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Nepal Visa and Entry Guide
Most international visitors need a visa to enter Nepal. Many travelers can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, apply electronically before traveling or arrange a visa through a Nepalese embassy or consulate.
The correct process depends on your nationality, passport type, travel document, entry point and reason for visiting Nepal.
Indian citizens do not need a visa, while nationals of certain countries must arrange a visa before traveling and cannot use the standard visa-on-arrival facility.
This guide explains Nepal’s tourist visa options, entry documents, current fees, visa extensions, transit rules and practical steps for arriving and departing.
Immigration rules can change. Always verify the latest requirements with Nepal’s Department of Immigration or a Nepalese diplomatic mission before purchasing non-refundable travel arrangements.
Nepal Tourist Visa at a Glance
Available to many nationalities at designated immigration entry points
15, 30 or 90 days
Standard tourist visas are generally issued with multiple-entry access
Within one visa year, subject to extension approval
January 1 through December 31
Keep at least six months of validity remaining when entering Nepal
No visa required, but approved proof of Indian nationality is required
Certain nationals must arrange a visa before arriving
A tourist visa does not authorize employment in Nepal
Nepal Tourist Visa Fees
The following standard tourist visa fees were current when this page was reviewed:
The visa period generally begins on the date you enter Nepal, not the date you complete an online form.
Choose the correct duration before paying. Visa fees are generally non-refundable after issuance.
Special exemptions, reciprocal agreements and gratis visas may apply to certain travelers.
Three Ways to Obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa
Visa on Arrival
Many eligible foreign nationals can receive a tourist visa after reaching a designated Nepal immigration entry point.
This is a common choice for visitors arriving at an international airport or an authorized land-border immigration office.
You will normally complete an application, pay the appropriate fee and present your passport and payment confirmation to an immigration officer.
Three Ways to Obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa
Visa on Arrival
Many eligible foreign nationals can receive a tourist visa after reaching a designated Nepal immigration entry point.
This is a common choice for visitors arriving at an international airport or an authorized land-border immigration office.
You will normally complete an application, pay the appropriate fee and present your passport and payment confirmation to an immigration officer.
Electronic Travel Authorization or Online Visa
Nepal’s Department of Immigration provides official online application services for eligible travelers.
Depending on the application method, travelers may be able to submit their information and pay through an official government portal before arriving.
Online systems and accepted payment methods can change. Confirm that you are using an official Government of Nepal domain before entering passport or payment information.
Visa Through a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate
A tourist visa may be arranged through a Nepalese diplomatic mission before travel.
- Your nationality is not eligible for visa on arrival.
- You want to complete the visa process before flying.
- You are traveling with a non-standard passport or travel document.
- Your airline requires evidence of a visa before boarding.
- You want clarification about special circumstances.
Application procedures, processing times and accepted payment methods may differ between diplomatic missions.
Documents to Carry
Immigration officers or airlines may ask for documents showing that you are a genuine temporary visitor.
A passport with sufficient validity
Your visa or online application confirmation
A recent passport-style photograph
Your first hotel or accommodation address
An onward or return ticket
Your travel itinerary
Evidence of sufficient funds when requested
Travel-insurance information
Trekking or activity arrangements when relevant
Invitation or contact information when visiting someone
Store copies separately from your original passport. Keep both digital and printed copies of important documents.
Passport Validity and Condition
Travel with a passport that has at least six months of validity remaining when you enter Nepal.
Be in good physical condition
Contain enough blank space for immigration use
Match the information on your airline booking
Not have been reported lost or stolen
Be the same document used for the visa application
Airlines may apply their own document checks before allowing you to board.
Renew a damaged passport or a passport with insufficient validity before traveling.
Nationalities Not Eligible for Visa on Arrival
At the time this page was reviewed, citizens of the following countries were not eligible for Nepal’s standard visa-on-arrival facility:
Travelers from these countries should obtain a visa through a Nepalese embassy or consulate before traveling.
Additional procedures or Department of Immigration recommendations may apply in some cases.
Do not rely only on an airline employee, travel agent or unofficial visa website. Confirm requirements through a Nepalese diplomatic mission.
Gratis Visas
A gratis visa is issued without the standard visa fee. Eligibility does not always remove the need to complete an application or present the required documents.
Children Under 10
Children under ten generally qualify for a gratis tourist visa.
Official immigration information identifies an exception for United States citizens in some child-visa arrangements. Families should verify the current rule before departure.
Children should travel with their own valid documents as required by their nationality and airline.
SAARC Citizens
Citizens of SAARC member countries, except Afghanistan, may generally receive a gratis visa for up to 30 days on their first eligible visit during a visa year.
Afghan nationals require additional advance arrangements and cannot rely on normal visa on arrival.
Chinese Citizens
Chinese nationals currently receive special gratis tourist visa treatment, subject to Nepal’s applicable immigration rules and annual maximum stay.
NRN Card Holders
Eligible Non-Resident Nepali card holders may receive a gratis visa after presenting a valid NRN card and passport.
NRN citizenship or previous Nepali nationality does not automatically remove the requirement to complete the correct immigration procedure.
Extending a Tourist Visa
Eligible Non-Resident Nepali card holders may receive a gratis visa after presenting a valid NRN card and passport.
NRN citizenship or previous Nepali nationality does not automatically remove the requirement to complete the correct immigration procedure.
Visa Requirements Are Separate from Trekking Permits
A valid Nepal visa does not automatically provide permission to enter every trekking or restricted region.
A national park permit
A conservation area permit
A TIMS card
A restricted-area trekking permit
A local government fee
A licensed trekking guide
Booking through a registered agency
Carry your passport, valid visa and required permits during the trek.
Lost or Stolen Passport
Report a lost or stolen passport promptly.
Report the loss to the local police.
Contact your embassy or consulate.
Apply for a replacement passport or emergency travel document.
Contact Nepal’s Department of Immigration.
Complete the required visa-transfer procedure.
Reconfirm airline bookings if your passport number changes.
A new passport does not automatically contain your old Nepal visa.
You may need an official visa transfer before departing or continuing your stay.
Keep digital copies of your passport identification page, visa and entry stamp in secure storage.
Damaged or Replaced Passports
Contact immigration when your passport is damaged, replaced or no longer usable while you are in Nepal.
Do not attempt to depart using a passport that has been cancelled or replaced without first confirming the visa-transfer requirements.
Carry both the old and new passports when instructed by your embassy or immigration authorities.
Customs and Baggage
Immigration and customs are separate processes. Receiving a visa does not exempt a traveler from customs rules.
Large amounts of currency
Commercial goods
Professional equipment
Drones and specialized electronics
Restricted medicines
Weapons or prohibited items
Plants, seeds or animal products
Gold, silver or valuable goods above permitted limits
Customs allowances and declaration thresholds can change. Check the current rules before traveling with valuable, unusual or commercial equipment.
Antiques and Cultural Objects
Do not purchase or export genuine antiquities, archaeological objects or protected religious items without proper documentation and authorization.
An item being offered for sale does not prove that it can legally leave Nepal.
Lost or Stolen Passport
Report a lost or stolen passport promptly.
Report the loss to the local police.
Contact your embassy or consulate.
Apply for a replacement passport or emergency travel document.
Contact Nepal’s Department of Immigration.
Complete the required visa-transfer procedure.
Reconfirm airline bookings if your passport number changes.
A new passport does not automatically contain your old Nepal visa.
You may need an official visa transfer before departing or continuing your stay.
Keep digital copies of your passport identification page, visa and entry stamp in secure storage.
Damaged or Replaced Passports
Contact immigration when your passport is damaged, replaced or no longer usable while you are in Nepal.
Do not attempt to depart using a passport that has been cancelled or replaced without first confirming the visa-transfer requirements.
Carry both the old and new passports when instructed by your embassy or immigration authorities.
Customs and Baggage
Immigration and customs are separate processes. Receiving a visa does not exempt a traveler from customs rules.
Large amounts of currency
Commercial goods
Professional equipment
Drones and specialized electronics
Restricted medicines
Weapons or prohibited items
Plants, seeds or animal products
Gold, silver or valuable goods above permitted limits
Customs allowances and declaration thresholds can change. Check the current rules before traveling with valuable, unusual or commercial equipment.
Antiques and Cultural Objects
Do not purchase or export genuine antiquities, archaeological objects or protected religious items without proper documentation and authorization.
An item being offered for sale does not prove that it can legally leave Nepal.
Before Leaving Nepal
Complete these final checks before leaving Nepal to avoid problems at immigration, customs or your next destination.
Check that your visa remains valid through your departure date.
Resolve any overstay before arriving for your flight.
Confirm your flight and airport.
Allow enough time for traffic and airport procedures.
Carry your passport and visa documentation.
Keep receipts for exchanged currency when relevant.
Confirm customs requirements for valuable purchases.
Obtain export documentation for restricted items.
Confirm the entry requirements of your next country.
Keep your passport, visa documentation and important travel records accessible until you have completed your departure from Nepal.
Common Visa and Entry Mistakes
Small mistakes with travel documents, visa applications or entry requirements can create unnecessary delays and complications.
Assuming every nationality qualifies for visa on arrival
Traveling with less than six months of passport validity
Using an unofficial visa website
Completing an online form too early
Entering a passport number incorrectly
Carrying no backup payment method
Assuming a free visa requires no application
Overstaying by one or more days
Working or volunteering on a tourist visa without approval
Confusing a visa with a trekking permit
Using an informal land-border crossing
Assuming Aadhaar is sufficient proof of Indian nationality
Failing to transfer a visa after replacing a passport
Booking a flight before confirming travel-document eligibility
Confirm your nationality, passport validity, visa requirements and travel-document eligibility before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
ENTRY PREPARATION
Nepal Entry Checklist
Review these essential documents and requirements before traveling to Nepal.
Passport
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✓
Valid for at least six months
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✓
Undamaged
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✓
Contains sufficient blank space
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✓
Matches your flight reservation
Visa
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✓
Visa-on-arrival eligibility confirmed
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✓
Correct visa duration selected
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✓
Online application completed when applicable
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✓
Receipt or approval saved
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✓
Payment method prepared
Supporting Documents
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✓
Hotel address
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✓
Return or onward ticket
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✓
Travel itinerary
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✓
Insurance details
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✓
Invitation or contact details when relevant
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✓
Documents for children when applicable
Copies and Backups
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✓
Passport copy
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✓
Visa copy
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✓
Insurance copy
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✓
Emergency contact list
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✓
Secure online backup
Keep your original documents accessible and store important copies separately in case your passport or travel documents are lost.
VISA & ENTRY GUIDE
Nepal Visa and Entry FAQ
Find answers to common questions about Nepal tourist visas, entry requirements, documents and immigration procedures.
01 Can I obtain a Nepal visa at the airport? ⌄
Many eligible foreign nationals can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at a designated international airport. Certain nationalities and travel-document holders must apply in advance.
02 How much does a Nepal tourist visa cost? ⌄
The current standard fees are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days.
03 Are Nepal tourist visas multiple entry? ⌄
Standard tourist visas issued on arrival or through Nepalese diplomatic missions are generally multiple-entry visas.
04 Can I apply online? ⌄
Yes. Nepal’s Department of Immigration provides official online application services. Make sure you use an official government portal.
05 Does completing the online form guarantee entry? ⌄
No. The immigration officer at the port of entry has final authority over admission.
06 Do Indian citizens need a Nepal visa? ⌄
No. Indian citizens do not need a visa but must carry approved evidence of Indian nationality, normally a valid passport or voter identity card.
07 Can I enter Nepal using an Aadhaar card? ⌄
Indian travelers should not rely on Aadhaar as the required proof of nationality. Use a valid passport or accepted voter identity card.
08 Do children need a visa? ⌄
Children who are foreign nationals generally still require immigration processing. Many children under ten qualify for a gratis visa, subject to nationality-specific rules.
09 Can I extend my visa? ⌄
Tourist visas can generally be extended inside Nepal up to the annual maximum stay. Apply before the existing visa expires.
10 Can I work in Nepal on a tourist visa? ⌄
No. Paid employment generally requires appropriate work authorization and a working visa.
11 Can I volunteer on a tourist visa? ⌄
Formal volunteering may require additional organizational and government approval. Confirm the legal requirements before participating.
12 Do I need a separate permit for trekking? ⌄
Possibly. Your Nepal visa does not replace national park, conservation, TIMS or restricted-area permits.
13 What happens if I lose my passport? ⌄
Report the loss, obtain a replacement document through your embassy and contact Nepal’s Department of Immigration for visa transfer.
14 Can I use a visa obtained from an embassy at any time? ⌄
A visa issued through a Nepalese diplomatic mission normally must be used within the permitted entry-validity period, commonly within six months of issue. Check the visa itself and the issuing mission’s instructions.
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