Nepal Visa Overview
Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) or at land border crossings. The process is straightforward but there are a few things to know before you arrive.
Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival?
Citizens of most countries are eligible for visa on arrival. There are currently no visa-free agreements for most nationalities (Indians are an exception and can enter freely). Chinese and SAARC nationals have specific arrangements — check with the Nepal Embassy for current rules as these change periodically.
Visa Fees (2025)
| Duration | Fee (USD) | Equivalent NPR |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days (single entry) | USD 30 | ~NPR 4,000 |
| 30 days (single entry) | USD 50 | ~NPR 6,500 |
| 90 days (multiple entry) | USD 125 | ~NPR 16,500 |
Payment at KTM is accepted in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and major currencies. Credit cards may be accepted at some counters — carry cash to be safe.
The Pre-Arrival Online Form (Recommended)
Nepal’s Department of Immigration offers an online pre-arrival form at online.nepalimmigration.gov.np. Completing this before you fly significantly speeds up the process at the airport — you receive a barcode that lets you skip the manual form-filling queues.
You’ll need: passport details, Nepal address (your hotel works), return flight details, and a digital passport photo.
What to Bring to the Visa Counter
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your intended stay)
- One passport-size photograph (photo booths available at airport if needed)
- Completed immigration form (or your pre-arrival barcode)
- Visa fee in cash (or card if accepted on the day)
- Confirmed return ticket or onward travel documents
How Long Does It Take?
With the pre-arrival form: 10–20 minutes. Without: 30–60 minutes during peak season (October, April). Arrive with time to spare if connecting to a domestic flight.
Extending Your Visa
You can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Maitighar) or Pokhara. The fee is USD 3 per day for the first 30-day extension, then USD 5/day thereafter. Extensions require a photo and your original passport.
Common Mistakes
- Arriving without cash — have USD ready, ATMs before immigration are limited
- Forgetting a photo — booths are available but add time
- Getting only 15 days for a 14-day trek — always get 30 days for any trekking itinerary to account for delays
- Not completing the pre-arrival form — it genuinely saves significant queue time
