Visa in Nepal
Planning a trip to Nepal? Whether you’re coming for trekking, mountaineering, cultural tours, or a long relaxing escape, you will need a Nepal Tourist Visa (unless you are from a visa-exempt country). Nepal offers one of the easiest visa processes in the world, with Visa on Arrival available for most nationalities at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and major land borders.
Below is everything you need to know about visa types, fees, documents, on-arrival process, extensions, and special travel tips.
What Type of Visa Do You Need?
Nepal mainly issues the following visas:
1. Tourist Visa (On Arrival or Pre-Arrival)
Most travelers enter Nepal with a Tourist Visa.
✔ Available on arrival at airport & land borders
✔ For travel, trekking, mountaineering, sightseeing, cultural tours
Tourist Visa Duration & Fees:
- 15 Days Visa – USD 30
- 30 Days Visa – USD 50
- 90 Days Visa – USD 125
2. Gratis Visa (Free Visa)
Free visa is offered to:
- SAARC countries (first 30 days, except Afghanistan)
- Children below 10 years
- Chinese nationals (as per recent updates)
3. Multiple Entry Visa
If you plan to travel to Tibet, India, Bhutan, or return back to Nepal during your trip, you can upgrade your tourist visa to multiple entry.
Fee: USD 20 (after holding a valid visa)
4. Nepal Visa Extension
You can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Visa Extension Fees:
- Minimum extension: 15 days – USD 45
- More than 15 days: USD 3 per day
- Maximum stay as tourist: 150 days per year
Visa on Arrival Process in Nepal
Nepal’s Visa on Arrival is simple and quick. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Fill Out Visa Form (Machine/Online)
At Tribhuvan International Airport:
- Use the kiosk machines to fill out the visa form
OR - Fill online beforehand (valid for 15 days) at the Nepal Immigration form page
Step 2: Pay Visa Fee
After form submission, pay the applicable visa fee in cash (USD preferred). They also accept currencies like EUR, AUD, GBP, SGD, and JPY.
Step 3: Immigration Desk
Submit:
- Printed form
- Visa payment receipt
- Passport
Your visa will be stamped with the duration purchased.
Documents Required for Nepal Visa
To get a visa in Nepal, you will need:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- One passport-size photo (only for some land borders)
- Completed visa form
- Cash for visa payment
- Proof of departure flight (rarely asked but good to have)
Countries NOT Eligible for Visa on Arrival
Citizens of the following countries must apply for a visa beforehand from a Nepal Embassy:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- Somalia
- Swaziland
- Zimbabwe
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Palestine
- Ethiopia
- Liberia
- Syria
Land Borders Offering Visa on Arrival
You can also get a visa at these major borders:
- Sunauli (India–Nepal)
- Raxaul–Birgunj (India–Nepal)
- Banbasa–Mahendranagar (India–Nepal)
- Kakarbhitta (India–Nepal)
- Kodari & Rasuwa (China–Nepal)
Important Notes for Trekking & Expedition Travelers
If you are coming for trekking, especially in Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang, Manaslu, Mustang, Dolpo, you will need:
- TIMS Card
- Restricted Area Permits (for certain regions)
- National Park Permits
These are separate from your visa and can be arranged by your travel/trekking agency.
Why Apply for Visa On Arrival?
- Fast & simple
- No hassle of submitting documents
- Perfect for last-minute travel plans
- Available for most nationalities
FAQ – Visa in Nepal
1. Can I get Visa on Arrival in Nepal?
Yes, most nationalities can get Visa on Arrival at the airport or major borders.
2. Can I extend my Nepal visa?
Yes, up to 150 days per year. Extensions are available in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
3. Do I need a visa for trekking in Nepal?
Yes, a valid tourist visa is required. Trekking permits are separate.
4. What is the fastest way to get a Nepal visa?
Visa on Arrival is the quickest. Filling the form online beforehand saves time.
5. Can I re-enter Nepal with the same visa?
Only if it is a Multiple Entry Visa. Otherwise, pay USD 20 to upgrade.