Nepal's visa policy is one of the most visitor-friendly in South Asia - citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or at designated land border crossings, without prior application. This guide covers the current visa rules for all major nationalities, the cost and procedure for visa on arrival, the e-visa option, visa duration and extension, and the specific entry requirements for trekking and expedition visitors.
Who Needs a Nepal Visa?
Citizens of India and China do not require a visa to enter Nepal - they may enter with a valid passport (Indian and Chinese nationals) or government identity card (Indian nationals only). Citizens of SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) are also exempt from the standard visa requirement and may enter with a valid passport. Citizens of all other countries require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or in advance as an e-visa.
Visa on Arrival - Tribhuvan International Airport
The vast majority of international visitors to Nepal obtain their visa at Tribhuvan International Airport on arrival - a straightforward process that, if prepared correctly, takes 20-40 minutes. The procedure:
- Complete the visa application form (paper forms available at the airport, or complete the online pre-registration at the Department of Immigration website to save time at the counter).
- Proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter in the immigration hall.
- Submit: completed application form, valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your intended departure date), two passport-sized photographs, and the visa fee in USD cash (see current fees below).
- Collect your visa sticker (typically 10-20 minutes) and proceed through immigration.
Important: The Nepal visa on arrival fee must be paid in US Dollars cash - other currencies are not accepted at the TIA counter. Carry the exact amount (change is not reliably provided). Credit cards are not accepted for the visa fee at the airport counter.
Nepal Visa Fees (2025)
- 15 days: USD 30 per person
- 30 days: USD 50 per person
- 90 days (multiple entry): USD 125 per person
For most trekkers visiting Nepal on a standard itinerary of 2-4 weeks, the 30-day visa is the appropriate choice. For expedition clients with stays above 4 weeks, the 90-day multiple-entry visa provides the flexibility for re-entry if you cross to Tibet (for Everest north side) or extend your Nepal stay. Visa duration is from the date of entry, not from the date of issue.
Nepal e-Visa
Nepal offers an e-visa that can be obtained in advance through the Department of Immigration website (immi.gov.np). The e-visa is the same price as the visa on arrival, requires a scanned passport copy and a digital photograph, and is issued within 3-5 working days. The main advantage of the e-visa is the slightly faster immigration process on arrival (the e-visa holders queue at a dedicated counter) and the peace of mind of having your entry document arranged before travel. The e-visa is available in the same duration options (15, 30, or 90 days) and the same fees as the visa on arrival.
Visa Extension
Nepal visas can be extended in Nepal at the Department of Immigration offices in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan, near the French Embassy) or Pokhara. Extensions are granted in increments up to the maximum stay of 150 days per visa year. The extension fee is USD 3 per day for the first month and USD 5 per day thereafter. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee in NPR (payable by credit card at the Immigration office). Processing is typically same-day. A maximum stay of 150 days per visa year applies - the "visa year" is the 365-day period from your first Nepal entry in a given calendar period.
Land Border Crossings
Visa on arrival is available at several major land border crossings in addition to TIA. The main crossings where Nepal visa on arrival is available: Birgunj / Raxaul (main India-Nepal highway crossing), Bhairahawa / Sunauli (Varanasi-Pokhara corridor, the most popular for Indian tourists visiting Lumbini), Kakarbhitta / Panitanki (Darjeeling-Nepal entry point), and Kodari / Tatopani (the Tibet-Nepal crossing on the Arniko Highway, currently restricted for non-Chinese nationals). For the Tibetan border crossing at Rasuwagadhi (Rasuwa District), special arrangements apply - enquire when booking any Tibet-Nepal combination itinerary.
What Documents Should I Carry for Trekking?
For trekking, carry the following documents with you in the mountains (not just in your hotel safe): your original passport, a copy of your Nepal visa, your TIMS card, and all relevant national park or conservation area permits. Every significant trekking route has checkpoints where these documents are inspected - failing to carry them can result in delays and fines. Adventure Peaks Nepal provides all permit documents to clients before the trek begins and advises on safe carrying arrangements (a waterproof document wallet is recommended).
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