Nepal eVisa & Travel Information (2026)
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. An online visa application can be pre-filled before arrival to speed up the process.
Nepal Online Visa →Planning a trip to Nepal? This 2026 guide explains the visa rules, costs and entry requirements for Nepal, plus the practical travel details you need before you go. Below you will find the key facts at a glance, followed by visa categories, required documents and a step-by-step application guide.
Nepal — Country Information
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
- Official language: Nepali
- Main airports: Kathmandu Tribhuvan (KTM), Pokhara (PKR)
| Key Facts — Nepal | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Kathmandu |
| Currency | Nepalese Rupee (NPR) |
| Main Airport | Tribhuvan International (KTM), Kathmandu |
| eVisa Fee | USD 25 (15 days) / USD 40 (30 days) / USD 100 (90 days) |
| Visa on Arrival | Available at Tribhuvan airport (same fees) |
| Processing Time | Instant (online pre-approval); VoA on arrival |
| Indian Citizens | Visa-free — no requirement |
Introduction
Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten tallest mountains including Everest, and is one of the world's top trekking and adventure destinations. Most visitors can obtain a tourist visa on arrival or via the online eVisa system. Nepal has simplified its visa process to encourage tourism, which is vital to the economy.
Tourist & Short Stay
- eVisa — USD 25/40/100: Apply online at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before travel. Choose 15-day (USD 25), 30-day (USD 40), or 90-day (USD 100) visa. Single-entry. Print the approval to show at the airport.
- Visa on Arrival — same fees: Available at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and several land border crossings. Fill the form, pay in USD/EUR/GBP (or card), collect visa sticker. Also at Pokhara International Airport.
- Extension: Extend at Immigration offices in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan. Maximum 150 days per calendar year in Nepal.
- Trekking Permits: In addition to the visa, trekkers need a TIMS card (NPR 2,000 for SAARC, NPR 4,000 for others) and special area permits (e.g., Annapurna Conservation Area Permit — NPR 3,000, Everest Sagarmatha National Park — NPR 3,000).
Business Visa
Business visits are permitted on a tourist visa for meetings and conferences. Long-term business investment requires a Non-Tourist Visa applied for at a Nepali embassy or from the Department of Immigration. Foreign investment registration through the Department of Industry (doi.gov.np) is necessary for setting up a business.
Work & Long-Stay Visas
- Non-Tourist Visa (Business/Employment): Required for those working in Nepal. Employer must register with the Department of Labour. Issued for 1 year, renewable.
- Residential Visa: For long-term stays; available to investors, retired persons, and dependants of Nepali citizens.
Student Visa
Non-Tourist Visa (Student category). Requires acceptance letter from a Nepal-recognized institution, proof of funds, and medical clearance. Apply at a Nepali embassy or Department of Immigration. Valid for 1 year, renewable.
Airport Transit
Transit passengers at Tribhuvan International staying airside for under 24 hours do not need a visa. Those needing to leave the airport require a valid visa or VoA.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (6 months validity)
- 2 passport-size photos (for VoA; digital for eVisa)
- eVisa approval printout or form (for VoA)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Nepal
- Proof of funds (USD 50+/day recommended)
- Trekking permits if applicable
Visa Fees
| Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 15 days (single entry) | USD 25 |
| 30 days (single entry) | USD 40 |
| 90 days (single entry) | USD 100 |
| Extension (per day) | USD 3/day |
| Multiple entry surcharge | +USD 20 |
| SAARC nationals | Free (15 days, once a year) |
How to Apply
- Option A (eVisa): Visit nepaliport.immigration.gov.np. Fill in details, upload photo and passport scan, pay online. Print the approval letter.
- Option B (Visa on Arrival): Arrive at KTM airport, complete the arrival card and VoA form, pay in cash or card at the immigration counter, receive visa sticker.
- Proceed through immigration presenting your passport, eVisa printout, and onward ticket.
- For trekking: purchase permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office or via registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu.
Official Links
- nepaliport.immigration.gov.np — Nepal eVisa portal
- immigration.gov.np — Department of Immigration
- ntb.gov.np — Nepal Tourism Board (trekking permits)
Who Is Visa-Exempt?
Indian citizens are visa-free — no visa required for any duration of stay. SAARC nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) receive a free 30-day visa. All other nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or eVisa. Chinese citizens may enter visa-free for 15 days (pursuant to bilateral agreement). Maximum stay in Nepal: 150 days per calendar year.
Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.
📋 Complete Visa Categories for Nepal
Nepal offers several visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (approx.) | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival | 15-90 days | $30-125 | Available at Tribhuvan Airport and land borders |
| Tourist Visa 15 days | 15 days | $30 | Multiple entry |
| Tourist Visa 30 days | 30 days | $50 | Multiple entry |
| Tourist Visa 90 days | 90 days | $125 | Multiple entry |
| Trekking Permit (TIMS) | Per trek | $20-50 | Required for most trekking routes |
| Work Visa | 1 year | $100-300 | Employer sponsorship, Department of Labor |
| Student Visa | Duration | $50-100 | University acceptance |
Fees and requirements may vary by nationality. Always verify at the official immigration authority.
⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Nepal Visas
Processing times vary by visa type, nationality, and time of year. Apply well in advance of travel.
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Standard Fee | Expedited | Expedited Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOA | 15-45 minutes | $30-125 | N/A | N/A |
| Work | 2-4 weeks | $100-300 | N/A | N/A |
🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Nepal
No mandatory vaccinations but Yellow Fever certificate if from endemic area. Altitude sickness medication recommended for trekking above 3000m. Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid recommended. Medical facilities very limited outside Kathmandu. Evacuation insurance essential for trekkers. Nepal Mountaineering Association requires medical certificate for climbing permits.
🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Nepal
Tourist visa extendable at Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. $3/day. Maximum 150 days per calendar year. Overstay: $5/day fine. Significant overstay may result in future visa refusal.
❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Nepal
Very rare - Nepal has open visa policy. May occur for citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan (require pre-approval). Can apply through embassy.
How to get the Nepal visa?
- Check whether you need a visa. Confirm your nationality's requirement for Nepal in the table above (visa-free, eVisa, visa on arrival or consular visa).
- Choose the right visa type for your trip — tourism, business, transit, work or study.
- Prepare your documents: a passport valid at least 6 months, a recent photo, proof of accommodation and onward travel, and sufficient funds.
- Apply online (eVisa) or at the nearest Nepal embassy/consulate, and pay the visa fee.
- Receive your visa and print or save the approval before you travel to Nepal.
For the exact fee, processing time and document list for your nationality, see the dedicated requirements and fees guides linked on this page.
This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.
Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Nepal immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.