Nepal Tourist Visa: How to Apply and Get Approved Before you Trek?

What is a Nepal Tourist Visa and Who Needs One?

A Nepal tourist visa is a type of entry permit to travel in and stay in the same country within a specific number of days. Upon your arrival, the Government of Nepal will hand you this visa. Without this visa, you will not get entry to the state of Nepal legally.

Most people who travel to Nepal from all over the world will be required to obtain a visa in advance of their trip. Getting a visa to Nepal is a simple, fast, and economical process. Millions of tourists travel to Nepal every year, so the Nepalese government has developed an easy and inexpensive visa process that encourages tourists to travel to Nepal.

Who Needs a Nepal Visa?

The majority of foreign nationals must obtain a visa before entering Nepal. Citizens of most countries, including:

• The United States

• The United Kingdom

• Australia

• Canada

• Germany

• France

• Japan

• China

• Most other countries in the world

And many others will need a visa to visit Nepal. There are exceptions like Indian citizens do not require a visa, but China and certain other countries have special arrangements which will be explained later in this article.

Types of Nepal Visas

How Does Nepal Visa on Arrival Actually Works?

Most tourists take advantage of the Tourist Visa, whether the Visa-on-Arrival or e-Visa; however, the Visa-on-Arrival is by far the most popular option. You do not apply for a visa prior to your travel, but receive one at the Kathmandu airport. The process is fast and simple. 

Where Can You Get Visa on Arrival?

• Nepal Visa-on-Arrival can be obtained at:

• Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (the busiest);

• Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha Airport);

• Biratnagar Airport;

• Pokhara Regional International Airport;

• Entry points via several land border crossings from both India and China.

Step-by-Step Process at the Airport

Step 1: Fill Out the Arrival Form 

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, look for the Visa Application kiosks or counters near the baggage claim area to complete an arrival form providing your personal information, reason for visit and length of stay. You also have the option to fill out this form online prior to your arrival in order to speed up the immigration process once you arrive in Nepal.

Step 2: Get Your Photo Taken 

Photographic booths are located throughout the airport. If you have any existing passport-sized photos, please take them with you to expedite the process as much as possible.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee 

Proceed to the payment counter at the border or entry point. Fees can be paid in USD$, EURO, or any other internationally accepted currency. Creditor executive cards can also be used at the majority of counters at this point in time.

Step 4: Collect Your Visa

Once your invoice financial transaction has been completed, proceed to the immigration counter. Present your approved passport and payment receipt, as well as the completed visa application form. The immigration officer will stamp your passport with your visa approval. Generally speaking, this can take approximately fifteen to thirty minutes to be completed.

Step 5: Go Through Immigration

Upon entry into Nepal through immigration, display your stamped passport to the immigration officer and explain that you would like to enter Nepal as a legally entered foreign tourist. Enjoy your stay!

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Nepal e-Visa - How to Apply Online Before you Come For Trek or Tour?

If you would like everything taken care of before your journey begins from your country, the Nepal E-Visa is a good choice. This is an e-visa costing through a credit or debit card and gives an e-Visa to take a printout before travelling.

How to Apply for Nepal e-Visa?

1. Log in to the official Nepal Government Immigration Website, nepalimmigration. gov.np
2. Click on "Apply for Online Visa" (this will lead you to the system for applying for an online Visa), then sign up as a new user.
3. Fill out the visa application with your name, travel dates and passport number, etc.
4. To upload a recent photo or image of yourself, upload the passport photo on your passport; upload copies of each of your valid passport pages
5. Make an online payment (using your credit/debit card) for the visa processing fee.
6. Fill your application (you will get an auto email response, in order to confirm that we have received your application)
7. Your e-Visa will be emailed to you within several business days from the date of submission of the application. Take a printout and carry it with you when you travel.
8. Display the printout of your e-Visa and your passport at Nepal immigration when entering the country, there will be an entry stamp given to you by an immigration officer or border guard.

E-Visa Processing Time

Nepal Visa Fee - How Much Does It Cost in 2026?

Additional Notes on Fees

• Free for children up to 10

• Free for Indian passport holders (no visa required). 

• Visa fees are waived for passport holders from SAARC countries, but you will still need a visa. 

• Fine for overstaying: $5 for each day you're in Nepal past the time your visa allows you to be there, up to a maximum of 30 days. 

Payment Methods Accepted

• US Dollars (most widely accepted)

• Euros

• British Pounds

• Japanese Yen

• Other major currencies

• Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) at most counters

Nepal Visa Duration 

While you are applying for your Nepal tourist visa, your application will require you to select how long you will be staying in Nepal (15, 30, or 90 days). 

Maximum Stay Per Year

A tourist visa allows you to stay in Nepal for a maximum of 150 days within a year. Therefore, if you make multiple visits to Nepal during a single calendar year, you cannot exceed a total of 150 days in Nepal as a result of any of your visits.

Which Duration Should You Choose?

A 30-day visa is the most popular type among many travelers because it gives you time to visit all three of the most famous places in Nepal- Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan- as well as take part in such an awesome trek without being rushed.

Documents Required for a Nepal Visa Application

Preparing your documents and getting everything together beforehand will shorten and simplify your visitor's visa application process.

For Visa on Arrival

• Valid Passport (must be at least 6 months expired after the date of travel)

• 2 recent Passport-style photographs with a white background

• Completed Visa application

• Payment for Visa by either cash or credit/debit card

• Return and/or Forwarded Air ticket (may be requested)

• Hotel reservation and/or other contact in Nepal (may be requested)

For e-Visa Application

• Valid Passport- must have at least 6 months left before expiration after the date of travel

• Scan of your Passport photo page (must be in full color)

• Two recent passport photos with a white background in JPEG format

• Email address

• Credit or Debit card

• Optional Travel Itinerary

Documents

• All passports should contain enough blank space for 1 visa stamp per passport.

• Carry photocopies of all documents separately from your original documents.

• If your name is not spelled the same as written in your passport, bring along supporting evidence.

• Keep a digital copy of your documents saved in your phone or email.

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Nepal Visa on Arrival vs e-Visa - Which One Should You Choose?

If you're flying during peak travel times (October- November, March- April), I suggest getting an electronic visa (e-Visa) because at the airport, you can expect long wait times while processing your visa due to heavy volume (long lines). Having your visa ready eliminates many hours wasted in line and lowers stress from having to wait so long to process your visa.

If you're flying off-season or at the last-minute (no advanced planning), then the visa on arrival (on-arrival visa) is more than sufficient for you.

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Countries That Do Not Need a Visa for Nepal

Generally speaking, the vast majority of countries require travel visas to enter Nepal; however, there are a small number of countries whose citizens do not need visas at all.

Visa-Free Countries

SAARC Countries

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries do not pay a visa fee. Citizens of all SAARC countries may need to obtain a visa stamp at the airport (except India) or apply for an e-VISA. Despite not incurring any costs, the application for a visa remains the same.

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Visa Extensions for Nepal 

If your trip to Nepal is more enjoyable than expected, you may wish to stay longer than originally planned. The Government of Nepal allows tourists to easily apply for extended visas while in-country.

How to Extend Your Nepal Visa?

1. Location: Immigration Department, Maitighar, Kathmandu (main office); additional offices can be found in major cities, including Pokhara.
2. Visit the Department of Immigration before your current visa expires
3. Complete and submit a Visa Extension Application Form
4. Include your Passport as well as one passport-size photo with your Visa Extension Application Form
5. Pay for the extension
6. You will receive your passport back with the Visa Extension; you will receive the Visa Extension on the same day or the very next business day

Visa Extension Fees

Important Rules

• All visas must be extended before their expiration date.

• If you overstay your visa, you will be responsible for paying the overdue extension penalty (five dollars daily).

• There is an upper limit of 150 days per calendar year for visa extensions.

• You are not guaranteed an extension of your visa; the immigration office will make the final determination regarding your extension.

Nepal Visa for Indian Citizens 

• Indian citizens will find it very easy to travel to Nepal compared to other countries.

• Indian citizens are eligible to enter Nepal without having to obtain a visa.

• Indian citizens are eligible to enter Nepal with just an identification card (such as a valid Indian Voter Identification Card, Indian Driver's License or Indian Government Issued Identification).

• Indian citizens do not pay a visa fee to enter Nepal.

• Indian citizens and foreign nationals use the open border to travel freely between India and Nepal.

• Indian citizens may remain in Nepal for an undetermined length of time.

Entry Points for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens frequently cross into Nepal through the following land borders:

• Sunauli - Bhairahawa border (most popular land crossing)

• Raxaul - Birgunj border

• Kakarbhitta border (northeast India)

• Kathmandu by air (direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and many other Indian cities)

What Indian Citizens Should Carry

• A government-approved photo, along with identification

• Having a passport is an advantage for entry without any problems

• Travel Insurance (Optional, but prior to travel, we recommend)

Nepal Visa for US, UK, and European Citizens 

United States, United Kingdom, and European Union Citizens apply for Nepal's standard visa process:

For US Citizens

• e-Visa or Visa on Arrival. Pay for either one upon entry to Nepal; both can be done.

• Cost: $30.00 for 15 days, $50 for one month, and $125 for 3 months of entry.

• No additional entry criteria from Nepal.

• Passport must have at least a six-month validity from the date of visit.

For UK Citizens

Citizens of the UK are able to obtain a visa upon arrival or through the online process (an e-Visa). There is also no additional fee associated with any other forms of visa application. Those visitors holding a UK passport normally experience a fast entry into Nepal.

For European Citizens (EU)

All citizens of the European Union must go through the standard tourist visa for visiting Nepal. Additionally, all Schengen passport holders can use the standard tourist visa process. To apply, citizens of these countries may apply for their visas from their respective embassies prior to travelling to Nepal.

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Nepal Visa for Trekking

Many travellers are unaware that, although having a tourist visa is sufficient to enter Nepal, obtaining an additional permit is necessary to trek. When comparing the cost of the permits versus the level of enjoyment on a trekking trip, we find that it is worth the investment. The Nepal government has implemented the use of trekking permits to:

• Protect and conserve sensitive montane environments;

• Control the number of trekkers in certain montane trails; and,

• Generate funds to improve local communities and conservation programs;

• Ensure that all trekkers are registered.

Main Trekking Permits You Need

Where to Get Trekking Permits

• Kathmandu's Nepal Tourism Board Office

• Lakeside Trekking Agencies in Pokhara

• Kathmandu's Department Of Immigration 

• Some permits available at the trek starting points

Common Nepal Visa Mistakes Travelers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Even seasoned travelers to Nepal find themselves making some common mistakes with their Nepali visa. Below are some examples of these common mistakes and tips for avoiding them.

Mistake 1: Passport expiry too soon 

Although you will have no problem providing your passport to border officials, many travelers forget to check their passport's expiration date (at least six months after you enter Nepal) and are denied boarding their plane to Nepal from the United States or the United Kingdom because their passport has expired. This is easily prevented by checking the expiration date before booking your trip to Nepal.

Mistake 2: Not carrying passport-size photos 

All travelers arriving in Nepal via the visa-on-arrival process must provide two passport-sized photos when applying for their visa. If you do not have passport-sized photos, you will be required to use an airport photo booth to obtain one or both of these photos, which will cost you additional money and consume additional time when waiting for your visa to be issued. To prevent this situation from occurring, make sure to bring along two passport-sized photographs that have a solid white background.

Mistake 3: Overstaying the visa 

Several travelers fail to keep track of the time and remain in Nepal for longer than the allotted time for their visa. The result is a daily fine for overstaying your visa of five dollars (USD), and this may affect your ability to obtain future visas for Nepal. One way to avoid overstaying your visa is by writing down the expiration date on your phone calendar. Plan to extend your visa before the expiration date occurs.

Mistake 4: Not getting the right trekking permits 

Not obtaining the proper trekking permits for your trek, as many first-time trekkers are unaware that you must have much more than just a visa. The solution is to research the correct permits required for your trek prior to departure, and obtain them either from Kathmandu or Pokhara prior to beginning your trek, if possible.

Mistake 5: Applying for the wrong visa duration 

Applying for the incorrect visa duration. Travelers frequently apply for a Visa within 15 days, believing it will be sufficient, only to find they need to stay beyond their initial planned duration. The solution is ALWAYS to apply for a 30-day visa, even if you think you may only be there for 15 days. The extra $20 for the additional 15 days is well worth the flexibility.

Mistake 6: Using unofficial websites for e-Visa 

Obtaining an e-Visa through an unofficial website. There are many illegitimate websites that look like official websites. These websites frequently charge customers additional fees, and sometimes will use your personal information for their own purposes. The solution is to only use the official website - nepalimmigration.gov.np.  

Nepal Visa Rules for Children and Minors

If you will be traveling to Nepal with children, please note the following:

• A visa is not required for kids under 10 years old.

• All Kids have to have a Visa (unless they are an Indian National).

• No Visa is needed, but they must have their own valid Passport.

• Children travel through Immigration at the Airport with their Parents.

• If your child is traveling with one Parent only, you need to have a Notarized Consent Letter from the other Parent on hand.

• If your child is traveling with a Guardian(as opposed to the Parent), you will need legal documentation that substantiates their Guardian status.

Other rules to know are as follows: 

Can You Work or Study on a Nepal Tourist Visa?

The answer to this question is probably one that most tourists who have the chance to visit Nepal will get wrong. 

Can you work using a tourist visa in Nepal? 

The answer is 'no'. Working under a tourist visa in Nepal is illegal. If you do end up working and are caught without the proper work permit, you will face fines, deportation and possibly being barred from re-entering Nepal entirely.

If you would like to work in Nepal, you must obtain a Work Visa and a Work Permit on the Department of Labour's official application form. 

Can you volunteer using a tourist visa? 

It is somewhat of a grey area with regard to short-term volunteering on a tourist visa. Many people have done short-term volunteer work on a tourist visa without incident. However, technically, you need proper documentation in order to volunteer legally in Nepal (just like you do for any other form of work.) If you are planning on volunteering for any length of time longer than a couple of weeks, please contact the organization you will be volunteering with and find out what visa requirements apply to your situation. 

Can you study using a tourist visa? 

You can attend short language classes or workshops without any problems, but the issue comes when you enroll in a formal academic program. Then you must apply for a student visa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nepal Visa

How long does it take to get a Nepal visa at the airport? 

Typically, 15 to 30 minutes in normal times. But during peak season from October to November, your wait might take 1 to 2 hours. You can skip that wait entirely by applying for an e-Visa before you travel.

Can I get a Nepal visa at the land border? 

Yes. Visa on arrival is available at all large land border crossings from India. But not every border crossing offers this. So to be safe, opt for the main crossings like Sunauli or Kakarbhitta.

Is Nepal visa free for any country?

Yes. Indian citizens don't need a visa at all. Bhutanese and Maldivian nationals also don't need one. There is no visa fee for SAARC country citizens.

What if my Nepal visa expires while I am trekking in a remote area? 

This is a serious situation. You must renew your visa before it expires. If you're in a remote area, plan your trek beforehand so you arrive in Kathmandu or Pokhara before your visa expires.

Can I get a Nepal visa if I have an Israeli passport? 

Yes. Travellers from Israel can enter Nepal without restriction. Israelis have the option of getting a visa on arrival or applying for an e-Visa.

What is the fine for overstaying a Nepal visa? 

The fine is $5 per day, paid upon exit from Nepal. Don't ignore it. Unpaid fines may affect future visa applications.

Do I need travel insurance for a Nepal visa? 

A Nepal tourist visa does not require travel insurance by law. But it's strongly advised, especially if you're trekking. Without insurance, medical evacuation from the mountains is incredibly expensive.

Do USA citizens need a visa for Nepal?

The process is simple. A visa on arrival is granted at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport with no prior application needed. You simply arrive, complete a form, pay your fee, and approximately 15 to 30 minutes later, you exit with your passport stamped. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-Visa at nepalimmigration.gov.np before you depart. There are no unique restrictions for US citizens. It's a smooth and painless process.

How far in advance should I apply for a Nepal visa?

Apply for your e-Visa at least 7 to 10 days before traveling. Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days. But during October, November, March, and April it may take an average of 7 business days due to an increase in applications. So submitting before these busy months lets you plan for any unforeseen delays.

If you're applying for a visa on arrival, there's no pre-approval required. But if you're traveling during peak times, you may have to wait in line at the airport when you arrive. Applying for your e-Visa in advance will also eliminate a significant amount of stress and time.

How much does a Nepal visa on arrival cost?

The cost depends on how long you'll stay. Here's the current fee structure.

Duration	Fee (USD)
15 days	$30
30 days	$50
90 days	$125

Children under 10 are free of charge. Indian citizens don't require a visa and also pay no visa fee. Citizens of other SAARC nations, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, complete entry formalities but get the visa free of cost. Payment at the airport is accepted in US dollars, Euros, and other major currencies. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most counters, but it's best to have some US dollar cash as a backup.