🏔️ Introduction: Why Visit Nepal?

Did you know? Nepal welcomes over 1.2 million tourists annually, with adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers all flocking to explore this beautiful country. From the towering Himalayas to ancient temples and vibrant cities, Nepal has something for everyone!

But before you embark on your Nepali adventure, understanding the visa process and entry requirements is crucial.

✅ Do you need a visa for Nepal?
✅ How do you apply for a visa on arrival?
✅ What documents do you need at immigration?
✅ How much does a Nepal tourist visa cost?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Nepal’s visa application and entry process, making your arrival in Nepal smooth and stress-free.

🛂 Types of Tourist Visas for Nepal: A Detailed Guide

Before planning your trip to Nepal, understanding the different types of tourist visas is crucial. Nepal offers multiple visa options based on the purpose and duration of your visit. For tourists, the most common visa is the Nepal Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries and is available through various application methods.

1️⃣ Visa on Arrival (Most Popular & Easiest Option)

✅ What is a Visa on Arrival?

Nepal offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for most nationalities, making it one of the easiest countries to enter as a tourist. This visa is issued when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or at various land border checkpoints.

Who is eligible?
✔️ Available for most foreign travelers.
✔️ Not available for restricted nationalities (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Palestine).

Where can you get a Visa on Arrival?
✈️ At Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) – Kathmandu (Most common for air travelers).
🚖 At land border crossings (If entering Nepal by road from India, China, or Tibet).

Requirements for a Visa on Arrival:
🛂 A valid passport (with at least six months validity from your arrival date).
📸 One passport-sized photo (though digital photo kiosks are available at TIA).
💵 Visa fee in USD or local currency (cash preferred, as credit cards are not always accepted).
📋 Completed arrival form (available at the airport kiosks).

Visa on Arrival Process at the Airport (Step-by-Step Guide):
1️⃣ Fill out the Arrival Card & Visa Application Form (Use electronic kiosks at TIA or bring a pre-filled e-visa).
2️⃣ Pay the visa fee at the payment counter (Keep the receipt).
3️⃣ Proceed to the immigration desk, submit your documents, and receive your visa stamp.

Processing Time:
⏳ 10–30 minutes, depending on airport crowds and seasonality.

2️⃣ e-Visa (Online Pre-Application for Faster Processing)

✅ What is an e-Visa?

The e-Visa (Electronic Visa) allows travelers to pre-fill their visa application online, reducing processing time upon arrival. It does not replace the Visa on Arrival but makes it faster when you reach Nepal.

Who is eligible?
✔️ Available for all travelers eligible for Visa on Arrival.
✔️ Recommended for tourists who want to avoid long queues at immigration.

How to Apply for an e-Visa?
1️⃣ Visit Nepal’s official Department of Immigration website.
2️⃣ Fill out the visa application form online.
3️⃣ Upload your passport photo (passport-style, white background).
4️⃣ Print the completed application form.
5️⃣ Bring the printed form to Nepal and present it at the visa counter upon arrival.

💡 Important Notes:

• The e-Visa application is valid for 15 days from the date of submission.
• You must still pay the visa fee upon arrival at the airport or border.
• Processing is faster, as you don’t need to use airport kiosks to fill out forms.

3️⃣ Pre-Issued Visa (Embassy/Consulate Visa)

✅ What is a Pre-Issued Visa?

A pre-issued visa means obtaining a Nepal tourist visa from a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate before traveling. This is an alternative for travelers who:

✔️ Want to avoid long lines at the airport.
✔️ Plan to enter Nepal through smaller border crossings without visa-on-arrival facilities.
✔️ Are from countries that require prior approval for entry into Nepal.

Who should apply for a pre-issued visa?

• Travelers from restricted countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Palestine).
• Tourists entering Nepal from remote land crossings without visa-on-arrival services.

How to Apply for a Pre-Issued Visa?
1️⃣ Visit the nearest Nepalese Embassy or Consulate.
2️⃣ Fill out the visa application form (available on embassy websites).
3️⃣ Submit the required documents:
✅ Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity).
✅ Passport-sized photos.
✅ Visa fee (cash or card, depending on the embassy).
4️⃣ Receive your visa stamped in your passport before your trip.

Processing Time:
⏳ 3–7 business days, depending on the embassy or consulate.

Where to Find a Nepalese Embassy?
🌍 Find the list of Nepalese embassies and consulates worldwide here.

4️⃣ Visa Extensions (For Those Who Want to Stay Longer)

✅ What is a Visa Extension?

If you fall in love with Nepal and want to extend your stay, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

How to Extend Your Visa in Nepal?
1️⃣ Visit the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
2️⃣ Fill out the visa extension application form.
3️⃣ Pay the required fee at the immigration office.
4️⃣ Receive your visa extension stamp on your passport.

Visa Extension Fees:
💰 $3 per extra day after the original visa expires.
💰 $30 minimum fee for a 15-day extension.

🔹 Maximum Stay: Tourists can stay up to 150 days in a calendar year with extensions.

🔹 Penalty for Overstay: If you overstay your visa, you will be fined $5 per day, plus an additional penalty fee.

Summary of Tourist Visa Types & Application Methods

Which Visa Should You Choose?

✔️ If you are a first-time visitor, the Visa on Arrival is the easiest and most convenient option.
✔️ If you want to save time at the airport, apply for an e-Visa online before arriving.
✔️ If you are from a restricted country, apply for a pre-issued visa from a Nepalese Embassy.
✔️ If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, get a Visa Extension in Nepal.

Final Tips for Getting Your Nepal Tourist Visa

✅ Always carry cash (USD preferred) for visa fees.
✅ Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity.
✅ Apply for an e-Visa if you want faster processing.
✅ If extending your visa, apply before it expires to avoid penalties.

💰 Nepal Tourist Visa Fees & Validity: A Complete Breakdown

Now that we've covered the different types of tourist visas for Nepal, it's important to understand the visa fees, validity periods, and payment methods.

🛃 Nepal Tourist Visa Fees & Validity Periods

Nepal offers three main tourist visa durations, and travelers can choose based on the length of their stay. The visas are multiple entry, meaning you can leave Nepal and return without needing a new visa (as long as it's still valid).

💡 Tip: If you plan to stay longer, it’s better to get a 90-day visa upfront instead of renewing every 30 days.

💵 How to Pay for Your Nepal Tourist Visa?

The visa fee must be paid at the airport or border crossing before your visa is issued.

✅ Accepted Payment Methods:

• Cash (USD, Euros, GBP, INR, and other major currencies).
• Nepali Rupees (NPR) – Available at money exchange counters at the airport.
• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard) – Sometimes accepted at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), but it's best to carry cash in case of technical issues.

💡 Important Notes:

• Some land borders only accept cash, so carry enough USD or Nepali Rupees.
• No refunds if you shorten your stay—visa fees are non-refundable.

📍 Visa Fee Exemptions: Who Doesn’t Need to Pay?

🔹 Indian Citizens: Do not need a visa to enter Nepal. They can use a valid passport or voter ID for entry.
🔹 SAARC Nationals (except Afghanistan): Citizens of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka get a free 30-day visa (once per calendar year).
🔹 Chinese Nationals: Can apply for a free Nepalese tourist visa due to the bilateral agreement between Nepal and China.
🔹 Children Under 10 Years Old: Are eligible for a free visa (visa fees apply only if they are above 10 years old).

🚀 Step-by-Step Guide to Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu

Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the main international airport where most travelers arrive in Nepal. Below is a detailed step-by-step process of what to expect when you land.

🛬 Step 1: Completing Arrival Documents

Upon arrival, all travelers must complete:
📋 Arrival Card (Available at kiosks or counters).
📋 Visa Application Form (Fill out electronically at the self-service kiosks in the immigration hall).
📋 Customs Declaration Form (For travelers carrying high-value items).

🛃 Step 2: Visa Application Process

1️⃣ Visa on Arrival Kiosk: Use the electronic visa kiosks to fill out your details. A printed slip will be generated.
2️⃣ Visa Payment Counter: Go to the payment desk, submit the printed form, and pay the visa fee.
3️⃣ Immigration Desk: Submit your passport, visa payment receipt, and visa form for processing. You’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport.

🎒 Step 3: Collecting Luggage & Customs Check

🛄 Proceed to baggage claim and collect your luggage.
📋 If you have expensive items (drones, large cash amounts, electronics, gold, or jewelry), declare them at the customs desk.

🚕 Step 4: Transportation from the Airport

🚖 Taxis are available outside the airport (prepaid taxis recommended to avoid scams).
📱 Use ride-hailing apps like Pathao or InDrive for affordable transport to your hotel.

📋 Nepal Immigration Requirements & Customs Rules

When entering Nepal, you must follow immigration and customs regulations to ensure a smooth entry.

🛃 Documents Required for Entry into Nepal:

✅ Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity).
✅ Visa Application Form (if applying for Visa on Arrival).
✅ Recent Passport-Size Photo (if applying at a land border).
✅ Proof of Onward Travel (Return Ticket) – Sometimes checked by airlines.

🚫 Restricted & Prohibited Items:

🚫 Drugs & Narcotics – Nepal has strict drug laws; even small amounts can lead to arrest or deportation.
🚫 Weapons & Firearms – Require special permits from the Nepalese government.
🚫 Cultural & Religious Artifacts – Antique artifacts and sacred statues cannot be exported without permission.

💡 Customs Tip: If you’re carrying more than $5,000 in cash, you must declare it at customs.

🧳 What to Pack for a Smooth Arrival?

To avoid delays and make your entry into Nepal easier, carry these essentials in your hand luggage:

✔️ Valid Passport (6+ months validity).
✔️ Printed e-Visa Confirmation (if applicable).
✔️ Cash (USD or local currency) for Visa Fees.
✔️ Proof of Travel Insurance (Recommended for trekkers).
✔️ Local SIM Card (Buy at the airport to stay connected).

🔄 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Nepal Visa

🚫 Forgetting to bring passport photos – Some land borders require physical passport photos.
🚫 Not having cash in USD – Some visa counters do not accept credit cards.
🚫 Ignoring visa extension deadlines – Overstaying results in fines of $5 per day.
🚫 Filling out incorrect details on the application form – Double-check information before submission.

✅ Final Tips for First-Time Visitors to Nepal

🔹 Exchange currency at official counters inside the airport for better rates.
🔹 Use ride-hailing apps (Pathao, InDrive) for transport from the airport.
🔹 Respect Nepalese culture by dressing modestly and following local etiquette.
🔹 Pre-book your first night’s accommodation to avoid airport taxi scams.

🌟 Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits!

Now that you have all the visa details, you’re ready to explore Nepal hassle-free! Whether you're visiting Kathmandu’s historic temples, trekking to Everest Base Camp, or exploring Pokhara’s stunning lakes, knowing the visa process and entry requirements will make your journey stress-free.

✨ Need help planning your trip? Book a trek or city tour with Nepal Yetiraj Treks today! 🚀🏔️