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 →| 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.
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.