Nepal Visa & Passport Requirements

Before traveling to Nepal, make sure your passport meets Nepal’s entry requirements and that you understand the current tourist visa rules. The following information is based on the latest guidance from the Government of Nepal’s Department of Immigration for 2026.

Passport Requirements

Foreign visitors should travel with a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Nepal. Travelers should also ensure that their passport has sufficient blank pages for immigration stamps and visas where applicable.

Nepal does not accept handwritten or manual passports for international travel. A machine-readable passport is required.

For the smoothest immigration process, carry your original passport and any required visa or visa application documents with you when traveling.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Nepal?

Most foreign nationals need a tourist visa to enter Nepal. Tourists can generally obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival at eligible Nepalese immigration entry points or obtain a visa in advance from a Nepalese embassy or diplomatic mission.

Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal. They may enter with a valid Indian passport; Nepal Immigration also accepts certain alternative identification documents for Indian citizens under specific conditions. Traveling with a passport is recommended for easier immigration processing.

Nepal Tourist Visa Fees

The current standard Tourist Visa on Arrival fees are:

These are the current standard tourist visa rates published by Nepal’s Department of Immigration.

Important: The previously published information stating that a standard 60-day tourist visa costs USD 60 is outdated and should not be used for current 2026 travel information.

How Long Can I Stay in Nepal on a Tourist Visa?

A foreign tourist can stay in Nepal for a maximum of 150 days during one visa year, which runs from January 1 to December 31.

The initial tourist visa can be issued for 15, 30, or 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension in Nepal, subject to the maximum 150-day limit for the visa year.

The 150-day limit applies to the total tourist stay during the visa year, not simply to one individual visa sticker or entry.

Can I Extend My Nepal Tourist Visa?

Yes. Tourist visas can be extended through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Pokhara Immigration Office.

The current extension fee is USD 3 per day, with a minimum extension of 15 days. Therefore, the minimum standard extension fee is USD 45 for 15 days.

A late extension or overstay can result in additional charges. The current Department of Immigration information lists a USD 5 per day late/overstay fine.

Tourists should apply for an extension before their visa expires whenever possible.

Can I Get a Nepal Visa Before I Travel?

Yes. You can apply for a Nepal tourist visa through a Nepalese embassy or diplomatic mission before traveling.

Nepal also provides an online application system through its Department of Immigration. When a visa is issued by a Nepalese diplomatic mission, it must generally be used within six months from the date of issue. The permitted stay is counted from the date you enter Nepal.

If applying before travel, always check the specific Nepalese embassy or diplomatic mission responsible for your country because document requirements and payment procedures can vary.

Visa on Arrival in Nepal

Eligible foreign tourists can obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival at designated Nepalese immigration entry points.

Major international airports providing Visa on Arrival facilities include:

• Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu
• Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), Bhairahawa
• Pokhara International Airport, for eligible arriving international passengers

Nepal also has designated land immigration entry points where eligible travelers can complete immigration and visa procedures.

How to Get a Visa on Arrival

The basic process is:

1. Complete the Arrival Card.
2. Complete the online Tourist Visa application before arrival or use the available kiosk at the airport.
3. Save or print the application/submission receipt.
4. Pay the applicable visa fee.
5. Proceed to the immigration desk with your passport, application information and payment receipt.
6. The immigration officer will verify your documents and issue the visa.

Nepal’s immigration system also allows certain visa fees to be paid online before arrival. Travelers should use only the official Nepal government immigration portals and be cautious of unauthorized visa-payment websites.

Who Cannot Get a Visa on Arrival?

Most tourists can obtain a Visa on Arrival, but certain nationalities must obtain a visa before traveling to Nepal through a Nepalese diplomatic mission.

As of 2026, the restricted list includes:

• Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana
• Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia
• Syria, Swaziland (Eswatini), Zimbabwe, Iran – ordinary passport holders

The Iranian restriction is a new 2026 development. On March 15, 2026, Nepal’s Department of Immigration announced that Iranian citizens holding ordinary passports must obtain a visa from a Nepalese diplomatic mission before arriving in Nepal. This restriction does not apply in the same way to diplomatic or official passport holders.

Because visa restrictions can change, travelers from these countries should confirm the latest requirements with the nearest Nepalese embassy or the Department of Immigration before booking their trip.

Transit Visa

Foreign nationals transiting through Nepal can obtain a Transit Visa for up to 24 hours when they meet the transit requirements and provide proof of onward travel, such as an air ticket.

The current transit visa fee is USD 5.

Transit passengers who plan to leave the airport should make sure they have the appropriate immigration permission before doing so.

Gratis Visa – Who Can Get a Free Visa?

Certain travelers are eligible for a free, or gratis, tourist visa under Nepal’s immigration rules.

Current categories include:

• Children below 10 years, except US citizens
• SAARC citizens, except Afghanistan, for up to 30 days on their first visit in a visa year
• Afghan citizens, in eligible cases and subject to Department of Immigration recommendation
• Chinese citizens under Nepal’s gratis visa arrangement
• NRN card holders under the applicable rules

Specific exemptions and conditions vary by nationality and category.

Special Visa Rules for US Citizens

US citizens are subject to a separate reciprocity visa arrangement. Nepal’s current Department of Immigration fee schedule lists a five-year tourist visa for US citizens and dependents, with a maximum stay of 180 days per year, at a fee of USD 160.

US travelers should check the current reciprocity requirements before applying because this arrangement differs from the standard 15-, 30-, and 90-day tourist visa structure.

Important Visa Rules for Tourists

Keep the following rules in mind when planning your trip:

• Your passport should be valid for at least six months from entry into Nepal.
• Handwritten/manual passports are not accepted.
• Standard Tourist Visa on Arrival fees are USD 30, USD 50, or USD 125 for 15, 30, or 90 days respectively.
• The normal tourist visa allows multiple entry during its validity.
• Tourist visas can be extended in Nepal, subject to the 150-day maximum per visa year.
• Do not overstay your visa. Late fees and other immigration consequences may apply.
• Travelers from countries restricted from Visa on Arrival must obtain their visa before traveling.
• A visa obtained from a Nepalese diplomatic mission should generally be used within six months of issue.
• Always use official Nepal government immigration websites for online visa applications and payments.

Quick Visa Summary for Travelers

Important: Visa rules, fees and nationality restrictions can change. Travelers should verify the latest requirements with the Department of Immigration of Nepal or the nearest Nepalese diplomatic mission immediately before traveling.