Every year, people from all over the world travel to Nepal to see the Himalayas, join a trek, or experience the calm and simple way of life here.

Before any of that begins, you will need a Nepal visa. The good news is that getting one is very easy for most travelers. You can receive a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or at several land borders. The process is quick when you know what to expect.

This guide explains everything you need to know. You will learn how to apply, how much the visa costs, how to extend your stay, and useful tips that make the whole process smoother.

Before you start your trek, take a moment to read this. Your Nepal journey begins here with one small step.

Types of Nepal Tourist Visas

Nepal offers different types of tourist visas depending on how long you plan to stay and how you choose to enter the country.

For most travelers, a regular Tourist Visa is all you need, whether you are here for trekking, sightseeing, or a short holiday.

1. Visa on Arrival

This is the easiest and most common option. You can get a visa directly after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, as well as at a few land border entry points from India or China.

The process is simple. You fill out a short form, pay the visa fee at the counter, and receive your visa stamp on the spot. Most travelers complete the process in a few minutes.

2. Pre-Arrival Visa (Embassy or Consulate)

If you prefer to have your visa sorted before your trip, you can apply at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

This is helpful if you want to avoid long queues at Kathmandu airport, or if your nationality is not eligible for a visa on arrival.

3. Gratis (Free) Visa

Citizens of SAARC countries such as India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka can receive a free visa for up to 30 days once a year.

Children under 10 years of age also receive a free visa regardless of nationality.

4. Non-Eligible Countries

A few nationalities must obtain a visa before traveling to Nepal and cannot receive a visa on arrival. They must apply through a Nepalese Embassy.

The updated list is available on the official Department of Immigration website.

Visa Duration and Fees (Updated 2025)

Tourist visas for Nepal are available in three duration options. You can choose a 15 day, 30 day, or 90 day visa when you arrive or when you apply at an embassy.

Below are the current visa fees for travelers.

You can extend your visa later if you decide to stay longer. Nepal allows visitors to stay for a total of 150 days per calendar year on a tourist visa.

Visa fees can be paid in USD, EUR, and other major convertible currencies. Cash payments are preferred at the airport and land borders, so it is helpful to carry exact change.

If you plan to travel across different regions or take longer treks such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or Manaslu Circuit, it is easier to choose a 30 day or 90 day visa from the beginning.

On Arrival Visa Process (Step by Step)

Getting a visa on arrival in Nepal is simple once you know what to expect. Most travelers finish the process within fifteen to thirty minutes at the airport or land border.

Here is how the process works.

Step 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport or a Land Entry Point

After landing in Kathmandu or arriving at a border such as Sunauli or Kakarbhitta, follow the signs that say Visa on Arrival. The signs are clear, and staff are always around to guide you if you feel unsure.

Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

You can fill out the form at the electronic kiosks inside the arrival hall. If you filled the online form before your flight, you can bring the printed confirmation instead.

Keep your passport and basic travel details ready while filling the form.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

Once the form is complete, go to the payment counter. You can pay the visa fee in USD, EUR, or other widely accepted currencies.

You will receive a payment receipt. Keep it safely, as you need it for the next step.

Step 4: Submit Your Documents at the Immigration Desk

Take your receipt, completed form, and passport to the immigration counter. The officer will review your documents and may ask a few simple questions about your stay.

After everything is checked, the visa sticker and entry stamp will be placed in your passport.

Step 5: You Are Ready to Enter Nepal

That is the entire process. Collect your luggage, and you are ready to begin your journey in Nepal.

Extra Tips:

Bring a passport size photo, carry exact change in cash, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date. These small things make the process much faster and smoother.

Apply Before Arrival (Embassy or Online)

If you prefer to have everything ready before landing in Nepal, you can apply for your visa in advance. You can either visit a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or fill out the online application before your flight.

Both options are simple and give you peace of mind when you arrive.

1. Apply at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate

You can apply for a visa by visiting the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate closest to you.

You will need to fill out a short form, bring your passport, attach a recent photo, and pay the visa fee in your local currency.

Processing usually takes one to three working days, depending on the embassy.

This option is helpful in the following situations:

• You want to avoid queues at Kathmandu airport

• You plan to enter Nepal through a smaller land border

• Your nationality is not eligible for a visa on arrival

2. Apply Online (Pre-Arrival Form)

Nepal’s Department of Immigration allows travelers to fill out the Online Visa Application Form before arrival.

You can complete it through the official website: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/

After filling out the form:

• Print or save the confirmation receipt with the barcode

• Bring it with you to the airport or land border

• Present it along with your passport and visa fee at the visa desk

Nepwise Tip:

Submit your online visa form within 15 days before your arrival in Nepal, as older applications may not be accepted.

Having your barcode ready will save you time at the immigration desk.

Visa Extension in Nepal

If you fall in love with Nepal and want to stay longer, extending your tourist visa is very easy. Many travelers choose to extend their stay, and the process is simple when you know where to go.

Visa extensions are handled by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.

Most extensions are completed within a few hours.

How to Extend Your Visa

Step 1: Visit the Immigration Office

You can extend your visa either in Kathmandu at Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, or at the Immigration Office in Pokhara.

Both offices handle tourist visa extensions.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Form

Complete the extension form on the official website:
https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/.

After filling it out, print the confirmation receipt.

Step 3: Pay the Extension Fee

Visa extensions must be for at least fifteen days.

The fee is forty five dollars for the first fifteen days.

If you need more time, each additional day costs three dollars.

Step 4: Submit Your Documents

Bring the following items to the counter:

• Your passport

• A recent passport size photo

• The printed online form

• Your current visa

• The payment receipt

Once everything is checked, the new visa sticker will be added to your passport the same day.

Important Rules

• You can stay up to 150 days in Nepal per calendar year on a tourist visa.

• Extensions must be done before your current visa expires. Overstaying may result in a fine.

• Keep copies of your passport, visa, and receipts during your stay. They are useful for trekking permits and hotel check-ins.

Entry and Exit Points in Nepal

You can enter Nepal either by air or through several land borders shared with India and China. Most travelers fly into Kathmandu, but overland travel is also common for those exploring South Asia.

1. Entry by Air

The main international entry point to Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Most travelers land here because it has the widest network of international flights.

Nepal now has two additional international airports:

• Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini, close to the Indian border

• Pokhara International Airport, which currently handles regional flights and is expected to expand further

Visa on Arrival services are available at Kathmandu. Facilities at Lumbini and Pokhara may vary depending on the flight route, so most travelers still prefer entering through Kathmandu.

Kathmandu has direct flights from major cities such as Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Istanbul.

2. Entry by Land from India

Nepal shares an open border with India, and there are several official entry points for travelers.
All major crossings offer a visa on arrival for eligible nationalities.

The most commonly used routes include:

• Sunauli near Bhairahawa, often used by travelers coming from Varanasi

• Raxaul to Birgunj, a busy trade route from Patna

• Kakarbhitta in eastern Nepal, convenient for those coming from Darjeeling or Siliguri

• Jamunaha to Nepalgunj, used by travelers heading toward mid western Nepal

• Mohana at Dhangadhi, which connects to the far western region

These borders are straightforward to use, and immigration offices are located right at the crossing point.

3. Entry by Land from China

There is one main open route between Nepal and China:

• Rasuwa Gyirong border, located about seven hours north of Kathmandu by road

This is the current official border for travelers. The older Kodari Zhangmu crossing has remained closed since the 2015 earthquake.

4. Exit Points

You can leave Nepal from any international airport or through the same land borders used for entry.

Make sure your visa is valid at the time of exit. Immigration officers may check your passport, visa, and permits before allowing you to leave the country.

Documents You will Need

Getting a visa for Nepal is simple, but it becomes even easier when you have the right documents ready.

Whether you are applying on arrival, online, or at an embassy, having these items prepared will save you time.

1. A Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Nepal.

Make sure you have at least one or two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamps.

2. Passport Size Photo

You will need one recent passport size photo for the visa application form.

If you forget to bring one, kiosks inside Kathmandu airport usually offer photo services, but having a printed photo with you is always faster.

3. Completed Visa Application Form

You can complete the form in one of two ways:

• Fill it out online before your trip at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/

• Use the electronic kiosks upon arrival at the airport or land border

Both options work fine. The online form is convenient if you want to save time on arrival.

4. Visa Fee in Cash

Visa fees must be paid in cash at the airport or border crossing.
Commonly accepted currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and other major convertible currencies.

Carrying exact change helps speed up the process.

5. Return or Onward Ticket (Sometimes Required)

Immigration officers may ask for proof that you plan to leave Nepal within your visa period.

A printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket is usually enough.

6. Accommodation Details (Optional but Helpful)

Although not always asked, it is helpful to have the name or address of your first night’s stay in Nepal.

This can be a hotel booking, a homestay confirmation, or details from your trekking agency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do Indian citizens need a visa for Nepal?

No. Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal. A valid government ID such as a passport or voter ID card is enough for entry.

2. Can I get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport?

Yes. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. The process is quick and straightforward when you have your documents ready.

3. What if I filled the online visa form more than fifteen days before arrival?

The online application becomes invalid after fifteen days. If it expires, simply fill out a new one or use the kiosk at the airport.

4. What happens if I overstay my visa by mistake?

You must pay a per-day fine at the immigration office before leaving Nepal. It is always better to extend your visa on time to avoid extra costs and delays.

5. Can I re-enter Nepal with the same visa?

Tourist visas for Nepal are usually multiple entry, but only after you extend them once. If your visa is single entry and you leave Nepal, you will need a new visa to return.

6. How long can I stay in Nepal on a tourist visa?

You can stay up to one hundred fifty days per calendar year. These days can be used across multiple visa periods as long as you do not exceed the annual limit.

7. Can children get a visa on arrival?

Yes. Children under ten years old get a free visa. You still need to fill out the form and present their passport at immigration.

8. What currency should I carry for the visa fee?

USD is the most commonly used currency for visa payments. EUR, GBP, AUD, and other major currencies are also accepted at major entry points.

9. Can I pay the visa fee by card?

Payment is usually accepted in cash only at the airport and land borders. It is best to carry cash to avoid delays.

10. Do I need a passport photo for the visa?

Yes. It is recommended to bring one passport size photo. If you forget, you can usually take a photo at the airport kiosk.

11. Can I extend my visa more than once?

Yes. You can extend your visa multiple times as long as your total stay does not exceed one hundred fifty days in a year.

12. Can I enter Nepal from any land border?

You must use an official border crossing. Popular entry points include Sunauli, Raxaul, Kakarbhitta, and Rasuwa Gyirong.

13. Do I need travel insurance for the visa process?

Insurance is not required for the visa, but it is highly recommended, especially if you plan to trek in high altitude regions.

14. Is a visa required for transit through Nepal?

If you are staying inside the airport during transit, no visa is needed. If you want to leave the airport, you must obtain a visa on arrival.