Planning a trip to Nepal in 2026? Most travelers can easily obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at designated land border checkpoints. This guide covers everything you need to know, including visa fees, required documents, online application steps, visa extensions, and who may qualify for a free visa.
A tourist visa is required for most foreign visitors entering Nepal, as it grants official permission to travel and stay in the country legally. However, citizens of India do not need a visa to visit Nepal. Whether you’re planning a trekking adventure in the Himalayas, exploring ancient temples, or discovering Nepal’s culture and landscapes, understanding the visa process before your trip can help make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
How to Obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa
Visa on Arrival: Most visitors choose to get their tourist visa upon arrival at Nepal's international airport or at designated border checkpoints. Travelers can also complete the online arrival form in advance to save time.
Apply Before Travel: Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip.
Nepal Online visa application: Travelers or travel agencies can fill out the online Nepal visa application
For Nepal e visa application: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
Requirements for Nepal visa
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
- At least one blank passport page
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Completed visa application form
- Visa fee payment
Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival
Visa services are available 24/7, even for late-night arrivals. During trekking season, visa queues at Kathmandu airport can become crowded, so completing the online form before arrival can save time. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll need to fill out an arrival card. Access the tourist visa application form via the official website or at kiosk machines at the airport or border entry points. If you complete the form online, remember to print the receipt or get a voucher, as this confirms your application submission. Visa fees can be paid at designated counters or banks, so it's advisable to have some cash (US Dollars or equivalent) on hand to speed up the process, though other payment methods may also be suitable. Bring along your passport, arrival card, application receipt, and payment receipt for the immigration desk. An official will process your visa and stamp your passport. Keep the payment receipt until after the visa has been stamped. Note that if you complete the online application, the receipt is only valid for 15 days, so timing is important.
Nepal visa Cost
Here are the typical options for tourist visa durations and related fees (upon arrival):
| Duration of Stay | Fee |
| 15 Days | USD30 |
| 30 Days | USD50 |
| 90 Days | USD125 |
How to Extend a Nepal Tourist Visa
If you wish to extend your stay or visit more places, it’s possible to extend your visa at immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The minimum extension period is 15 days. Be mindful that overstaying or exceeding the extension limit may lead to fines or legal issues. The total duration allowed on a tourist visa (including extensions) is up to 150 days within a calendar year. Always extend your visa before it expires to avoid complications.
Gratis Visa in Nepal
A gratis visa is issued free of charge and still qualifies as a legitimate tourist visa, complete with a visa stamp or sticker. Children under ten years old (except US citizens) can obtain a visa for free. Citizens of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) member countries can receive a gratis visa for up to 30 days during their first calendar year of travel (excluding Afghan citizens). Afghan citizens may be granted a gratis visa on arrival only with prior approval from the Department of Immigration, which requires a recommendation from an inviting institution in Nepal. Additionally, holders of the Non-Residential Nepali card issued by Nepalese missions abroad are eligible for a gratis visa. Certain conditions also apply to Chinese nationals seeking a gratis tourist visa. Even with a gratis visa, ensure that you have the necessary documents (passport, arrival card, etc.) ready.
Reasons Your Nepal Visa May Be Denied
Your visa may be denied if your passport is not valid for at least six months, so be sure to check its validity before you travel. Suspicious travel documents may also lead to a visa denial, so ensure all your documents are legitimate. If you are from certain countries that don’t qualify for an on-arrival visa, you must secure a visa in advance through a Nepalese embassy. Countries on this list include Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, and refugees with travel documents. Additionally, incomplete personal information or unpaid visa fees can also result in a visa denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nepal visa-free for Indians?
Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal.
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival?
Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and designated land borders.
How long does Nepal visa processing take?
Usually 15–45 minutes, depending on airport traffic.
Can I pay Nepal visa fees by card?
Cash in USD is recommended, although some counters may accept cards.
Nepal’s tourist visa process is straightforward for most travelers, especially with visa-on-arrival facilities available at major entry points. Preparing your documents in advance and completing the online application before arrival can help make your entry into Nepal faster and smoother.
Source: Nepal Tourism Board
