If you’re planning a trip to Nepal—home of the Himalayas, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes—one of the first steps is securing your tourist visa. Fortunately, Nepal makes it relatively easy for most travelers to obtain a visa, whether you’re arriving by air or crossing by land. In this guide, we break down all the options, requirements, costs, and expert tips for obtaining your Nepal visa with ease.
Visa on Arrival (Available at Tribhuvan International Airport and Land Borders)
The most common and convenient way to get your Nepal tourist visa is on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu or at major land border crossings.
Here’s how the Visa-on-Arrival process works:
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At the Arrival Hall: You’ll find self-service kiosks that scan your passport, take your photo, and print out a completed visa form.
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Go to the Payment Counter: Pay the visa fee (in cash, preferably in USD).
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Head to the Immigration Line: Submit your printed form, payment receipt, and passport to receive your visa stamp.
You’ll need the following:
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A passport valid for at least 6 months.
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Cash for the visa fee: USD is strongly preferred, but other currencies like EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY, and SGD are also accepted.
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A passport-size photo (carry a few just in case the kiosk isn’t working).
Note: The following nationalities cannot obtain a visa-on-arrival and must apply in advance: Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland (Eswatini), Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia.
Apply for a Visa Online (Pre-Arrival)
Since 2014, Nepal has allowed travelers to apply online for a tourist visa within 15 days of their intended arrival date.
Steps to apply online:
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Visit the official immigration site: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
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Fill out the form and upload a recent passport-size photo.
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Print the confirmation receipt and bring it with your passport and cash payment to immigration upon arrival.
Expert Tip: Filling this form ahead of time helps you skip the kiosk queue and speeds up your arrival process.
Apply Through a Nepali Embassy
If you prefer, or if your nationality requires it, you can also apply for your visa at a Nepali Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This is a great option for those who like to have everything arranged before departure.
Make sure to check the embassy’s website for specific requirements and processing time.
Visa at Land Border Crossings
Nepal has several land border points open to foreign tourists, including popular crossings from India (e.g., Sunauli, Raxaul, Kakarbhitta) and Tibet/China. These also offer visa-on-arrival services, similar to the airport process. USD cash is especially important here, as payment systems may be limited.
Tourist Visa Fees & Duration
| Duration |
Fee (USD) |
| 15 days |
$30 |
| 30 days |
$50 |
| 90 days |
$125 |
| Multiple Entry Add-on |
$25 |
Note for SAARC Nationals: Citizens of SAARC countries are eligible for a free 30-day visa on their first visit in a calendar year.
Extending Your Visa
If you fall in love with Nepal (many do!), you can extend your visa for up to 150 days per calendar year at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
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Cost: $30 for the first 15 days, then $2 per additional day.
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Required: Your passport, visa extension form, a passport photo, and payment.
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Most extensions are processed on the same day.
Expert Tips for a Smooth Visa Process
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Complete your disembarkation card on the plane to save time at the airport.
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Have 4–5 passport-size photos with you—useful for visas, SIM cards, or trekking permits.
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Exchange currency at airport bank counters, or carry small USD bills for convenience.
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Keep photocopies of your passport and visa page.
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Don’t rely entirely on electronic systems—kiosks and card readers can malfunction, especially during peak times. Carry cash and a printed visa photo just in case.
Final Thoughts
Getting a tourist visa for Nepal is a relatively simple and traveler-friendly process. Whether you’re visiting for trekking, cultural exploration, or spiritual retreats, knowing how to get your visa in advance will save you time and stress. With a little preparation—especially having cash, photos, and your itinerary details—your arrival in Nepal will be smooth and hassle-free.
So pack your bags, print your visa form, and get ready to experience the magic of Nepal!
