NEPAL VISA ON ARRIVAL
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the primary gateway for international travellers visiting Nepal. The Department of Immigration facilitates a "Visa on Arrival" process that is quick and simple. If you are entering Nepal via land, designated border entry points also provide this service.
While the process is efficient, expect potential queues during peak tourist seasons (March–May and September–November). To skip these lines, you may choose to obtain a visa from a Nepalese Diplomatic Mission (Embassy or Consulate) in your home country before your departure.
KEY RULES FOR YOUR TOURIST VISA
Validity: If you obtain a visa from a Diplomatic Mission, you must enter Nepal within six months of the issue date.
Stay Duration: Your stay is counted starting from the day you enter Nepal.
Multiple Entry: All Tourist Visas obtained on arrival include multiple re-entry facilities.
Purpose of Visit: The Tourist Visa is the only entry visa for visitors. Whether you are trekking, mountaineering, or visiting family, you must start with a Tourist Visa. You can change your visa category at the Department of Immigration by providing the required supporting documents.
SIMPLE STEPS TO GET YOUR VISA AT THE AIRPORT
Fill Out the Forms
Fill out the physical "Arrival Card."
Complete the online "Tourist Visa" form via the official Department of Immigration website.
Pro Tip: You can complete this form up to 15 days before your flight. If you do, print the submission receipt with the barcode and bring it with you. If you forget, you can use the kiosk machines at the airport, but having it ready saves significant time.
Pay the Visa Fee
Proceed to the bank counter to pay the fee for your required duration (15, 30, or 90 days).
Carry clean, crisp US Dollars (USD) in cash to ensure a smooth transaction, as this is the most reliable method at the airport.
Collect and keep your payment receipt.
Proceed to the Immigration Desk
Present your passport (valid for at least 6 months), your printed online submission receipt, and your bank payment receipt to the immigration officer.
Upon verification, the officer will issue your visa sticker.
TOURIST VISA FEES (ON ARRIVAL)
15 Days: 30 USD
30 Days: 50 USD
90 Days: 125 USD
HOW TO EXTEND YOUR VISA
Tourist visa extensions are available at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. The extension fee is 45 USD for the first 15 days, plus 3 USD per day for additional days. Note: A late fine of 5 USD per day applies if you overstay.
GRATIS VISA (FREE VISA)
The following categories are eligible for a Gratis Visa:
Children under 10 years of age (excluding US citizens).
SAARC Citizens (except Afghanistan) for up to 30 days once per visa year.
Non-Residential Nepalese (NRN) cardholders.
Chinese nationals.
Afghan citizens (subject to prior recommendation from the Department of Immigration).
COUNTRIES REQUIRING AN ADVANCE VISA
Nationals of the following countries must acquire a visa from a Nepalese Diplomatic Mission before arrival. They are not eligible for a Visa on Arrival unless they possess an official letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal:
Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, and refugees with travel documents.
VISA EXEMPTION AGREEMENTS
Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal.
Diplomatic/Official/Service Passport holders from specific countries (including Thailand, Russia, China, Brazil, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Jordan, Israel, Georgia, Qatar, Oman, and Indonesia) may be exempt from visa requirements for designated periods under reciprocal agreements. Please check the official Department of Immigration website to confirm whether you hold a diplomatic or service passport.