking permits and the rest of your trip. Rules change, so always confirm the latest details on the Department of Immigration website before you fly.
Quick answer
- Where: Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), other international airports and land borders.
- Cost: commonly USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days.
- Pre-registration: online, up to 15 days before arrival (recommended).
- Payment: cash in USD is the safest option.
- Passport: valid for at least six months from your date of arrival.
- Indian citizens: no tourist visa required.
Tourist visa fees
Commonly published tourist visa fees are:
| Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 15 days | 30 |
| 30 days | 50 |
| 90 days | 125 |
Some sources show slightly different tiers for specific nationalities, and a few countries receive special arrangements, so verify your category before travel. If your plans may change, buying a longer visa is usually cheaper than extending later, but you cannot get a refund if you leave early.
Who needs a visa?
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Nepal, and most can obtain it on arrival. Indian citizens do not need a tourist visa. Some countries require a visa in advance from a Nepali embassy or consulate, and rules for them can change. Check the latest list with the Department of Immigration or your nearest Nepali embassy. If you are travelling on an unusual passport, apply early.
How to get your visa on arrival
- Pre-register online. Complete the online tourist visa form up to 15 days before arrival. Print the confirmation page or take a clear screenshot. This saves time at the kiosks because your details are already in the system.
- Arrive at the airport and use the kiosks or counters. If you have not pre-registered, use the self-service kiosks at the arrivals hall to enter your details and take a photo.
- Pay the fee at the bank counter. Cash in USD is recommended, as card systems can be unreliable. Keep your payment receipt.
- Join the immigration queue. Show your passport, form and receipt to the officer, who will issue the visa.
- Collect your baggage and exit. Your driver or taxi will be waiting.
At busy times, such as the October peak and during major festivals, queues can be long. Have your documents ready and be patient.
Documents to bring
- A passport valid for at least six months with enough blank pages
- A passport-sized photo (some counters still ask for one)
- A printed form or online confirmation
- Cash in USD (new, undamaged notes are best)
- Proof of onward travel (rarely checked, but have it available)
- Your hotel booking or pickup details
Extending your visa
You can extend your tourist visa at immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Published figures put an extension at about USD 45 for the first 15 days and USD 3 per day after that (a late extension is reported at USD 5 per day), and the total stay is generally capped at 150 days per visa year. Children under 10 are reported to receive visas free, and SAARC nationals (other than Indians, who need no visa) can reportedly get a free 30-day visa on their first visit in a visa year. Bring your passport, current visa, a photo and cash. Allow a couple of hours and avoid doing it just before a trek; plan it before you head into the mountains.
Visa vs trekking permits
A visa lets you enter the country; trekking requires additional permits. Your agency usually arranges them, but they need a copy of your passport and visa. Check our permit guide and the solo trekking rules for the latest requirements. Make sure the validity of your visa covers the entire length of your trek and your buffer days.
Tips for a smooth arrival
- Bring new, undamaged USD notes in small denominations.
- Complete the online form before you fly and save the confirmation offline.
- Expect queues during peak arrival hours (evenings and early mornings).
- Arrange a pickup in advance; see our getting to Nepal guide.
- Keep a pen handy for forms.
- Buy a SIM at the airport once you are through; see the SIM, Wi‑Fi and money guide.
A realistic timeline at Kathmandu airport
Knowing what to expect on arrival helps you plan your pickup and avoid stress. A typical sequence looks like this:
- Landing and walking to the arrivals hall (10–20 minutes). The terminal is compact, but peak arrivals can bunch up.
- Visa kiosks and form (5–15 minutes). If you have not pre-registered, you will use a self-service kiosk to enter passport details and take a photo. With a pre-registration receipt, this step is faster.
- Payment counter (10–60 minutes). Queues here are the main variable. At busy times, the line can be long, and systems sometimes go offline, in which case cash is the fallback.
- Immigration desk (10–45 minutes). An officer checks your passport, receipt and form, then issues the visa.
- Baggage and customs (10–30 minutes). Declare anything required and exit to the arrivals area.
On a good day the whole process takes under an hour; on a busy day it can take three to four hours. Tell your hotel or driver your flight number so they can track arrival, and consider booking a pickup that waits rather than a fixed-time one.
Overstaying, lost passports and other problems
Overstaying a visa is treated seriously, with daily fines that grow with the length of the overstay and possible restrictions on future entry. If your trip is extending because of weather, illness or flight cancellations, visit an immigration office before your visa expires, not after. If you lose your passport, report it to the nearest police station, get a police report and contact your embassy for an emergency travel document; you will then need to regularise your stay with the Department of Immigration before departure. Keep photocopies and digital scans of your passport, visa page and receipts, stored separately from the originals.
Visa notes for travellers combining Nepal with other countries
If you are continuing to Bhutan, India or Tibet, check entry rules before you arrive in Nepal. Bhutan requires a pre-arranged visa and a Sustainable Development Fee through a licensed operator, while India has its own e-visa system and entry rules. Travel to Tibet requires a separate permit organised through a tour operator and usually cannot be arranged at short notice. Our Nepal and Bhutan itinerary explains how to combine the two kingdoms.
Tips for families, groups and long stays
Children need their own passport and visa, and fees for minors may differ depending on nationality and current rules, so ask before you pay. Groups can pre-register individually and arrive together, which keeps things moving. If you plan a long stay (for example, a retreat or volunteer work), research the correct visa category in advance, as tourist visas have a cap on total days per visa year and are not intended for work. A reputable agency or the Department of Immigration can advise on category and documents.
Common visa mistakes
- Arriving with a passport that expires within six months. You may be refused boarding or entry.
- Not carrying USD cash. Card payment machines can fail, and queues form while you find an ATM.
- Choosing a visa shorter than your trip. Extensions are possible but cost more and take time.
- Forgetting to keep your receipt. Immigration will ask for it when you leave.
- Letting a visa expire during a trek. Overstay fines accrue per day.
Entering by land
Common border crossings include Sunauli/Belahiya (near Lumbini), Raxaul/Birgunj and Kakarbhitta. You can usually get a visa at the border, but opening hours and procedures vary, so check ahead. Entry from Tibet (China) is more restricted and usually organised through a tour operator.
Travel insurance and health requirements
Nepal does not currently require proof of vaccination for most travellers, but you should check the latest advice for your own country and consider routine vaccines and any extras recommended by your doctor. The CDC's Nepal travel page is a helpful starting point. Buy travel insurance that covers trekking and evacuation before you leave.
After you arrive
Take a day to settle in Kathmandu, exchange money, buy a SIM and meet your guide. The first-timer tips will help you with customs and safety, the budget guide will help you plan spending, and the best time to visit Nepal will help you choose your season.
FAQ
How much is a Nepal visa on arrival?
USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days, subject to change.
Can I pay by card?
Possibly, but cash is safer because card systems can fail.
Do I need a visa before arrival?
Most travellers can get one on arrival, but check your nationality with the Department of Immigration.
Do Indians need a visa?
No, Indian citizens can enter Nepal without a tourist visa.
Can I extend my visa in Nepal?
Yes, at immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Published figures are about USD 45 for the first 15 days of extension and USD 3 per day after that.
