A Complete Guide for Travelers
Overview:
Nepal offers a straightforward Visa on Arrival for tourists flying into Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. The process is efficient, with dedicated counters and automated kiosks to speed up your entry.
However, citizens of certain countries must obtain a visa before arrival from a Nepalese diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in their home country or a nearby country.
How to Get a Visa on Arrival (By Air)
- Follow these simple steps upon landing at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport:
- Fill out the visa application form – Paper forms are available in the arrival hall, or you may receive one on your flight.
- Use the automated kiosk (for electronic passport holders) – Insert your passport into the visa registration machine, and the form will be auto-filled for you.
- Pay the visa fee at the designated bank counter (cash in USD, EUR, GBP, or Nepali Rupees accepted).
- Proceed to immigration – Your visa will be stamped into your passport.
- Online Application: You can also complete your application in advance using the official portal after arriving in Nepal:
https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01
Visa on Arrival Fees (At Entry Points)
| Visa Duration | Fee (USD) |
| 15 Days | $30 |
| 30 Days | $50 |
| 90 Days | $125 |
Fees are subject to change. Carry exact change in USD or other accepted currencies.
Visa Extension Fees (If You Stay Longer)
| Extension Type | Fee |
| Minimum extension (15 days) | $45 |
| Each additional day (after 15 days) | $3 per day |
| Late fine (for overstay under 150 days) | $5 per additional day |
Extensions are processed at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
Gratis Visa (Free Visa)
The following categories of travelers receive a free visa (Gratis Visa) upon arrival:
| Eligible Category | Details |
| Children under 10 years | Free (except for US citizens) |
| SAARC citizens (first visit in a visa year) | Up to 30 days free (Afghanistan excluded for automatic free visa – see note below) |
| Non-Residential Nepali (NRN) card holders | Must hold a valid NRN card issued by MoFA or a Nepalese diplomatic mission |
| Chinese nationals | Free visa on arrival |
| Citizens of China, Brazil, Russia, Thailand | No visa required (reciprocal agreement) |
For Afghan citizens: A Gratis Visa on arrival is issued only upon recommendation from the Department of Immigration. You must request your inviting institution in Nepal to coordinate with the department before your travel.
Important: Visa Before Arrival Required
Nationals of the following countries must obtain a visa in advance from a Nepalese diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) before traveling to Nepal:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Zimbabwe
- Swaziland (Eswatini)
- Cameroon
- Somalia
- Liberia
- Ethiopia
- Iraq
- Palestine
- Afghanistan
- Syria
- Refugees with a travel document
Quick Tips for a Smooth Arrival:
| Tip | Advice |
| Carry cash | Visa fees are paid in USD, EUR, GBP, or Nepali Rupees. Cards are not accepted at the visa counter. |
| Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nepal. |
| Passport photos | While not always required, having 1–2 extra passport-sized photos can be helpful for permits or extensions. |
| Electronic passport | Use the automated kiosk for faster processing. |
| Visa on arrival for SAARC | First visit in a visa year = free up to 30 days. Second visit in the same year = regular fee applies. |
Contact Information
Department of Immigration, Nepal
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Website: https://www.immigration.gov.np