Who Needs a Visa for Nepal

Nepal offers one of Asia's most straightforward visa regimes for international travellers. Citizens of India enter visa-free and can remain indefinitely. Citizens of China can enter visa-free for 30 days under bilateral agreements as of 2024. Citizens of SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) receive free visas. All other nationalities - including citizens of the USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan - require a tourist visa, available either on arrival at Kathmandu airport or in advance through the Nepal e-visa portal.

A small number of nationalities cannot obtain visas on arrival and must apply at a Nepali embassy or consulate in advance. The Nepal Department of Immigration maintains the current restricted nationality list at its official website - check this before travel if you hold a passport from a country with complex relations with South Asia.

Tourist Visa Fees 2025

Nepal tourist visas are multiple-entry for their full duration - you can leave and re-enter Nepal (for example, crossing to India and returning) without needing a new visa, provided you remain within the visa's validity period. Payment is accepted in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and other major currencies at the airport kiosks. Credit cards are accepted but cash avoids any processing delays.

Applying for the Nepal e-Visa Online

The Nepal e-visa system allows you to apply and pay for your visa before departing home, significantly speeding up airport arrival. The application is made at the official Nepal government e-visa portal (evisa.immigration.gov.np). The process:

1. Create an account at the e-visa portal using your email address
2. Complete the application form with your passport details, travel dates, and contact information
3. Upload a recent passport photograph (digital, 35×35 mm, white background)
4. Pay by credit card or debit card (Visa, Mastercard accepted)
5. Receive your e-visa approval by email, typically within 24 - 72 hours
6. Print the approval letter and present it at immigration in Kathmandu - your visa sticker is applied at the immigration desk, not before

Apply at least 15 days before travel to allow processing time. The e-visa is valid for entry within 180 days of the approval date. Apply too far in advance and the 30-day or 90-day duration clock does not start until your actual entry date - not the approval date.

Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) has a dedicated Visa on Arrival section in the pre-immigration hall. The process:

1. Collect a visa application form at the form counters (also available for download online)
2. Complete the form and attach two passport photographs (required - do not forget these; a photo booth is available at the airport for USD 2 - 3 but adds 15 - 20 minutes)
3. Proceed to the electronic kiosks to fill out the digital application and pay by cash or card
4. Receive your receipt and proceed to the immigration desk where your visa sticker is applied

The entire process takes 20 - 45 minutes on a normal arrival day. During peak season (late September, October, late March), the visa on arrival queue can stretch to 60 - 90 minutes if multiple international flights arrive simultaneously. Having a pre-applied e-visa allows you to use the faster e-visa lane. Bring two passport photos from home - this simple step saves time and the airport photo booth fee.

Land Border Entry Visas

Nepal visas are available at the following land border crossings in addition to Kathmandu airport:

• Birgunj/Raxaul - India - Nepal; busiest land crossing; visas issued
• Sunauli/Bhairahawa - India - Nepal; gateway to Lumbini; visas issued
• Kakarbhitta/Panitanki - India - Nepal (Darjeeling/Sikkim gateway); visas issued
• Belhiya/Nautanwa - India - Nepal; less frequently used; visas issued
• Rasuwagadhi/Kerung - Tibet - Nepal; open to non-Chinese and non-Nepali nationals with appropriate Tibet Travel Permit; check current status before planning

Land border visa procedures are similar to the airport process. Bring two passport photographs and USD cash (cards may not be accepted at all crossings). Border offices close at 17:00 - 18:00 local time; plan to cross during business hours.

Extending Your Nepal Visa

Nepal visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration office in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, near the Lazimpat area) or at the regional immigration offices in Pokhara and Kakarbhitta. Extension fees:

• Extension fee: USD 3 per day for the first 30 days of extension; USD 5 per day thereafter
• Maximum stay: 150 days total per visa year (the calendar year starting 16 July)
• Overstay penalty: USD 5 per day - payable at the airport on departure; do not overstay without paying as you will be detained

The Department of Immigration office processes extension applications on weekdays. Bring your passport, two passport photos, and payment. Processing takes 1 - 2 hours if you arrive early. The office opens at 10:00 and closes at 13:00 for morning sessions; 14:00 - 16:00 for afternoon sessions (check current hours as these change periodically).

Restricted Area Permits

Certain regions of Nepal require additional Restricted Area Permits (RAP) beyond the standard tourist visa. These areas are restricted to control the number of visitors, protect cultural heritage, and manage sensitive border zones with China and India. Key restricted areas relevant to trekkers:

• Upper Mustang: USD 500 per person per 10 days (USD 50/day thereafter). Minimum group of 2; licensed guide mandatory.
• Upper Dolpo: USD 500 per person per 10 days. Minimum 2 trekkers; extremely remote.
• Tsum Valley: USD 35 per person per day. Minimum 2 trekkers; guide mandatory.
• Manaslu Circuit: USD 100 per person per week (high season Sept - Nov); USD 75 other months. Guide mandatory.
• Nar-Phu Valley: USD 90 per person per week. Accessed from Annapurna Circuit; guide mandatory.

Restricted Area Permits cannot be obtained on arrival - they require advance arrangement through a registered Nepali trekking agency. Allow 4 - 8 weeks lead time for restricted area treks. Solo travel is not permitted in any restricted area.

Visa Tips to Save Time and Money

• Apply for the e-visa before departure - the dedicated e-visa immigration lane at KTM is consistently shorter than the visa-on-arrival queue, especially during peak season.
• Bring two passport photos from home - standard 35×35 mm, white background. The airport photo booth adds 15 - 20 minutes and USD 2 - 3 to your arrival process.
• Carry USD cash - the cleanest payment at both the airport kiosks and land borders. EUR and GBP are also accepted; card payments occasionally fail.
• Choose your duration carefully: The 30-day visa (USD 50) is the best value for most Nepal trips. If you plan a trek to EBC and return to Kathmandu with buffer days, 30 days is usually sufficient. The 90-day visa (USD 125) is good value if you plan extended travel, yoga retreats, or multiple trekking routes.
• Note the visa year: Nepal's immigration year runs 16 July to 15 July. The 150-day maximum stay resets each year; plan accordingly if you visit across two calendar years near this date.
• Don't overstay: The USD 5/day overstay fine is predictable, but the paperwork delay at the airport on departure is not - it can cause missed international connections. If you're running close to your limit, visit the immigration office and extend before your visa expires.