# Nepal Visa Guide: Visa on Arrival, Fees, Online Form and Extensions

_Published 21 January 2026_

For most travellers, getting a **Nepal tourist visa** is straightforward. Citizens of most countries can obtain a **visa on arrival** at **Tribhuvan International Airport** in Kathmandu and at the main land borders with India and China, paying a fee based on the length of stay. You can speed things up by completing the **online arrival form** in advance, and you can extend your visa in Kathmandu or Pokhara if you want to stay longer.

This guide explains the visa options, fees, documents, application process, extensions and exemptions, together with practical tips from years of welcoming trekkers and travellers to Nepal. Visa rules and fees can change, so always confirm the latest information with the Department of Immigration or a Nepali embassy before you travel.

**Quick answer:** most nationalities can get a **Nepal tourist visa on arrival**. Typical fees are **US$30 for 15 days**, **US$50 for 30 days** and **US$125 for 90 days** (multiple entry). You need a passport valid for at least **six months**, a completed online or kiosk form, and payment (cash is most reliable). **Indian citizens** do not need a visa. Extensions are available at the Department of Immigration, and tourists may stay up to **150 days per calendar year**. Check current rules before travelling.

## Nepal tourist visa fees at a glance

Visa typeValidityApproximate feeEntriesTourist visa15 daysUS$30MultipleTourist visa30 daysUS$50MultipleTourist visa90 daysUS$125MultipleExtensionMinimum 15 daysAbout US$45, then about US$3 per extra day—Transit visa24 hoursFree (on arrival by air, with onward ticket)SingleFees shown are approximate and subject to change. Children under ten are sometimes charged differently or exempted for certain nationalities; check before you travel.

## How to get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport

Most travellers arrive by air at **Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)** in Kathmandu, and the visa-on-arrival process there is well organised, although queues can be long when several international flights land together. Here is how it works, step by step.

1. **Complete the arrival form:** fill in the online "Tourist Visa" or arrival form on the Department of Immigration website up to about 15 days before you travel, and keep the submission receipt with its barcode on your phone or printed. If you have not done it in advance, use the self-service kiosks in the arrival hall, which scan your passport and take your photo.
2. **Pay the visa fee:** go to the payment counter, tell the officer how many days you need (15, 30 or 90), and pay. You receive a receipt.
3. **Immigration counter:** queue at the "Visa on Arrival" immigration desk, present your passport, form receipt and payment receipt. The officer checks your documents, issues the visa sticker in your passport and stamps you in.
4. **Collect your luggage:** go to baggage claim and customs, then out to the arrival area where your guide or driver will meet you.

The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, but can be longer in peak season. Completing the online form beforehand and bringing the exact fee in cash are the two best ways to speed it up.

## Documents and requirements

- **Passport:** valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, with at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
- **Arrival form:** completed online in advance or at the airport kiosk.
- **Passport photo:** usually taken at the kiosk; carrying a couple of passport-size photos is still useful for trekking permits and SIM cards.
- **Visa fee:** in cash (US dollars, euros, pounds and other major currencies are commonly accepted) or by card where available.
- **Onward or return ticket and hotel details:** rarely checked, but have them on hand.

Make sure your passport is in good condition. Damaged passports can cause problems at immigration. If you have a new passport but your previous visa is in the old one, carry both.

## Paying the visa fee

Cash remains the most reliable way to pay the visa fee. US dollars in clean, undamaged notes are accepted everywhere, and other major currencies such as euros, pounds, Australian dollars and Swiss francs are often accepted too, though exchange rates may be less favourable. Card payments have been available at times at Kathmandu airport, but machines may be out of order or have surcharges. There are ATMs in the arrival hall, but they may be before or after immigration depending on the terminal layout and can run out of cash. Our advice: carry the exact visa fee in US dollars in your hand luggage. See our [money in Nepal guide](/blog/money-in-nepal-guide).

## Visa on arrival at land borders

Travellers entering Nepal overland from India or China can obtain a tourist visa at the main border crossings, following a similar process to the airport. Popular crossings with India include:

Border crossingNepal sideIndia sideUseful forSunauliBelahiya (Bhairahawa)Sunauli (Uttar Pradesh)Varanasi, Lumbini, PokharaRaxaulBirgunjRaxaul (Bihar)Patna, Kolkata, KathmanduKakarbhittaKakarbhittaPanitanki (West Bengal)Darjeeling, Sikkim, eastern NepalNepalgunjNepalgunjRupaidiha (Uttar Pradesh)Western Nepal, BardiaDhangadhiDhangadhiGauriphanta (Uttar Pradesh)Far-west NepalMahendranagarBhimdattaBanbasa (Uttarakhand)Delhi, Uttarakhand, far westWith China (Tibet), the main crossings are **Rasuwagadhi–Kerung (Gyirong)** and **Tatopani–Zhangmu (Kodari)**. Tourist access to these crossings depends on Chinese permits and the current situation, so check before planning. Border posts may have limited opening hours and facilities, so arrive during the day with cash for the fee. Some smaller crossings are open only to Indian and Nepali citizens.

## Extending your Nepal visa

If you want to stay longer than your original visa, you can extend it at the **Department of Immigration** in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, or at the immigration office in **Pokhara**. Tourists can stay a maximum of **150 days in a calendar year**, including the initial visa and all extensions.

1. Complete the online visa extension form on the Department of Immigration website.
2. Visit the immigration office with your passport, the printed form or reference number, and the fee.
3. Pay the fee (about US$45 for the first 15 days, with an additional charge per day after that, paid in Nepali rupees).
4. Collect your passport with the extension sticker, usually the same day.

Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay fines. If you are trekking when your visa runs out, extend before you leave Kathmandu or Pokhara, as there are no immigration offices on the trails.

## Overstaying your visa

Overstaying a Nepal visa is taken seriously. If you overstay by a few days, you can usually regularise your status by paying the extension fee plus a fine per day of overstay at the immigration office or airport. Longer overstays can lead to larger fines, detention, deportation and a ban on future entry. Keep track of your visa expiry date, especially if trekking plans change due to weather or flight cancellations, and extend in good time.

## Visa vs trekking permits

A common source of confusion is the difference between a **visa** and **trekking permits**. Your visa allows you to enter and stay in Nepal. Trekking permits allow you to enter specific protected areas or restricted regions. Depending on your trek, you may need a **national park or conservation area entry permit** (for example, Sagarmatha National Park for Everest or ACAP for Annapurna), a **local rural municipality fee** (such as the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu fee), a **TIMS card** in some areas, and a **restricted area permit** for regions such as Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar Phu, Upper Dolpo or Tsum Valley. Restricted area permits are issued only through licensed trekking agencies and require a guide. See our guide to [Nepal trekking permits](/blog/nepal-trekking-permits-guide).

Your visa must be valid for the entire duration of your trek. Agencies applying for restricted area permits will check that your visa covers all trekking days; if not, you must extend it first.

## Other visa types

The tourist visa is for tourism, trekking, climbing, visiting friends and similar purposes. Other activities require different visa types, which must be arranged in advance:

- **Business visa:** for business activities and meetings.
- **Study visa:** for students enrolled in Nepali institutions.
- **Non-tourist visa:** for employment, volunteering with registered organisations, research, journalism and diplomatic purposes.
- **Mountaineering expedition:** climbers use a tourist visa but also need climbing permits from the relevant authorities.

Volunteering on a tourist visa is technically not allowed, even unpaid. If you plan to volunteer, work with a registered organisation that can arrange the correct visa.

## Visa rules for Indian citizens

Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal and can stay without time limits for tourism. At the airport, Indian nationals must show a valid passport or a voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India. Other documents such as Aadhaar cards are not accepted for air travel. Children under 15 can travel with proof of age, and those aged 15–18 with an identity certificate from their school principal. Indian citizens do need trekking permits like everyone else, and fees for SAARC nationals are sometimes lower.

## Common mistakes and how to avoid them

- **Passport validity:** arriving with less than six months' validity can lead to refusal. Check before booking flights.
- **Not enough cash:** card machines may be down; carry the fee in US dollars.
- **Wrong visa length:** choose the right length at the start; extensions cost more per day and take time.
- **Forgetting the form:** the online form must be submitted within about 15 days before arrival; if not, use the airport kiosks.
- **Visa expiry during a trek:** add a buffer of a few days for weather delays, especially on Lukla flights.
- **Working or volunteering on a tourist visa:** this can lead to fines or deportation.
- **Multiple entries:** tourist visas are multiple entry within their validity, useful if you visit Tibet or Bhutan and return; check that your visa covers your re-entry.

## Visiting Tibet or Bhutan from Nepal

Many travellers combine Nepal with Tibet or Bhutan. For Tibet, you need a Chinese group visa and Tibet Travel Permit arranged by a licensed agency, usually in Kathmandu, and you cannot use a normal Chinese visa obtained abroad. For Bhutan, you need a visa arranged through a licensed tour operator along with the Sustainable Development Fee. If you plan to return to Nepal afterwards, make sure your Nepal visa is still valid or buy a new visa on re-entry. See our [Tibet](/blog/tibet-travel-from-nepal-guide) and [Bhutan](/blog/bhutan-tour-from-nepal-guide) guides.

## Arrival tips at Kathmandu airport

Kathmandu's international airport is small and can be busy, especially in October and November. After immigration and customs, you enter a crowded arrival area with taxi touts. If you have booked with us, your guide or driver will wait with a name board outside. Otherwise, use the prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal. SIM cards for Nepal Telecom and Ncell are available at the airport, which is handy for maps and staying in touch. You can also exchange money at counters in the arrival hall, though rates in Thamel may be slightly better.

## Who needs a visa for Nepal?

All foreign nationals except citizens of **India** need a visa to enter Nepal. Indian citizens can travel with a valid passport or a government-issued photo identity document such as a voter ID card. Citizens of other **SAARC** countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan) have historically been eligible for a free 30-day tourist visa on their first visit in a calendar year, and **Chinese** citizens have been granted free tourist visas. These concessions can change, so confirm the latest rules.

Citizens of a small number of countries are not eligible for visa on arrival and must apply in advance at a Nepali embassy or consulate. This list has in the past included countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland (Eswatini), Syria and Zimbabwe, and may change. Refugees with travel documents also need to apply in advance.

## Which visa length should you choose?

Picking the right visa length at the start saves time and money. The 15-day visa is the cheapest per trip, but extensions are charged per day and involve a visit to the immigration office, so if there is any chance your stay will run beyond 15 days, the 30-day visa is usually better value. The table below matches common trip types to the most sensible visa.

Trip typeTypical lengthRecommended visaKathmandu city break or short tour4–10 days15 daysShort trek such as Poon Hill or Langtang8–14 days15 days (30 if cutting it close)Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit14–21 days30 daysManaslu, Kanchenjunga or Makalu treks18–28 days30 daysTrekking peak climb plus a trek20–30 days30 or 90 daysLong trip combining several treks, Tibet or Bhutan30–90 days90 daysRemember that flight delays, particularly for Lukla, can add several days to an Everest trip. If your trek plus sightseeing is close to 15 days, choose 30 days. The extra cost is small compared with the stress of rushing to extend at the end of a trek.

## Visa rules for children and families

Children need their own passport and visa. Nepal has historically offered free or reduced visas for children under ten years of age from some countries, though the exact rules vary and should be confirmed before you travel. For families, completing the online form for each member in advance and keeping all receipts together makes the airport process much smoother. Travelling with young children? Have snacks and entertainment ready for the queue, and ask staff if there is a priority lane. Our [Nepal family travel guide](/blog/nepal-family-travel-guide) goes into more detail.

## Customs allowances on arrival

Alongside the visa, it helps to know Nepal's customs rules. Visitors can bring personal effects such as clothing, cameras, laptops, phones and trekking equipment for their own use without duty. Duty-free allowances usually include limited quantities of alcohol and tobacco. You must declare foreign currency above a certain value (historically around US$5,000 in cash). Drones require permission from the Civil Aviation Authority and the relevant local authorities before they can be flown, and they may be held at customs if you arrive without permission. Satellite phones and some communication devices also need approval. Exporting antiques over 100 years old, and certain religious objects, is prohibited without a certificate from the Department of Archaeology.

## Applying for a visa in advance at an embassy

Although most travellers use visa on arrival, you can also apply for a Nepal tourist visa before you travel at a Nepali embassy or consulate in your home country. This is mandatory for citizens of countries not eligible for visa on arrival, and it can suit travellers who prefer certainty before they fly or who are arriving at a land border where facilities are limited. The process usually involves an application form, passport, photos, a copy of your travel itinerary and the fee. Processing times vary from a day to a couple of weeks, and some embassies accept applications by post. The visa is usually valid for entry within six months of issue, and the length of stay begins on the date you arrive in Nepal.

Applying in advance does not always save time at the airport, because you still pass through immigration, but you skip the payment queue. If you are travelling at a peak time with tight connections, it may be worth considering.

## What to carry after arrival

Once you are in Nepal, keep your passport safe but accessible. Hotels need to see it at check-in and will record your visa details. Trekking agencies need a copy for permits, and police or army checkpoints on some trekking routes ask to see your permits and sometimes your passport. We recommend carrying the original passport on treks in a waterproof pouch, together with a few photocopies of the photo page and visa, and storing digital copies in your email or cloud storage. If you lose your passport, report it to the local police for a police report and contact your embassy in Kathmandu for an emergency travel document; you will then need to visit the Department of Immigration to transfer your visa.

## Changes to visa rules

Nepal occasionally adjusts visa fees, eligible nationalities, the online form and extension procedures. In recent years, the government has discussed higher fees and a fully online e-visa. We update our guidance each season, but always check the official Department of Immigration website or ask your trekking agency shortly before travelling. If you book a trip with us, we send updated entry information with your pre-departure notes.

## Visa checklist before you fly

- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with a blank page.
- Check whether your nationality is eligible for visa on arrival.
- Decide on 15, 30 or 90 days, allowing a buffer for trekking delays.
- Complete the online arrival form within about 15 days of travel and save the receipt.
- Carry the visa fee in clean US dollar notes in your hand luggage.
- Bring two or four passport photos for permits and SIM cards.
- Save digital copies of your passport, visa and insurance.
- Note your hotel address and your agency contact for the form.
- Check trekking permit requirements for your route separately.
- If visiting Tibet or Bhutan, plan those visas through a licensed agency in advance.

## Frequently confused terms

**Visa on arrival** means you obtain the visa at the airport or border rather than in advance. **Online form** or **pre-arrival form** refers to the digital application you submit before travel; it is not a visa in itself. **Multiple entry** means you can leave and re-enter Nepal while the visa is valid. **Extension** means adding days to your current visa at an immigration office. **Permit** refers to trekking or area entry documents, not your right to be in the country. Keeping these distinctions clear avoids most problems.

## Departing Nepal

When you leave Nepal, immigration officers check that your visa is valid and stamp you out. Arrive at Kathmandu airport at least three hours before international departures in peak season, as security and check-in queues can be slow. If you have overstayed, even by one day, you will need to pay the fine before departure, which can take time. Keep a small amount of Nepali rupees for airport snacks, but note that exporting large amounts of rupees is restricted, so exchange leftover cash before you reach the airport.

## Before you fly

For most travellers, getting a Nepal visa is simple: fill in the online form, bring a passport valid for six months and the fee in cash, and choose the right length of stay. Allow extra days for trekking delays, extend in good time if needed, and keep your trekking permits separate in your mind from your visa. With these basics covered, you can focus on enjoying the mountains. [Contact us](/contact-us) for help planning your trip and arranging permits.

## Frequently asked questions
### Can I get a visa on arrival in Nepal?
Yes, most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport and main land borders.

### How much does a Nepal visa cost?
Typically **US$30 (15 days)**, **US$50 (30 days)** and **US$125 (90 days)**. Fees can change.

### Do Indians need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian citizens can enter with a passport or valid government photo ID.

### What documents do I need?
A passport valid for at least six months, the completed arrival form, a photo (sometimes) and the visa fee.

### Can I apply for a Nepal visa online?
You can fill in the online arrival form before travel; payment and the visa sticker are completed on arrival.

### Can I pay the visa fee by card?
Card payment is sometimes possible, but carry cash in US dollars or other major currencies as a backup.

### How long can I stay in Nepal as a tourist?
Up to **150 days per calendar year**, including extensions.

### How do I extend my Nepal visa?
Apply at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or its Pokhara office, online form first, then in person.

### What happens if I overstay my visa?
You pay a fine per day in addition to the extension fee; long overstays can lead to detention or a ban.

### Can I get a visa at land borders?
Yes, at major crossings with India and China (Rasuwagadhi, Kodari). Check which border posts are open.

### Is a trekking permit the same as a visa?
No. Trekking permits (TIMS, national park, restricted area) are separate from your visa.

### Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. Paid or volunteer work requires a different visa type.


Web page: https://www.himalayanhiking.com/blog/nepal-visa-guide