Key Takeaways:
- Visa fees are US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, or US$125 for 90 days.
- You can apply online for an eTA or pay on arrival at the airport.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Some travelers get a free visa, including SAARC citizens and young children.
- Extensions cost US$3 per day, with a 15-day minimum.
- A visa is not the same as a trekking permit.
What Is a Nepal Tourist Visa and Who Needs One?
A Nepal tourist visa is a multiple-entry permit for sightseeing, trekking, and holidays. Your days start counting from the day you enter Nepal, not the day the visa is issued.
Every foreign visitor needs a visa, except Indian citizens. You do not need a special trekking visa to join a trek in Nepal. The standard tourist visa is enough, although trekking permits are a separate matter.
Who Gets a Free Visa? (It's Not Only Indian Citizens)
Indian citizens are not the only travelers who skip the fee. Several groups get a free Nepal tourist visa, and you should check whether you qualify before you pay.
- Indian citizens: No visa needed at all.
- SAARC citizens (Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives): Free visa for up to 30 days, once per calendar year. Later visits and longer stays pay the standard fee.
- Chinese citizens: Free tourist visa, handled through a separate process.
- Children under 10: Free for most nationalities, though they still need their own passport and application.
- Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN card holders): Foreign citizens of Nepali origin with an NRN card may qualify for a free visa. Check the current rules before you travel.
If you are not on this list, the standard fees of US$30, US$50, or US$125 apply.
Nepal Tourist Visa Fees
Here is what a Nepal tourist visa costs for each duration. The Department of Immigration sets these fees, and all three options are multiple-entry.
| Visa Duration |
Fee (USD) |
Best For
|
|
15 days
|
US$30 |
Short city breaks and quick treks
|
|
30 days
|
US$50
|
Most holidays and standard treks
|
|
90 days
|
US$125
|
Long treks, multi-region trips and slow travel |
How to Choose the Right Duration?
Pick a visa that gives you a few spare days. Flight delays and rest days can consume your schedule quickly.
- 15 days: Works for Kathmandu, Pokhara, and a short trek such as Poon Hill.
- 30 days: Suits a classic route like Everest Base Camp Trek with a buffer.
- 90 days: Best if you plan two treks or a longer journey.
Here is a money-saving tip. A 30-day visa plus a 60-day extension costs about US$230, while a 90- day visa costs US$125. If you might stay longer, buy the longer visa first.
Short on time? Our easy and short treks fit comfortably within a 15-day visa.
Extra Costs to Know About
- Extension: US$45 for the first 15 days, then US$3 per day.
- Overstay fine: US$5 per day.
- eTA card fee: A small online card fee may apply, so check the portal before you pay.
eTA vs Visa on Arrival: Which Should You Choose?
Both routes give you the same Nepal tourist visa, so the choice comes down to convenience. The eTA gives you certainty before you fly. The on-arrival counter gives you flexibility.
| |
eTA (Online) |
Visa on Arrival
|
| Fee |
US$30 / 50 / 125, plus a possible card fee |
US$30 / 50 / 125
|
|
When
|
Before you travel
|
When you land
|
| Payment |
International card, online
|
Cash in USD (card not always reliable)
|
|
Waiting
|
Approval can take hours to a few days
|
Airport queue, longest in peak season
|
| Refund |
Non-refundable once paid
|
Not applicable
|
|
Best for
|
Planners who like certainty
|
Flexible, last-minute travelers
|
Choose the eTA if:
- You want to skip the payment queue.
- You have a week or more before your flight.
- You prefer to pay by card from home.
Choose visa on arrival if:
- Your plans are last minute.
- You are happy to carry cash.
- You do not mind a short wait after landing.
Queues are longest in October–November and March–April. Check the climate of Nepal to see how these peak trekking seasons fit your plans.
How to Apply for a Nepal Tourist Visa Online (eTA)
The eTA lets you complete most of the Nepal tourist visa process before you leave home. Nepal's Department of Immigration now accepts online applications with card payment. You print your approval and show it on arrival.
What You Need Before You Start
- A passport valid for at least six months, with a clear scan of the photo page.
- A recent passport-style photo on a plain white background.
- Your address in Nepal, such as your first hotel.
- A debit or credit card that works for online payments.
Step-by-Step Application
- Open the official portal through the Department of Immigration eTA page.
- Choose New Application.
- Enter your nationality, visa type, passport number, and date of birth.
- Verify your email with the one-time code. Double-check the address, as you cannot change it later.
- Fill in your personal details, purpose of visit, and Nepal address.
- Upload your passport scan and photo (up to 2 MB each).
- Pay the fee by card on the government payment page.
- Download your approval, print it, and carry it with you.
How Long Does eTA Approval Take?
Approval can arrive within hours, but some travelers report waits of up to about three days. The portal can also stop accepting new applications when its daily limit is reached. Apply at least a week before you fly to stay safe.
Watch Out for Fake Websites
The Department of Immigration has warned about fraudulent sites collecting visa fees. Only pay on official .gov.np pages. If a site looks unfamiliar, close it and start again from the official link.
Common eTA Problems
- The one-time code does not arrive, so check your spam folder.
- The approval email has no attachment, so download it from the portal's tracking section.
- Your card payment fails, so try another card or use Visa on Arrival.
How to Get a Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu Airport?
If you skip the eTA, you can still get your Nepal tourist visa at Tribhuvan International Airport. Most nationalities qualify. The whole process usually takes 20 to 90 minutes, depending on how many flights land together.
Step-by-Step Process
- Fill in the arrival card. Many travelers complete it on the plane.
- Complete the visa form. Use the kiosks in the arrival hall, or fill in the online form before you fly.
- Pay the visa fee. Use the payment counter before joining the immigration line.
- Visit the immigration desk. Hand over your passport, form, and payment receipt.
- Collect your visa. The officer places it in your passport, and you are in.
Smart Tips for the Airport
- Fill in the online tourist visa form up to 15 days before landing. The barcode receipt saves you time at the kiosks.
- Carry exact cash in US dollars, as card machines can fail.
- Keep a spare passport photo in your bag.
Need help planning your arrival? Read our guide on how to get to Nepal.
Can You Get a Visa at a Land Border?
Yes. Most major land crossings also issue a Nepal tourist visa on arrival. The fees match the airport, but payment is usually cash only.
Common entry points include:
- Kakarbhitta (east)
- Birgunj (central)
- Bhairahawa (west)
- Nepalgunj (mid-west)
- Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar (far west)
Bring the exact fee in US dollars and a spare photo. For ideas on moving around once you are in, see our travel in Nepal guide. If you are crossing from Tibet, explore our Tibet tours.
Arriving at Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports
Most visitors enter Nepal through Kathmandu, but you may also land in Pokhara, Chitwan or Lumbini. The three airports work very differently.
-
Pokhara (Pokhara International Airport, PHH)
Pokhara International Airport opened on 1 January 2023 and is Nepal's third international airport. It is the gateway to the Annapurna region, and it offers visa on arrival under the same rules and fees as Kathmandu: US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, and US$125 for 90 days.
Pay in cash, with US dollars and other major currencies accepted at the counter. In Kathmandu, you can fill in the tourist visa form online up to 15 days before landing (the receipt stays valid for 15 days) or use the kiosks on arrival. Citizens of the 12 restricted countries still need to apply at an embassy first.
International flights here are limited, so the visa counter is mainly relevant when an international flight lands.
These are the airlines to know:
- flydubai: The first airline to run daily scheduled international flights to Pokhara. It flies Dubai (DXB) to Pokhara on a Boeing 737 MAX 8, and the service started on 23 September 2026. The flight leaves Dubai at about noon and lands in Pokhara at about 6:15 pm.
- Himalaya Airlines: It flew a weekly Pokhara–Lhasa service from March 2025, but suspended it on 23 March 2026.
- Charter operators: Sichuan Airlines has flown Chengdu–Pokhara charters, and Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air have also operated charters.
Most travelers still reach Pokhara by a 25-minute domestic flight from Kathmandu, after clearing immigration in Kathmandu.
If you want certainty, apply for the eTA before you fly. Your visa covers entry only. Trekking permits such as ACAP for Annapurna are separate, and you can arrange them in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
2. Lumbini (Gautam Buddha International Airport)
This airport is in Bhairahawa and serves Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is Nepal's second international airport and opened for international flights in 2022. Foreign airline service is still limited, and Kathmandu handles most international traffic.
Many travelers reach Lumbini by a short domestic flight from Kathmandu. Visa facilities at this airport have been developing, so confirm that a visa counter is operating for your flight before you rely on it.
The safest option is to apply for the eTA before you travel. Bhairahawa also has a land-border immigration office at Belahia, which issues tourist visas.
|
Airport
|
Location
|
Flights
|
Visa on arrival |
|
Tribhuvan (KTM)
|
Kathmandu
|
International and domestic |
Yes
|
| Pokhara (PHH) |
Pokhara
|
Limited international (flydubai) and domestic |
Yes, when international flights operate |
|
Gautam Buddha (BWA)
|
Bhairahawa / Lumbini
|
Limited international and domestic
|
Confirm before travel
|
For flights to either airport, see our domestic ticketing service.
Documents Required for a Nepal Tourist Visa
The paperwork is short.
Keep these items together in your hand luggage:
- A passport valid for at least six months, with a blank page.
- One passport-size photo (kiosks can also take it for you).
- The visa fee, in cash or by card where accepted.
- Your completed arrival card and visa form.
- Your barcode receipt or eTA printout.
- Proof of onward travel and a hotel address, in case you are asked.
Need a place to stay on your first night? Our hotel reservation page can help.
Nepal Visa Rules by Nationality
Rules for a Nepal tourist visa depend on your passport. Most travelers follow the standard route.
|
Your Passport
|
What You Need
|
Fee
|
|
India
|
No visa required
|
Free
|
|
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives
|
Free visa, up to 30 days, first visit each calendar year
|
Free (later visits pay standard fees)
|
|
China
|
Free tourist visa through a separate process
|
Free
|
|
USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and Japan
|
Visa on arrival or eTA
|
US$30 / 50 / 125
|
|
12 restricted countries (Afghanistan, Cameroon, Eswatini (Swaziland), Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Syria and Zimbabwe)
|
Apply at an embassy before travel
|
Varies
|
Countries That Cannot Get a Visa on Arrival
Citizens of these countries must apply through a Nepali embassy or diplomatic mission first:
- Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Eswatini
- Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia and Ethiopia
- Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan and Syria
Allow extra weeks for processing. Once you hold the visa, enter Nepal within six months of the issue date.
How to Extend Your Nepal Tourist Visa
You can extend your Nepal tourist visa at the immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Treks run long, so plenty of travelers need extra days. Apply before your current visa expires.
|
Rule
|
Detail
|
|
Extension fee
|
US$45 for the first 15 days, then US$3 per day
|
|
Where to apply
|
Kathmandu (Kalikasthan) and Pokhara
|
| Maximum stay |
150 days per calendar year |
|
Overstay fine
|
US$5 per day
|
Here is a quick example. A 90-day visa plus a 60-day extension takes you to the 150-day limit. Bring your passport and a photo, and most offices process requests quickly.
Want to fill extra days with something fun? Browse our multi-day tours.
Common Mistakes and Visa Scams to Avoid
- A few small errors cause most visa headaches. Avoid these and your arrival will be smooth:
- Traveling with a passport that has less than six months left.
- Paying on look-alike websites instead of official .gov.np pages.
- Arriving without any cash for the visa fee.
- Overstaying, even by a day or two.
- Assuming your visa also covers trekking permits.
Visa vs Trekking Permits: What Else Do You Need?
Your Nepal tourist visa gets you into the country, but it does not cover the trails. Trekking permits, park fees, and local fees are separate. They depend on the region you visit.
Read our entry permit guide for the full picture.
Planning a specific route? Check the Annapurna region treks or the Manaslu region treks. You can also arrange flights through our domestic ticketing service.
Other Nepal Visa Types: Student and Business
The tourist visa is only for sightseeing, trekking, and holidays. You cannot study or work on it. If your purpose is different, you need another visa from the Department of Immigration.
-
Student Visa
This is for foreigners enrolled at a recognized institution in Nepal. The Director General of the Department of Immigration issues it.
You need a recommendation from the concerned ministry or department, plus proof of admission. Processing can take over a week, so apply well before your course starts.
2 Business Visa
This is for investors, shareholders, and company representatives managing a registered business in Nepal. You need company registration documents and a recommendation from the concerned ministry or department.
The fee depends on your investment amount and the visa length (one month, one year, or five years). A foreign employee hired by a company needs a separate work visa and labour permit. Indian citizens do not need a business visa.
Do not start studying or working on a tourist visa. Apply for the right category first.
Planning More Than Nepal?
Bhutan and Tibet follow different visa systems. You can usually arrange both in advance through a tour operator. Explore Bhutan tours or Tibet tours, and see our visa procedures page for more detail.
Conclusion
Getting a Nepal tourist visa is simple once you know your options. Choose the eTA if you want certainty, or visa on arrival if you prefer flexibility. Either way, carry your documents, a spare photo, and some US dollars.
Ready to turn your paperwork into a real adventure? Customize your trip, plan your journey, or contact a local expert today.
Note: Visa rules and fees can change. Always confirm the latest details on the official Department of Immigration website before you travel.
Nepal Tourist Visa FAQs
How much is a Nepal tourist visa?
It costs US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, and US$125 for 90 days. The same fees apply whether you apply online or on arrival. Indian citizens pay nothing, and some other groups qualify for a free visa.
Is the Nepal tourist visa multiple entry?
Yes, all three durations are multiple-entry. You can leave Nepal and return, perhaps for a side trip to India, while your visa is still valid. Your days keep counting from the date you first entered.
How long can a tourist stay in Nepal?
Tourists can stay up to 150 days in a calendar year. This total includes your original visa and any extensions. The year runs from 1 January to 31 December.
How do I apply for a Nepal visa online?
Use the official eTA portal of the Department of Immigration and choose New Application. Fill in your details, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay by card. Then download and print your approval to carry with you.
What is the Nepal eTA, and is it the same as an e-visa?
The eTA is Nepal's online pre-approval for your visa, and many travelers call it an e-visa. You apply and pay before you travel. It is converted into your visa when you arrive, and an officer checks your documents.
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival?
Yes, most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Fill in the arrival card and visa form, pay the fee, and see the immigration officer. Citizens of 12 countries must apply at an embassy instead.
How early can I apply for a Nepal visa online?
The online tourist visa form can be filled out up to 15 days before you land, and its receipt stays valid for 15 days. For the eTA, apply at least a week ahead so you have time for approval. Always check the official portal for the latest window.
How long does the Nepal eTA take to process?
Approval can take from a few hours to a few days. Some travelers report waits of up to about three days. Apply early so you are not rushing before your flight.
How can I check my Nepal visa application status?
Use the Track Status tool on the official portal where you applied. Keep your application details handy. Your approved eTA also arrives by email, so check your spam folder.
Can I pay for a Nepal visa by card?
Yes, you can pay by international card when you apply for the eTA. At the airport, card machines are not always reliable. Carry US dollars in cash as a backup, since land borders rarely have working card machines.
What are the Nepal visa requirements?
You need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport-size photo, and the visa fee. You need to complete the arrival card and the visa application form. Officers occasionally ask for an onward ticket and a hotel address.
How many months of passport validity do I need for Nepal?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. It should also have a blank page for the visa. Renew it before you travel if it is close to expiry.
What photo size is needed for a Nepal visa?
Use a standard passport-size photo with a white background. Airport kiosks can take your photo, but a paper copy is a handy backup. The eTA portal needs a digital upload in the same style, up to 2 MB.
Do I need a return ticket for Nepal?
Immigration officers and airlines occasionally ask for proof of onward travel. It is smart to keep your return or exit booking handy on your phone. Check your airline's rules before you fly.
Do Indians need a visa for Nepal?
No, Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal. Carry a valid passport or another accepted ID, depending on your airline or border post. Check the latest rules before you travel.
Can US citizens get a Nepal visa on arrival?
Yes, citizens of the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and most EU countries can get a visa on arrival. You can also apply for the eTA online. The standard fees of US$30,US$50 or US$125 apply.
Do Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Sri Lankan citizens need a Nepal visa?
Yes, but SAARC citizens get a free visa for up to 30 days on their first visit each calendar year. Later visits and longer stays are charged at standard fees. You still complete the usual application form.
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Nepal?
Chinese citizens receive a free tourist visa, which follows a separate process. Check the current rules with the Department of Immigration before you travel. The list earlier in this guide shows the other free-visa groups.
Which countries cannot get a Nepal visa on arrival?
Citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria cannot get a visa on arrival. They must apply through a Nepali embassy or diplomatic mission before travel. Allow extra weeks for processing.
Do children need a Nepal visa?
Yes, but children under 10 get a free visa for most nationalities. They still need their own passport and application. Check the rules for your nationality, as exceptions can apply.
Is there a transit visa for Nepal?
Yes, a short-stay transit visa exists for layovers. The fee and allowed time are set by the Department of Immigration, so confirm them before you fly. If you plan to leave the airport, a regular tourist visa is simpler.
Do I need a separate visa for trekking in Nepal?
No, there is no special trekking visa. A standard tourist visa is enough to enter Nepal and start your trek. You will need separate trekking permits for your region.
Can I get a Nepal visa at a land border?
Yes, the main land crossings issue a visa on arrival, including those from India. Bring the exact fee in US dollars and a spare photo. If you hold an eTA, confirm beforehand that your entry point accepts it.
How do I extend my tourist visa in Nepal, and what does it cost?
Apply at the immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara before your visa expires. The fee is US$45 for the first 15 days, then US$3 for each extra day. Your total stay cannot exceed 150 days in a calendar year.
What happens if I overstay my Nepal visa?
You pay a fine of US$5 per day, plus the extension fee. A recorded overstay can also complicate your departure and future visits. Extend before your visa runs out to avoid it.
Who else gets a free Nepal visa besides Indians?
SAARC citizens (up to 30 days, once per calendar year), Chinese citizens, and children under 10 for most nationalities. Non-Resident Nepali card holders may also qualify.
Does Nepal have a student or business visa?
Yes. Both are issued by the Department of Immigration and require supporting documents and a ministry recommendation. A tourist visa does not allow study or work.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Pokhara airport, and which airlines fly there?
Yes. Pokhara International Airport issues tourist visas on arrival at the same fees as Kathmandu. International service is limited, and flydubai's daily Dubai–Pokhara flight is the main scheduled route. Charter flights from Chengdu and Bhutan also land there occasionally. If your flight is not direct, you can enter through Kathmandu and fly to Pokhara domestically.
