Foreign citizens traveling to Nepal must obtain a visa as a requirement for entry into the country. Currently, there are two ways to obtain a Nepal visa for tourist: you can apply in advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate, or you can obtain a Nepal Visa on Arrival at designated entry points in Nepal.
Documents Required for Nepal Visa for Tourist
The primary requirement for obtaining a Nepal visa is a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and containing at least two blank pages. Passports with less than six months validity will not be accepted, even if you apply for a Visa on Arrival at the airport or border.
Generally, the following documents are required:
For business or study visas, a letter of invitation from the respective organization or institution is required. Work visas and other special categories may require additional documents such as a work permit, employment contract, or official recommendation letter.
Getting a Nepal Visa on Arrival
The easiest and most popular option for tourists is obtaining a Visa on Arrival. Nepal provides quick visa processing at the airport and major land border crossings to support tourism.
Please note: Visa on Arrival is available only for tourist visas. All other visa categories must be obtained in advance from a Nepalese embassy or consulate.
Where to Get Visa on Arrival
The main entry point is
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Visa on Arrival is also available at major land border crossings including Nepalgunj, Birgunj (Raxaul border), Sunauli, Kakarbhitta, Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi, and Gyirong/Rasuwagadhi (China border).
How to Apply for Visa on Arrival
There are two options:
Option 1: Apply Online Before Arrival (Recommended)
Travelers can complete the visa application form online before arrival. After submitting the form:
Official website of the Department of Immigration is https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/. Applying online helps avoid long queues at airport kiosks.
Visa fees should preferably be paid in US Dollars. While multiple currencies are accepted, USD is the most widely accepted. ATMs and money exchange counters are available at the airport, but facilities may be limited at land borders.
Option 2: Use Airport Kiosks
If you have not applied online, you can use the electronic kiosks at the airport to fill out the application form. The kiosk will take your digital photo and print a submission slip.
Take the printed slip, your passport, and the visa fee (in cash) to the immigration desk. Processing usually takes about 30 minutes but may take longer during peak arrival hours.
At land border checkpoints, you must complete a manual visa application form provided by immigration officers, as electronic kiosks are not available there.
Nepal Tourist Visa Fees (For US Citizens and Most Nationalities)
Payment can be made in USD or equivalent major currencies such as EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, HKD, SGD, and JPY.
Credit cards and Indian Rupees are not accepted for Visa on Arrival or embassy visa payments.
Multiple Entry and Extensions
Tourist visas can be issued as multiple-entry visas. If you plan to visit neighboring countries such as India, Bhutan, or Tibet and re-enter Nepal, tourist visas can be extended up to 150 days per visa year (January–December). The extension fee is USD 3 per day.
Overstaying your visa will result in a fine of USD 5 per day, so it is strongly advised to extend your visa before it expires.
Important Notes
Conclusion
Traveling to Nepal is straightforward, and obtaining a Nepal visa for foreigners is a simple process. The most convenient method for most travelers is the Visa on Arrival available at the airport and designated land borders.
Ensure your passport meets the validity requirements and carry the appropriate visa fee in cash. Additional documents may be required depending on your visa type.
We regularly monitor Nepal’s immigration policies and provide updated information. If you have any questions regarding your Nepal visa or travel plans, please feel free to contact us.
