Entry Requirements for Nepal

All international travelers, except Indian nationals, require a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a Nepal visa in advance from the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate, or simply get one on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport or designated land border crossings.

Getting Nepal Visa from Nepali Diplomatic Missions

If there is a Nepali embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission near your hometown, it’s best to obtain your Nepal visa there in advance.

If you received your visa from a Nepalese diplomatic mission, you must enter Nepal within six months of the issue date. Your permitted length of stay begins counting from the day you actually arrive in Nepal.

Tourist Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport

If there are no Nepali diplomatic missions near your hometown, don’t worry. You can apply for a visa online and receive it upon arrival by following the steps below.

Initiate Online Application Beforehand

• Fill in Online ‘Tourist Visa ‘ Application Form visiting Department of Immigration prior to your arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. When your online application is successfully submitted, you’ll receive a receipt with a barcode. Print this document and bring it with you to obtain your visa. The receipt is valid for only 15 days, so be sure to complete the online application within 15 days of your arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Be sure to have a digital passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s photo page ready to upload before starting the application.

• Pay the Visa Fee in cash: Once you have the receipt, proceed to pay the visa fee at the bank counter.

• Proceed to the immigration desk marked “Tourists Without Visa”, this is where your passport will be stamped with the visa sticker.

Documents Needed:

• Clear color scan of your passport (valid for at least 6 months).

• Clear scan of your passport picture.

• Address of your hotel or residence for the first night in Nepal.

Using Kiosk Machines at Kathmandu International Airport

• You can also complete the visa application at the airport using the kiosk machines, though lines may be long when several international flights arrive around the same time.

• Once you have the submission receipt, pay the visa fee at the bank counter in cash and then proceed to the immigration desk marked “Tourists Without Visa” to get the visa sticker.

Visa Fee

• 15 Days: US$ 30

• 30 Days: US$ 50

• 90 Days: US$ 125

Exemptions

• Indian Nationals: Do not require a visa but must carry a valid passport or voter ID card.

• Citizens of SAARC countries: Eligible for a free 30-day ‘Gratis Visa’ once per calendar year.

• Chidlren: Those under age 10 (except US citizens) typically have visa fees waived.

Trekking Permits

A standard tourist visa does not include permission for trekking. Most trekking routes require a TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) as well as specific National Park or Conservation Area permits, such as those for Everest or Annapurna, which must be obtained separately. If you’re joining a fully organized tour, these permits are typically included in the package.