Who Can Get a Nepal Visa on Arrival?
For most travelers, getting a visa for Nepal is refreshingly simple. You land, fill out a form, pay the fee, and you’re officially ready to explore the Himalayas. No embassy visits. No long waiting periods. Just a straightforward process at the airport or land border.
That said, it’s important to understand who qualifies and who needs to arrange a visa in advance.
Eligible Nationalities
Nepal offers a Visa on Arrival to citizens of most countries around the world. If you are traveling for tourism purposes, chances are high that you can get your visa when you arrive at:
- Tribhuvan International Airport
- Selected land border entry points
The visa on arrival applies only to tourist visas. Whether you’re coming for trekking in the Annapurna region, cultural exploration in Kathmandu Valley, or a wildlife safari in Chitwan, this option makes entry smooth and stress-free.
The process is generally quick:
- Fill out the arrival form (either online in advance or at the airport kiosk).
- Pay the visa fee in USD or other accepted currencies.
- Submit your passport and documents at the immigration counter.
- Receive your visa sticker and enter Nepal.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and you should carry at least one passport-size photo (though digital systems often capture it on-site).
For most travelers, the entire process takes 20–45 minutes depending on the season and queue.
Countries Not Eligible for Visa on Arrival
While Nepal is welcoming to most nationalities, a few countries are not eligible for visas on arrival due to diplomatic and security policies.
Citizens from the following countries must obtain a visa from a Nepalese embassy or consulate before traveling:
- Afghanistan
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iraq
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Palestine
- Somalia
- Syria
- Zimbabwe
If a traveler from one of these countries arrives without a pre-approved visa, entry may be denied. So it’s essential to check and prepare in advance.
Nepal Tourist Visa Fee (Updated Cost)
Let’s talk about the part every traveler really wants clarity on — how much you’ll actually pay.
Nepal keeps its tourist visa system refreshingly simple. The fee depends entirely on how long you plan to stay, not on your nationality (with a few country-specific exceptions).
Visa Fee in USD
Here’s the standard tourist visa cost:
- 15 Days: USD 30
- 30 Days: USD 50
- 90 Days: USD 125
That’s it. No hidden tier pricing. No complicated categories. You choose your stay duration, pay the fee, and receive a multiple-entry tourist visa.
A practical tip: If you’re unsure about your exit date, it’s often smarter to choose 30 days instead of 15. Extending later costs more than selecting the longer option upfront.
Payment Methods at the Airport
If you’re arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, payment is usually straightforward — but preparation makes the process smoother.
You can typically pay:
- In USD (recommended)
- In other major currencies (rates may vary)
- Sometimes by card (but don’t rely on it)
Cash in clean, good-condition USD notes is the safest choice. Airport card machines occasionally don’t work, and exchange counters may not give favorable rates. Having exact cash saves time and stress after a long flight.
Additional Charges (If Any)
There are no surprise “processing fees” for a standard tourist visa on arrival. The amount you see above is what you pay.
However, you may pay extra if:
- You overstay your visa (daily fines apply)
- You extend your visa later through the Department of Immigration
- You lose your passport and need visa re-issuance
One more important note: Visa fees are non-refundable. Even if your travel plans change, the fee paid at entry cannot be reclaimed.
In short, Nepal’s visa fee structure is transparent, predictable, and relatively affordable compared to many other destinations. If you arrive prepared with the right amount in cash and a clear idea of your stay duration, the process is usually quick and stress-free.
Where to Get Nepal Visa on Arrival
Getting a Nepal Visa on Arrival is straightforward, and for most travelers, it’s one of the easiest parts of entering the country. You can obtain it either at the international airport in Kathmandu or at designated land border crossings if you’re entering overland from India or Tibet (China).
Tribhuvan International Airport
If you’re flying into Nepal, this is where your journey officially begins. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the main and only international airport in the country.
After landing, you’ll walk toward the immigration hall before baggage claim. Here’s how the process usually flows:
First, you fill out the arrival form. There are electronic kiosks where you can complete the form digitally, or you can fill out a paper form if needed. It takes just a few minutes you’ll need your passport details and your hotel address in Nepal.
Second, proceed to the visa payment counter. Visa fees are payable in USD (preferred), but other major currencies are sometimes accepted. It’s wise to carry small-denomination USD notes to avoid delays.
Third, head to the immigration desk with your passport, payment receipt, and completed form. The officer will check your documents, place the visa sticker in your passport, and stamp your entry. That’s it; you’re officially in Nepal.
During peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn), queues can get long. Patience helps. The process is organized but can feel a bit crowded when multiple flights land close together.
Major Land Border Entry Points
If you’re traveling overland, especially from India. Nepal also offers visas on Arrival at several land crossings. Some of the most commonly used entry points include:
- Belahiya Border Crossing (Sunauli border)
- Raxaul–Birgunj Border Crossing
- Kakarbhitta Border Crossing
At these borders, the process is similar to the airport but usually simpler and less rushed. You’ll fill out the visa form, pay the fee at the immigration office, and receive your visa stamp before proceeding.
One thing to remember: land borders can have shorter working hours compared to the airport, and facilities are more basic. It’s smart to arrive during the daytime and carry printed documents, passport-sized photos (just in case), and cash in USD.
If you’re entering from Tibet, the process is different and typically arranged through a registered tour operator in advance.
Documents Required for Nepal Visa on Arrival
Getting a Visa on Arrival in Nepal is generally straightforward. The key is to arrive prepared so the process at the airport feels smooth, not stressful.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Nepal. Immigration officers will check this carefully. Make sure you have at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
Completed Arrival Card
You will receive an arrival card either on your flight or at the airport. Fill it out clearly and accurately. It asks for basic information such as your hotel address and length of stay. Having your accommodation details ready makes this easy.
Visa Application Form
At Tribhuvan International Airport, you can fill out the visa form using the self-service kiosks before going to the visa counter. You can also complete the online form in advance through the official immigration website and bring the printed confirmation. Doing it beforehand saves time, especially during peak trekking seasons.
Visa Fee in Cash
Visa fees must be paid in USD or other major currencies. It is safest to carry the exact amount in clean, undamaged notes. While card payments may sometimes be accepted, cash is more reliable. Having the correct fee ready makes the process much faster.
A Practical Tip
If you are traveling during busy months such as March–May or October–November, the visa lines can be long. Keep a pen, your hotel name, and the exact visa fee ready before landing. It turns what could feel chaotic into a calm, five-minute process.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Visa at Kathmandu Airport
Arriving in Nepal is exciting. The mountains are close, the air feels different, and you’re probably already thinking about your trek or temple visits. The good news? Getting your visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport is straightforward if you know what to expect.
Here’s exactly how it works.
First, after you land and walk toward immigration, look for the Visa on Arrival kiosks. Before standing in the main immigration queue, you need to complete the online visa form. There are electronic machines in the arrival hall. You’ll fill in basic details such as your passport information, length of stay, and accommodation address in Nepal. It usually takes about 5–10 minutes.
If you already filled out the form online before your flight, you can skip the kiosk and proceed directly to payment. That saves time, especially during peak trekking seasons like spring and autumn.
Second, once the form is completed, the machine prints a slip. Keep this carefully. You’ll take it to the visa fee payment counter. The fee depends on the duration of your stay (15, 30, or 90 days). Payment is generally accepted in major foreign currencies, most commonly USD. It’s wise to carry clean, undamaged bills. While card payment may be available, cash is faster and more reliable.
Third, after payment, you’ll receive a receipt. Now you can join the immigration queue. When it’s your turn, hand over:
- Your passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- The printed form slip
- Payment receipt
- A passport-size photo (rarely needed if using the kiosk, but carrying one is smart)
The immigration officer will verify your documents, stamp your visa into your passport, and note your permitted length of stay. Double-check the number of days stamped before leaving the counter.
That’s it. You’re officially in Nepal.
A few practical tips:
Arrivals can get busy during trekking season, especially with flights landing close together. Expect anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on timing. Staying patient helps. The process is generally orderly and safe.
If you’re traveling during major travel months or festivals, give yourself extra buffer time for airport formalities, especially if you have a domestic connection to Pokhara or Lukla.
Overall, the visa-on-arrival system in Kathmandu is efficient and traveler-friendly. As long as you carry the correct documents and payment, the process is smooth—and within minutes, you’ll be stepping out of the airport with the Himalayas waiting for you.
How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Nepal
The process is not complicated, but you must bring:
- Your original passport (with valid entry stamp)
- A printed copy of your passport bio page
- A printed copy of your current visa page
- An online visa extension form (filled in advance)
- Passport-sized photo (sometimes requested, though digital systems are common now)
- Extension fee in USD or equivalent
Visa Extension Fees
- Tourist visa extension is done for a minimum of 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days.
- In the case of a delay of less than 150 days, an additional USD 5 per day as a late fine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I really get a visa on arrival in Nepal?
Yes, most travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and major land border crossings. The process is simple: fill out the arrival form, submit your passport and photo, pay the visa fee, and receive your visa stamp. It typically takes 20–45 minutes depending on queue length.
However, citizens of a few countries must apply in advance at a Nepali embassy. It is always wise to check eligibility before you travel.
How much is the Nepal tourist visa fee?
Nepal offers three standard tourist visa durations:
- 15 days: USD 30
- 30 days: USD 50
- 90 days: USD 125
Fees are payable in USD or other major currencies. Some payment kiosks accept cards, but carrying cash in clean, undamaged notes is strongly recommended to avoid delays.
How long can I stay in Nepal on a tourist visa?
You can stay up to 90 days in a visa year (January to December). Even if you enter multiple times, the total stay cannot exceed 150 days in a calendar year.
If you fall in love with the mountains—and many do—you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara before it expires.
Can I extend my tourist visa in Nepal?
Yes. Visa extensions are straightforward. You will need your passport, visa copy, and extension fee. The minimum extension is usually 15 days. It is best to apply a few days before your visa expires to avoid fines.
Do I need passport photos?
Technically, the online form submission system at the airport captures your photo digitally. However, carrying at least one passport-size photo is advisable, especially if entering via land border points.
Is Nepal visa-free for Indians?
Yes. Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. A valid passport or government-issued ID is sufficient. This special arrangement makes travel between the two countries extremely convenient.
Can I pay the visa fee in Nepali Rupees?
No. Tourist visa fees must be paid in foreign currency (typically USD). Nepali Rupees are not accepted for visa payment at arrival.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying results in daily fines and possible travel complications. If you realize your visa is about to expire, visit immigration immediately. Nepal’s system is forgiving if you act promptly, but ignoring it can create issues at departure.
Is the visa process stressful?
Not at all. Nepal welcomes tourists warmly, and the visa process reflects that attitude. It is generally efficient and traveler-friendly. Just keep your documents ready, carry cash, and allow a little extra time during peak trekking seasons.
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