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.
Tip: Completing the online visa form before arrival can significantly reduce waiting time at immigration.
How to Obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa
Visa on Arrival (Recommended)
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 complete the online Nepal visa application before arrival.
For the Nepal e-visa application:
Nepal Department of Immigration Portal
Requirements for a 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
- A completed visa application form
- Visa fee payment
Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival
If you’re arriving during peak season (October–November), you may experience longer waiting times at the airport. Visa services operate 24/7, including at 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 through the official website or at kiosk machines located at the airport or border entry points.
If you complete the form online, remember to print the receipt or obtain the voucher, as it confirms your application submission. Visa fees can be paid at designated counters or banks, so it is advisable to carry some cash (US Dollars or equivalent) to speed up the process, although other payment methods may also be accepted.
Bring your passport, arrival card, application receipt, and payment receipt to the immigration desk. An immigration officer will process your visa and stamp your passport. Keep the payment receipt until your visa has been stamped. Please note that if you complete the online application, the receipt is only valid for 15 days, so timing is important.
Tribhuvan International Airport
Nepal Visa Cost
Visa fees are paid on arrival and are based on the length of stay:
| Duration | Fee |
| 15 Days | USD 30 |
| 30 Days | USD 50 |
| 90 Days | USD 125 |
How to Extend a Nepal Tourist Visa
If you plan to stay longer or do multiple treks, you can extend your visa at immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Be aware that overstaying or exceeding the extension limit may result in fines or legal issues. The total duration permitted 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 (Free Visa) in Nepal
A free (gratis) visa is available in specific cases:
Eligible travelers include:
- Children under 10 years old (except U.S. citizens)
- SAARC country nationals (up to 30 days, first visit per year)
- Non-Residential Nepali (NRN) card holders
- Certain approved cases, such as Afghan citizens (with prior approval)
- Even if eligible, standard documents are still required at entry.
Reasons Your Nepal Visa May Be Denied
Your visa may be denied if your passport is not valid for at least six months, so check its validity before traveling. Suspicious or invalid travel documents may also result in a visa denial, so ensure all documents are legitimate and accurate.
Travelers from certain countries that do not qualify for a visa on arrival must secure a visa in advance through a Nepalese embassy. These countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria, as well as refugees traveling with refugee travel documents.
Incomplete personal information or unpaid visa fees may also lead to a visa denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nepal visa-free for Indians?
Citizens of India do not require a visa to enter Nepal.
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival?
Yes. Most travelers choose a visa on arrival at the airport or land borders because it’s the easiest and fastest option.
How long does Nepal visa processing take?
Visa processing usually takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on airport traffic.
Can I pay Nepal visa fees by card?
Cash in USD is recommended, although some counters may also accept card payments.
Conclusion
Nepal’s tourist visa process is straightforward for most travelers, especially with visa-on-arrival options at major entry points. Preparing your documents in advance and completing the online form before arrival will help ensure a faster and smoother entry into Nepal.
Source: Nepal Tourism Board
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