Travel guide · Nepal
How to Get a Nepal Tourist Visa
Visa on arrival or apply online, choose 15, 30 or 90 days, and know who's exempt — sorted before you fly.
Getting into Nepal is refreshingly straightforward for most travellers — a tourist visa is available on arrival or online, with durations to match almost any trip. Here's exactly how it works.
The short answer
Most visitors get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or major land borders, or apply online up to seven days before travel. Choose 15, 30 or 90 days, all multiple-entry, with fees of roughly US$30, US$50 and US$125 respectively (confirm current rates before you go). Bring your passport, a passport photo and cash for the fee. Indian citizens need no visa at all.
Visa on arrival vs online application
You have two main routes, and both end at the same immigration desk:
- Online application: Complete the form on the Department of Immigration website in the seven days before you fly, print the confirmation, and skip straight to payment on arrival. This is the fastest option at busy times.
- On arrival: Fill in the form at a self-service kiosk in the arrivals hall, then queue to pay and collect your visa. Simple, but slower when several flights land together.
Either way you'll need:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A recent passport-sized photo (kiosks can sometimes take one)
- The fee in cash — US dollars are easiest, and major currencies are usually accepted
Durations, fees and extensions
| Visa | Approx. fee (USD) | Entries |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | ~$30 | Multiple |
| 30 days | ~$50 | Multiple |
| 90 days | ~$125 | Multiple |
Tourists can stay a maximum of 150 days per calendar year. If you need longer than your original visa, extend it at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara for a minimum of 15 days plus a daily fee. If you already know you'll stay several weeks, buying a longer visa upfront is usually cheaper than extending later. Always treat fees and rules as indicative and confirm current rates with the Department of Immigration before you travel.
Next steps
Once your visa is sorted, plan your route with our suggested Nepal itineraries and read up on whether Nepal is safe so you arrive prepared. When you land, get connected fast with our guide to buying a SIM card in Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival?+
Yes. Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at major land borders. You fill in a form at a kiosk, pay the fee in cash and collect your visa. To save time, you can complete the online form in the seven days before you travel.
How much does a Nepal tourist visa cost?+
As a guide, expect roughly US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days, each allowing multiple entries. Always confirm current rates with the Nepal Department of Immigration before you travel, as fees can change.
Who does not need a visa for Nepal?+
Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal. Most other nationalities do require one, with a small number of countries not eligible for visa on arrival who must apply at a Nepali diplomatic mission in advance. Check your status before booking.
Can I extend my Nepal tourist visa?+
Yes. You can extend at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara, for a minimum of 15 days, up to a maximum total stay of 150 days within a calendar year. There is a daily fee, so it usually works out cheaper to buy a longer visa upfront if you know you'll stay a while.
