Visa on Arrival in Nepal

19 Sep

Table of Contents

Planning a trip to the Himalayas? Then visa on arrival in Nepal is probably the first question on the list. Good news: most travelers can get a tourist visa at the airport or at a land border. However, a few nationalities must apply in advance. Fees, documents, and extension rules are also important.

This tutorial explains every step in simple words. First, the short answer is given. Then, eligibility, costs, and the airport process are covered. Finally, common mistakes are listed.

What Is Visa on Arrival in Nepal?

A visa on arrival in Nepal is a tourist visa that is issued at an official entry point. It is granted by the Department of Immigration. No embassy visit is needed for most passport holders. The visa is issued for 15, 30, or 90 days. All three options allow multiple entries within the validity period.

Item	Detail
Issuing authority	Department of Immigration, Nepal
Visa type	Tourist visa
Durations	15, 30, or 90 days
Entry	Multiple entry within validity
Payment	Cash, USD preferred
Maximum extension	Up to 150 days in a visa year

Who Can Get a Nepal Visa on Arrival?

Citizens of most countries are eligible. This includes travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and European Union countries. However, eligibility depends on the passport held. Temporary travel documents and emergency passports are generally not accepted for visa on arrival.

Because rules are updated from time to time, the nationality list should be checked before departure. The official Department of Immigration pages are the safest source.

Who Does Not Need to Pay for a Nepal Visa?

Several groups are treated differently. Some are exempted from a visa. Others receive a free (gratis) visa.

Group	Rule
Indian citizens	No visa is required. Valid identity documents are needed at the border.
SAARC citizens (except Afghanistan)	Up to 30 days free on the first visit in a visa year
Children below 10 years	Free visa, except for US citizens
Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) card holders	Free visa
Chinese nationals	Free tourist visa up to 150 days in a visa year
Diplomatic or official passport holders	Special visa with an official note

In addition, visa exemptions are given to some countries under reciprocal agreements. Therefore, the exemption list should always be confirmed on official pages.

Which Countries Are Not Eligible for Visa on Arrival in Nepal?

A short list of nationalities must obtain a visa before traveling. According to official Nepali government pages, the following countries are affected.

No.	Country
1	Nigeria
2	Ghana
3	Zimbabwe
4	Swaziland (Eswatini)
5	Cameroon
6	Somalia
7	Liberia
8	Ethiopia
9	Iraq
10	Palestine
11	Afghanistan
12	Syria

Holders of temporary travel documents and emergency passports are also affected. For these travelers, a reference letter from their own embassy is generally required. The visa is then applied for at a Nepali embassy or consulate. Afghan citizens may receive a gratis visa on arrival only on the recommendation of the Department of Immigration.

Note that this list has been reported to change. For example, one travel guide reported an update concerning Iranian passports in March 2026. As a result, the current list must be verified before booking flights.

Nepal Visa on Arrival Fee in 2026

The Nepal visa on arrival fee depends on the length of stay. The rates are consistent across the Department of Immigration's guidance and 2026 travel guides.

Visa Duration	Fee (USD)	Entry
15 days	30	Multiple
30 days	50	Multiple
90 days	125	Multiple

Payment is made in cash. US dollars are the safest option. Other major currencies are usually accepted, but exchange rates may be unfavorable. Indian rupees are not accepted for the visa fee, according to travel guides. Card payment should not be relied upon. Small bills are recommended, since exact change is not always available.

Fees can be revised by the government. Therefore, the amount should be confirmed shortly before travel.

Documents Required for Nepal Visa on Arrival

Preparation saves time at the counter. The following items are commonly required.

A passport valid for at least six months
A recent passport-size photo
The visa fee in cash
A completed visa application form (online or at the airport kiosk)
An onward or return ticket (often requested)
Proof of accommodation (sometimes requested)

Kiosks at the airport can sometimes take photos. Even so, a printed photo should be carried. Two blank passport pages are also advisable.

Where Is Visa on Arrival Available in Nepal?

Visa on arrival is available at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. It is also issued at several land border crossings. Major crossings include Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, and Belahiya (Bhairahawa/Sunauli). Other designated entry points are listed by the Department of Immigration.

Not every border point offers the same services. Long queues may also be experienced during peak trekking seasons. Therefore, arrival timing should be planned carefully.

How to Get Visa on Arrival in Nepal: Step-by-Step

The process is simple when steps are followed in order. At Tribhuvan International Airport, three stages are generally experienced.

Step 1: Check Eligibility Before Flying

First, it is confirmed that the passport is on the eligible list. Next, passport validity is checked. Finally, the plan is reviewed to choose the right visa duration.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

The form can be completed online before arrival. It can also be filled in at the kiosks in the airport arrival hall. Personal details, passport details, and the address in Nepal are entered. The online option is usually faster. A printout or a screenshot of the confirmation should be kept.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

Next, payment is made at the bank counter. The chosen duration is confirmed with the cashier. A receipt is issued after payment. This receipt should be kept safe, because it is required at the immigration desk.

Step 4: Proceed to the Immigration Desk

Then, the passport, the form or confirmation, the photo, and the payment receipt are presented to the immigration officer. The visa is stamped or affixed to the passport. Finally, baggage is collected.

Step 5: Check the Visa Details

Before leaving the counter, the visa validity is checked. The dates and the name should be verified. Errors are much easier to fix at the airport than later.

Can the Nepal Visa Be Applied for Online Before Arrival?

Yes, an online application is available. The Department of Immigration offers an online form for visa on arrival. Travelers can complete it before landing. As a result, time at the airport is reduced.

An online option, sometimes called an eVisa, has also been discussed in 2026 travel guides. Its exact format and availability should be confirmed on the official immigration portal. Details reported by unofficial sites should not be treated as final.

How to Extend a Nepal Visa

A tourist visa can be extended. However, rules must be followed carefully. The total stay on a tourist visa is capped at 150 days in a visa year. The extension is processed at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Other immigration offices also provide this service.

Item	Rule
Extension fee	USD 3 per day
Minimum extension	15 days
Minimum cost	About USD 45 (15 days × USD 3)
Late fine after expiry	USD 5 per day
Total stay limit	150 days per visa year

Because of the 15-day minimum, a very short extension is usually not possible. For example, a stay cannot be extended by only two or three days. Therefore, the correct duration should be chosen at arrival.

What Happens If a Visa Is Overstayed?

Overstaying is treated seriously. A late fine of USD 5 per day is charged, according to the fee schedule. Additional penalties may also apply. Delays at departure are common when the fine is not paid in advance. Future visa applications can also be affected.

Because of this, the expiry date should be tracked. A reminder can be set on a phone. If more time is needed, the extension should be requested before the visa expires.

Can Tourists Work or Do Business on a Nepal Visa on Arrival?

No. A tourist visa is meant for tourism and visiting. Employment is not permitted on it. Business activity, paid work, and long-term stays are handled under separate visa categories. Business, work, investor, student, and residential visas are issued under different rules and fees.

For this reason, tourist entry should not be used to start a job or operate a company. Legal problems can arise. The correct visa category should be identified first. For investors, the visa should be aligned with the company setup and approvals.

Common Mistakes Made by Travelers

Several errors are seen again and again. They are listed below.

Passport validity is not checked, and the passport has less than six months remaining.
Only card payment is planned, although cash is needed.
Only Indian rupees are brought for the visa fee.
The eligibility list is not checked, and an ineligible passport is used.
A very short stay is chosen, and a costly extension is later required.
A tourist visa is used for paid work.
Old blog posts are trusted, although rules have changed.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Arrival

A few small habits make arrival easier.

First, the online form should be completed before the flight. Second, cash should be prepared in small US dollar bills. Third, the photo and the passport copy should be kept in hand luggage. Fourth, arrival at peak times should be expected to involve queues. Finally, official pages should be checked one week before departure.

For first-time visitors, the 30-day option is often chosen. It offers flexibility at a moderate price. However, the best choice depends on the itinerary. Trekking, meditation retreats, and long-stay travel may need the 90-day option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is visa on arrival available in Nepal?

Yes. It is available for citizens of most countries at Tribhuvan International Airport and at designated land borders.

How much is the Nepal visa on arrival fee?

The fee is USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. All are multiple entry.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Nepal?

No. Indian citizens can enter without a visa. Valid identity documents are required at the border.

Which countries do not get visa on arrival in Nepal?

Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria are listed on official pages. Holders of temporary travel documents are also affected.

Can the Nepal visa fee be paid by card?

Cash is generally required. US dollars are the safest option. A card should not be relied upon.

Can the visa fee be paid in Indian rupees?

According to travel guides, Indian rupees are not accepted for the visa fee. US dollars or other convertible currency should be carried.

How long can a tourist stay in Nepal?

The visa is granted for up to 90 days at first. It can be extended, up to 150 days in a visa year.

How much does a visa extension cost in Nepal?

The extension costs USD 3 per day, with a 15-day minimum. A late fine of USD 5 per day is charged after expiry.

Are children charged for a Nepal visa?

Children below 10 years receive a free visa. US citizens are an exception.

Can a visa on arrival be used for work?

No. A tourist visa does not permit employment. A suitable work or business visa must be obtained instead.

Should the visa be applied for before travel?

It is not mandatory for eligible nationalities. However, the online form can be completed in advance to save time.

Need Help With a Business or Long-Stay Visa?

A tourist visa is only the first step for some visitors. Investors, entrepreneurs, and remote teams often need more than that. Company registration, foreign investment approval, and the correct visa category must be aligned.

CorporateNP Pvt Ltd can be contacted for guidance on business setup, foreign investment, and compliance in Nepal. A consultation can be requested today, so the right path is chosen before the trip is planned.

Disclaimer

This article is published by CorporateNP Pvt Ltd for general information only. It is not legal or immigration advice. Visa fees, eligibility lists, and procedures in Nepal are revised from time to time. Accuracy is sought, but completeness and current validity cannot be guaranteed. Official Department of Immigration pages and the nearest Nepali embassy should be consulted before travel. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this article.