Nepal visa and entry requirements are straightforward for most international travellers, but the correct process depends on your nationality, travel document and point of entry. Many visitors can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, while others should arrange an Electronic Travel Authorisation or embassy-issued visa before departure.
Visa rules, fees and entry procedures can change. Always confirm the latest information through Nepal’s Department of Immigration or the nearest Nepalese embassy before travelling.
Last reviewed: August 2026
Nepal Visa & Entry Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Current general guidance |
|---|---|
| Passport validity | At least six months from the date of entry |
| Blank passport pages | Preferably at least two |
| Visa on arrival | Available to most eligible nationalities |
| Tourist visa periods | 15, 30 or 90 days |
| Entry type | Multiple entry |
| Tourist visa fees | USD 30, USD 50 or USD 125 |
| Maximum tourist stay | Up to 150 days in one visa year |
| Indian citizens | No visa required |
| Trekking permits | Separate from the Nepal tourist visa |
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Nepal?
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nepal. Eligible travellers can usually choose between:
- Obtaining a tourist visa on arrival
- Applying online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation
- Applying through a Nepalese embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission before travelling
Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal but must carry an accepted identity document. Some other travellers may qualify for a gratis visa under Nepal’s immigration rules.
Your eligibility depends on your passport nationality and travel document. Check the current requirements before purchasing non-refundable travel arrangements.
Ways to Obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa
Tourist Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is available to most eligible international visitors arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport and designated immigration entry points.
This is often the simplest option for tourists who have not obtained a visa before departure. Travellers complete the arrival application, pay the appropriate visa fee and present their documents to an immigration officer.
Queues may be longer during Nepal’s main trekking and touring seasons. Completing the official online arrival application and payment process before travelling may reduce processing time.
Electronic Travel Authorisation
Nepal’s Department of Immigration provides an online Electronic Travel Authorisation service for tourist visas of 15, 30 or 90 days.
Use only the official Nepal immigration portal and follow the current application, document and payment instructions. Avoid unofficial visa websites that may charge additional fees or misuse personal information.
An online application or payment confirmation does not remove the need to carry your valid passport and supporting documents when entering Nepal.
Visa from a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate
Travellers who are not eligible for a visa on arrival must obtain a visa through a Nepalese embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission before departure.
Applying in advance may also be suitable if you:
- Prefer to complete the visa process before travelling
- Hold a refugee or non-standard travel document
- Require clarification about your eligibility
- Are travelling for purposes other than tourism
- Have unusual passport or immigration circumstances
Processing times, required documents and payment methods differ between diplomatic missions. Apply with sufficient time before departure.
Nepal Tourist Visa Fees
Nepal currently offers multiple-entry tourist visas for the following periods:
| Visa duration | Official fee |
|---|---|
| 15 days | USD 30 |
| 30 days | USD 50 |
| 90 days | USD 125 |
Select a visa duration that covers your complete stay, including arrival and departure days. Allow extra time if your itinerary includes trekking, domestic mountain flights or other activities that may be affected by weather.
Visa fees and payment methods can change. Confirm the latest charges through the Nepal Department of Immigration before travelling.
How to Get a Visa on Arrival in Nepal
The general visa-on-arrival process is:
- Complete the application. Use the official online system before departure or follow the application process available at your entry point.
- Pay the visa fee. Select the required 15-, 30- or 90-day tourist visa and use an approved payment method.
- Keep your receipt. Retain any application confirmation and payment receipt.
- Proceed to immigration. Present your passport, application confirmation and payment evidence to the immigration officer.
- Check your visa. Before leaving the counter, confirm that your name, passport number and permitted stay are correct.
Payment facilities can occasionally experience delays. Carrying an accepted backup payment method is sensible, even if you intend to pay online.
Documents to Prepare Before Travelling
Carry the following documents or information:
- A machine-readable passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry
- At least two blank passport pages
- Completed online application or Electronic Travel Authorisation confirmation, if applicable
- Visa-payment receipt, if paid in advance
- Your accommodation name, address and contact details in Nepal
- Return or onward travel information
- A copy of your itinerary
- Travel insurance details
- Additional documents required for children or non-standard travel-document holders
Ensure that your name, passport number, nationality, birth date and passport-expiry date match your passport exactly on every application.
A spelling or number error may delay immigration processing.
Nationalities Requiring a Visa Before Arrival
According to current Nepalese immigration guidance, nationals of the following countries should obtain a visa before travelling to Nepal:
- Afghanistan
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iraq
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Palestine
- Somalia
- Syria
- Eswatini, listed as Swaziland on some official pages
- Zimbabwe
Requirements can change, and additional conditions may apply depending on residence status or the travel document used. Contact the nearest Nepalese embassy or consulate before booking travel.
Travellers holding refugee travel documents should also obtain individual guidance from a Nepalese diplomatic mission.
Gratis Visas and Visa Exemptions
Indian Citizens
Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. Those travelling by air should carry a valid Indian passport or voter identification accepted under current bilateral travel rules.
Different documentation may be required for minors. Families should confirm children’s identity-document requirements before departure.
Citizens of SAARC Countries
Citizens of SAARC countries other than India may qualify for a gratis tourist visa for up to 30 days on their first visit during a visa year. Special conditions apply to Afghan citizens.
Children and Other Eligible Travellers
Children under ten and certain other traveller categories may qualify for a gratis visa, subject to nationality-specific rules. Some Chinese nationals and holders of official or diplomatic passports may also receive visa concessions under current arrangements.
Gratis-visa eligibility does not always remove the requirement to complete an application or present supporting documents. Confirm the current rules before travelling.
Entering Nepal by Air
Most international visitors enter Nepal through Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Immigration processing normally includes:
- Passport and visa inspection
- Arrival-information verification
- Visa payment or confirmation, when applicable
- Entry stamp issuance
Before leaving immigration, check that the entry stamp and permitted length of stay are correct.
Nepal also has other international airports, but routes and immigration services can change. Confirm your actual arrival airport with the airline.
Entering Nepal by Land
International travellers may enter Nepal through authorised land-border immigration points. Not every local border crossing processes foreign tourists or issues visas on arrival.
Before travelling overland:
- Confirm that the chosen border point is open to your nationality
- Check whether visa-on-arrival services are available
- Verify current opening hours
- Carry sufficient time and appropriate payment options
- Use only an official immigration checkpoint
Border status and access from Tibet or India can change because of road, weather, administrative or regional conditions. Reconfirm arrangements shortly before departure.
Extending a Nepal Tourist Visa
Tourist visas can generally be extended up to a maximum total stay of 150 days within one visa year, calculated from January to December.
Current general extension charges are:
- USD 45 for the first 15-day extension
- USD 3 per day for additional days
Apply before your existing visa expires. Extension applications are handled through Nepal’s immigration system and authorised immigration offices.
Do not overstay. Overstaying may result in additional fees, administrative delays and difficulties when departing Nepal or applying for future visas.
Check the official Nepal immigration services for current extension procedures.
Is a Tourist Visa the Same as a Trekking Permit?
No. A Nepal tourist visa allows you to enter and remain in the country for tourism, but it does not replace trekking permits.
Depending on your route, you may also need:
- National park or conservation-area permits
- Local-government trekking permits
- Restricted-area permits
- TIMS registration when applicable
Read our Trekking Permits in Nepal guide before planning a trek.
Health and Travel Insurance
Entry rules relating to health documentation can change, particularly when travelling from countries affected by specific infectious diseases. Check current airline, transit-country and Nepalese government requirements before departure.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, even though it is not normally a general tourist-visa requirement.
Your policy should cover:
- Overseas medical treatment
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Emergency evacuation
- Trekking at your planned maximum altitude
- Delayed or cancelled flights
- Lost or delayed baggage
Read our Travel Insurance for Nepal guide for further guidance.
Practical Entry Tips
- Apply only through official government portals or Nepalese diplomatic missions.
- Check your passport validity well before departure.
- Save digital and printed copies of important confirmations.
- Keep your first accommodation address easily accessible.
- Check transit-visa rules for countries travelled through on the way to Nepal.
- Allow extra connection time during busy travel periods.
- Confirm requirements again shortly before departure.
- Never overstay the period granted by immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain a Nepal visa at Kathmandu airport?
Most eligible foreign nationals can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Travellers from nationalities excluded from visa-on-arrival arrangements must obtain a visa before travelling.
How much does a Nepal tourist visa cost?
The official fee is currently USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days. These are multiple-entry tourist visas.
How long must my passport be valid?
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Nepal. It is also sensible to have at least two blank pages.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian citizens do not require a visa but must carry an accepted identity document. Different supporting documents may apply to children.
Can I extend my tourist visa while in Nepal?
Yes. Tourist visas can generally be extended, but the total tourist stay must not exceed 150 days within one visa year. Apply before your current visa expires.
Do I need a separate permit for trekking?
Yes. A tourist visa and a trekking permit serve different purposes. Required trekking permits depend on the destination and route.
Should I apply through a third-party visa website?
Use Nepal’s official immigration portal or an authorised Nepalese embassy or consulate. Third-party websites may charge unnecessary fees and are not required for the official process.
Plan Your Journey to Nepal
Correct entry documents are only the beginning of a well-prepared Nepal journey. Our local team can help you understand travel logistics, trekking regions, seasonal conditions and suitable itinerary options.
Contact Nepal Holidays Advisor to start planning a journey designed around your interests, available time and preferred travel style.