The On-Arrival Visa: Your Primary Entry Method
Most international travelers can obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or at any of the official land border crossings. This is a Multiple Entry visa, allowing you to travel to neighboring countries like Bhutan or Tibet and return to Nepal within your visa’s validity. Current Visa Fee Structure (2026):
15 Days: USD 30
30 Days: USD 50
90 Days: USD 125
Pro-Tip on Payment: While card machines are available at TIA, they can be unreliable. We strongly recommend carrying the exact amount in crisp, new US Dollar bills. At land borders, cash is usually the only accepted form of payment.
Required Documentation Checklist
To ensure you aren’t delayed at the immigration desk, have your “Immigration Kit” ready before you land:
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and have at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
Online Pre-Registration: While you can use kiosks at the airport, the fastest way is to fill out the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) on the official Nepal Immigration website within 15 days of arrival. Print the barcode receipt to skip the long kiosk lines.
Passport Photos: If you haven’t pre-filled the online form, carry at least two physical passport-sized photos (though digital cameras are available at the airport).
Proof of Stay: Have your first night’s hotel address (e.g., in Thamel) and your return flight details ready, as immigration officers may occasionally ask for these.
Special Categories & Exemptions
Indian Nationals: Under the 1950 treaty, Indian citizens do not require a visa. You must carry a valid Passport or Voter ID card. (Note: Aadhar cards are generally not accepted for air entry).
Chinese Nationals: Chinese citizens are currently eligible for a Gratis (Free) Visa for tourism purposes.
Children: Children under the age of 10 are issued a Gratis Visa (except for U.S. citizens in some specific categories—check with your local consulate).
SAARC Citizens: Travelers from SAARC countries (except Afghanistan) are entitled to a free visa for 30 days once per calendar year.
Restricted Countries: Citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Liberia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine must obtain a visa prior to arrival from a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate.
Official Entry and Exit Points
If you are arriving by air, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the primary gateway. If you are planning a Nepal Package Tour that involves overland travel from India or China, you must enter through these designated points to receive your legal entry stamp:
India-Nepal Borders: 5 Entry Points
Kakarbhitta (East),
Birgunj (Central),
Belahiya/Bhairahawa (West),
Nepalgunj (Mid-West),
Gaddachauki (Far-West).
China-Nepal Borders: 2 Entry Points
Rasuwagadhi (Kerung)
Kodari (Tatopani).
Staying Longer: Extensions & Fines
Many travelers fall in love with Nepal and decide to stay. You can extend your tourist visa for a total of 150 days per calendar year.
Where: Extensions are processed at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
Cost: Approximately USD 3 per day (minimum 15-day extension).
Warning: Never overstay your visa. Overstaying results in a fine of USD 5 per day plus additional mandatory fees and can lead to complications during departure.
Customs and Health Regulations
Customs: You can bring personal belongings duty-free. However, there are strict limits on gold (50g for women/25g for men) and silver (100g). Drones require prior permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
Health: As of 2026, no specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry, but we highly recommend travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking if you are planning an Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Our Commitment: At Nepal Tour Hiking, we assist all our guests with the visa pre-registration process to ensure that your first moments in Nepal are spent enjoying the view, not waiting in line.
