Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, nearly every visitor does. Indian citizens do not need one, and children under ten (except US citizens), SAARC citizens (except Afghanistan) and Chinese nationals receive a free visa. Everyone else pays a fee that depends on how long they stay.
How much does a Nepal tourist visa cost?
A Nepal tourist visa costs US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days or US$125 for 90 days, as published by the Department of Immigration. The fee is the same online or on arrival, and the visa allows multiple entries. For most trekkers, 30 days is the sensible choice, because a trek needs a buffer in case a flight is delayed. Visa fees are not refundable once paid.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Nepal?
Yes. Visa on arrival is available at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you can also apply online before you travel. Citizens of twelve countries cannot get a visa on arrival and must apply at a Nepali embassy or consulate first: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Syria and Zimbabwe. Carry some US dollars in cash as a fallback. Our visa on arrival guide and Nepal e-visa guide explain each route.
Nepali Visa Requirements
Here’s a summary of Nepali visa requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your entry date
- Blank pages for the visa stamp
- Complete the visa application form, or you can use the kiosks upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
- A copy of a recent passport-sized photo. Ensure the photograph is clear and against a light background.
- Cash in Nepali Rupees or USD for the visa fee. Check the latest visa fee online. The visa fees are subject to change.
- You may be required to submit proof of onward travel or sufficient funds.
Nepali visa eligibility depends on your nationality. Check the Department of Immigration website to confirm https://www.immigration.gov.np if you need a pre-arranged visa.
Filling out the Nepali Visa Form
- Fill in the 'Arrival Card.'
- You can submit the "Tourist Visa" form in advance. Apply for a Nepali visa online using the Department of Immigration's official website (https://nepaliport-new.immigration.gov.np/online-visa-missionManage/application). Print the submission receipt and barcode. Your submission is valid only for 15 days. If your submission expires, you will have to fill it out again.
- However, if you were not able to submit your visa application online, use the kiosk machines upon arrival at the TIA to complete your form.
Getting your Nepali Visa Approved
- Proceed to the visa arrival desks after obtaining your completed form (online receipt or kiosk printout), passport, and visa cost.
- Submit your documents to the immigration officer. If everything checks out, they will verify your documents and issue your visa.
Nepali Visa Extension Cost
Are you looking to extend your Nepali visa? Here’s the cost for a Nepali visa extension:
- Minimum 15 days: USD 45
- Each extra day: USD 3
If you overstayed your visa, you are liable to pay a late fee of USD 5 per day (up to 150 days maximum).
Who Can Get a Free Visa to Enter Nepal?
- Children under 10 years old (except US citizens)
- SAARC citizens (except Afghanistan) visiting for the first time in a year (up to 30 days)
- Afghans: Need recommendation from inviting organisation for a free visa on arrival.
- Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN) cardholders
- Chinese citizens (up to 150 days per visa year; they still complete the online application, and no fee is charged)
- No visa is required for India; only an Aadhaar card or passport is required for all Indian citizens.
Important notes:
- All visas obtained on arrival, including free visas, are considered tourist visas.
- To extend your tourist visa or change its category, contact the Department of Immigration. Extensions are also possible at the Pokhara Immigration Office for tourist visas.
- Extensions for non-tourist visas are handled by the Department of Immigration only (subject to approval) and can last up to a year (except for business visas).
Changing Your Visa Category in Nepal:
Even if you applied for a tourist visa upon arrival, you can change your visa category if you want to work, invest, or study in Nepal. Follow the procedures stated below:
- Contact the Department of Immigration for further information and guidance regarding changing your visa category.
- Gather supporting documents showing the reason to change your Nepali visa category. These will vary depending on your new visa type (work permit, student visa, etc.).
Can I apply for a Nepali visa online?
Yes. The Department of Immigration lets you apply online before you travel through its eVisa (Electronic Travel Authorisation) portal, pay by card and receive the approved visa by email. Print it and carry it with you. Here is how to get a head start with the form:
- Fill out the Nepal Tourist Visa Application Form online: This is available on the Department of Immigration's website (https://nepaliport-new.immigration.gov.np/online-visa-missionManage/application).
- Print the completed form and bring it with you: When you apply for your visa at a Nepalese embassy or upon arrival in Nepal, you'll need to submit this printed form along with other required documents.
Visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport still works as well, so you can use it as a fallback if the online route fails. Citizens of the twelve countries listed above must still apply at a Nepali embassy or consulate before travelling.
Extend Nepal Visa
Nepali visa extension is a simple process. You can easily apply for an extension following the process stated below:
Tourist Visa Extension:
A tourist visa can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. Apply before your visa expires to avoid overstaying and potential penalties.
Non-Tourist Visa Extension:
Extensions are only handled by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
Contact them directly for eligibility and extension procedures.
Specific visa types may have different extension requirements. Always check with the Department of Immigration for the latest information.
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