Nepal Visas and Arrival

Nepal entry requirements and borders

Nepal visa requirements

You should always check official advice for your nationality, but the majority of travellers will need a visa for Nepal.

Fortunately, the process is quite simple, and a Visa on Arrival can be issued at the airport and some land borders. You’ll need a passport valid for at least 6 months, two passport photos, the address of your hotel, and cash to pay the visa fee.

If you want to complete the application in advance or need a special visa (e.g., study visa, business visa), then you should do so through the official Department of Immigration website.

Fees should be paid in cash on arrival – USD is preferable, but other major currencies will be accepted. Fees are subject to change, but as of 2026, the standard Tourist Visa costs are as follows;

15 days – US$30

 30 days – US$50

90 days – US$125

If you significantly overstay or tamper with your visa, then you can be fined or even jailed in extreme cases, so please respect the visa!

Visa extensions can be granted in the Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Offices, up to a maximum of 150 days per calendar year, and subject to a minimum fee of US$45.

NOTE: Citizens of the following countries are not currently eligible for an On Arrival Visa and will need to contact their nearest Nepal Embassy before travel.

Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Syria, Somalia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Iran 

Arriving in Nepal by air

As a landlocked country, most international visitors arrive in Nepal by air, primarily through Tribhuvan International Airport, which remains the busiest international gateway. Located in the capital, Kathmandu, it serves as the main entry point for travelers, many of whom spend a few days here to acclimatise and explore before heading to other destinations. From Kathmandu, a wide network of domestic flights connects regions like Pokhara, Lukla, and Bharatpur.

In recent years, Nepal has expanded its international air connectivity with the addition of Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport. Gautam Buddha International Airport, located near Lumbini—the birthplace of Lord Buddha—now handles regular international flights, especially from regional hubs. Similarly, Pokhara International Airport, opened in 2023, has begun welcoming international charters and is expected to expand scheduled international services gradually.

Several international airlines operate flights into Nepal, typically via transit hubs in the Middle East, India, or Southeast Asia. Carriers such as Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Air India, and Thai Airways offer regular connections, making Nepal increasingly accessible from around the world.

IMPORTANT:

If your flight transits through India, only Air India typically offers through-checked baggage to Kathmandu on a single ticket. When flying with most other Indian carriers, you may need to clear immigration (which requires a valid Indian visa), collect your luggage, and re-check it for your onward flight to Nepal. To avoid this inconvenience, it’s generally best to choose airlines that handle baggage through to your final destination.

Tribhuvan International Airport operates with a single runway, handling both domestic and international flights. While improvements have been made, delays during peak travel seasons and queues at immigration can still occur, so it’s wise to allow extra time in your travel plans.

After completing immigration formalities and collecting your baggage, you’ll exit through the arrivals area. The environment can feel busy and a bit overwhelming, with many drivers holding placards or offering taxi services.

If you withdraw local currency at the airport, you can arrange a taxi on arrival (typically around NPR 800–1200, depending on your destination). However, for a smoother experience, pre-booking an airport transfer is recommended. This ensures a hassle-free pickup—your driver will be waiting with your name on a placard and will track your flight in case of delays.

Arriving in Nepal by land

You can travel to Nepal by land from neighbouring India through major transit points such as Bhairahawa (Sunauli), Raxaul (Birgunj), Nepalgunj, Biratnagar, Kakarvitta, and Mahendranagar, along with several other official border crossings.

From the north, entry is possible from China (Tibet) via the Kerung (Rasuwagadhi) border, or via Hilsa as part of an organised trekking or tour group, as independent travel in this region is restricted and requires special permits.

These border crossings can be slow and chaotic at times, particularly at busy points. Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at major land borders, although completing the online visa application in advance is recommended to speed up the process. Indian citizens, however, do not require a visa to enter Nepal.

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