Nepal Tourist Visa Guide (2026)
Everything international travelers need to know about obtaining a Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), online pre-registration, official fees, and visa extensions.
Official Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival Fees (2026)
The Department of Immigration of Nepal offers multiple-entry tourist visas on arrival for most foreign passport holders arriving by air at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) or designated land borders.
| Visa Duration | Official Fee (USD) | Best Suited For | Privilege |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Days Visa | USD $30 | Short treks (Langtang Valley, Poon Hill, Helambu) & city tours | Multiple Entry |
| 30 Days Visa | USD $50 | Classic treks (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu) | Multiple Entry |
| 90 Days Visa | USD $125 | Long expeditions (Kanchenjunga, Dolpo), combined treks & extended stays | Multiple Entry |
Currency Payment Advice
While major foreign currencies (EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD) and credit cards are accepted at the bank payment desk, crisp, unmarked US Dollar cash is universally preferred and guarantees the fastest queue clearance without card processing glitch delays.
Step-by-Step Arrival Procedure at Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport is straightforward when you know the 3 key stations inside the arrival hall:
Fill the Electronic Visa Application
Option A (Recommended): Pre-fill the online application form within 14 days of your departure date at the official Nepal Immigration portal: nepaliport.immigration.gov.np. Print out the confirmation barcode slip.
Option B: Use one of the touch-screen electronic kiosk terminals situated immediately inside the airport arrival hall upon exiting the aerobridge. The kiosk will scan your passport and take your digital photo.
Pay the Visa Fee at the Bank Counter
Take your printed barcode slip and proceed to the Rastriya Banijya Bank payment counters located directly beside the kiosk area. Hand over your fee ($30, $50, or $125 USD) and receive your official payment receipt slip.
Immigration Officer Stamp & Exit
Proceed to the dedicated "Visa on Arrival" immigration desks. Hand the Immigration Officer your passport, the bank payment receipt, and your printed barcode slip. The officer will affix the visa sticker into your passport and stamp your entry date. You're ready to collect your baggage!
Mandatory Entry Documents Checklist
Ensure you have the following items ready in your carry-on luggage:
Must have at least 6 months remaining validity from your date of arrival and at least 2 empty pages.
You will need the name and district of your hotel in Kathmandu (e.g., Thamel, Kathmandu) for the immigration form.
Exact cash in crisp, unmarked US Dollars ($30, $50, or $125) avoids electronic card reader surcharges.
Immigration officials may occasionally ask for proof of outbound travel from Nepal.
Nationalities & Visa Exemptions
Almost all travelers can obtain a visa on arrival. Notable exceptions include:
- 🇮🇳 Indian Nationals: Do not require a visa. Indian citizens entering Nepal by air must present either a valid Indian Passport or an official Election Commission Voter ID card.
- SAARC Nationals: Citizens of SAARC member countries (Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan) receive a gratis (free of charge) 30-day visa on arrival once per calendar year.
- Advance Visa Required: Passports from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Afghanistan are not eligible for visa on arrival and must secure their visa through a Nepalese Embassy before travel.
Extending Your Visa in Nepal
Falling in love with the Himalayas and wanting to extend your stay? You can easily extend your tourist visa in Nepal:
Where: Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu or Immigration Office in Pokhara.
Cost: Minimum extension is 15 days for USD $45. Additional days cost $3 USD per day thereafter.
Maximum Duration: Foreign tourists are permitted to stay a maximum of 150 days per calendar year (Jan 1 to Dec 31).