Nepal Visa on Arrival: Complete Guide for Tourists in 2026

Nepal visa on arrival is one of the most accessible and accommodating visa regimes in Asia. You are planning a Himalayan trek, cultural tour, business trip, or just a spontaneous holiday; the visa on arrival ensures that there is no hassle in entering Nepal. The visa of nearly all the tourists is obtained upon arrival at the airport or at the major land borders without prior attendance at an embassy.

This is the ultimate guide to all the knowledge you require about the Nepal visa on arrival 2026, such as how to qualify, costs, required documents, step-by-step process, entering the land border, extending the visa, nationality-based requirements, and handy travel suggestions. It is maintained in a very basic and simple language that any traveler would understand, hence they could walk into Nepal without any second thoughts.

Introduction to Nepal and Why You Need a Visa Guide

Nepal is a beautiful country between India and China, famous for the Himalayas, Mount Everest, its rich culture, friendly people, and diverse landscapes. More than a million travelers visit Nepal every year, and the number continues to rise. With so many visitors entering the country, understanding the visa process helps you avoid delays and confusion.

Except for Indian nationals, almost all foreigners need a visa to enter Nepal. Luckily, Nepal offers a very friendly visa-on-arrival service for tourists. It implies that you can obtain your visa either at the airport or at the border without having a trip to a Nepali embassy.

An easy roadmap is essential since it takes less time and is easier to fill out the visa form when one knows what documents to bring along, the price of the visa, and what to take once there.

This blog explains the full process in a simple way so every traveler, whether visiting for trekking, sightseeing, or business, can enter Nepal without any difficulty.

What Is Nepal Visa on Arrival

A Nepal visa on arrival is a tourist visa that you receive at Nepal’s entry points, such as Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or major land borders. It is the same tourist visa you would get from an embassy, but instead of applying in advance, you complete everything when you arrive in Nepal.

The visa on arrival was created to make tourism easier. You simply fill out a form, pay the visa fee, and get your visa stamped inside your passport. It is extremely convenient for travelers who plan their trip last minute or who do not have a Nepali embassy in their country.

The visa on arrival is intended for short visits, general travel, trekking, adventure trips, cultural holidays, business meetings, and similar purposes. It is not meant for long-term study, employment, or permanent residence. Visitors who want to stay long-term usually arrive on a tourist visa and later apply for another visa category inside Nepal.

All tourist visas in Nepal are multiple-entry. This means you can leave Nepal and come back within the visa period without buying a new visa.

Eligibility for Nepal Visa on Arrival

Nepal visa can be obtained by a very high percentage of the travelers who visit the country without any complications. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, all the European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, the UAE, and many more can just reach the airport or land border and get their visa.

It is this broad eligibility that makes Nepal one of the most convenient countries to enter into tourism. The majority of travelers are just required to fill out a brief form, pay the visa fee, and present their passports at the immigration counter. This is a fairly straightforward procedure, and the reason is that Nepal is a famous trekking and holiday destination for many individuals.

There are some nationality-based rules:

Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival

Travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, all European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, UAE, and many more are eligible. Most nationalities in the world fall into this category.

SAARC Countries

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka citizens receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival once per calendar year. If they visit again within the same year or stay longer than 30 days, normal visa fees apply.

This advantage is to promote tourism in South Asia and ease the travelling between the countries. In case a traveler in a SAARC country wishes to spend more than 30 days or visit Nepal once more within the same year, the regular visa fee will be charged.

Indian Citizens

Indian nationals are not required to have a visa to enter Nepal. The two countries have a long-standing agreement which they move freely between the two countries.

Indians can remain as long as they wish, but they are expected to carry a valid ID document like a passport or a voter ID card. Age or school documents should also be carried by the children travelling with their parents. There are no charges or applications to make, and thus, movement between India and Nepal is very easy.

Chinese Citizens

Chinese passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival as per the current tourism cooperation policy between Nepal and China. This has been given considering that there is a tourism cooperation agreement between Nepal and China.

Chinese tourists just have to complete the arrival form and present their passports at immigration. The visa is issued at no cost. In case a Chinese tourist wants to extend past 30 days, he or she can do so by paying the standard extension fee in Nepal.

Children Under 10

Children aged below 10 are given a free visa on arrival, irrespective of their nationality. This policy can help family travel as it will lower the visa costs of young travelers. This excludes children holding United States passports, who must pay the normal visa fee.

The child should also travel with the passport, photo, and documents with the parents so as to have a hassle-free time completing the passport registration. This simple rule will facilitate the traveling of families and make Nepal a child-friendly destination.

Nationalities Not Eligible

Some nationalities must apply for a visa before traveling to Nepal. They include Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Somalia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini. Travelers from these countries must obtain a visa from a Nepali embassy before flying. Airlines may refuse boarding if they do not have a visa in their passport.

Documents Required for Visa on Arrival

Preparing the right documents helps you complete the visa smoothly. You only need a few items:

First, you need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the day you arrive. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Passports that are damaged or have no blank pages may be rejected.

Second, carry at least one or two passport-sized photos. Sometimes the airport takes your photo digitally, but it is always safer to bring physical photos, especially if you enter by land.

Third, you must fill out the Nepal tourist visa application form. You can either complete it at the airport on paper or fill it out online within 15 days of arrival. Filling it out online saves time because you avoid standing in the long line for paper forms.

Fourth, keep your arrival card ready. Airlines normally provide it during the flight.

Finally, bring the visa fee in cash. Nepal accepts the United States Dollar and a few major currencies. Nepalese rupees and Indian rupees are not accepted for visa fees. Some airport counters may accept card payments, but this is not reliable every day. With these simple items, your visa process becomes very smooth.

Step-by-Step Visa on Arrival Process at Kathmandu Airport

Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport is the main entry point for most tourists. The process is simple if you follow the steps in order. When you land, follow the signs for arrival and go to the visa on arrival area. If you filled out the online form, go to the dedicated counter for online applicants. If not, pick up a paper form and an arrival card and fill them out carefully.

After the form is complete, go to the payment counter. Choose the visa length you want. You can take a 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day visa, depending on your travel plan. Pay the fee in cash. The officer will issue a receipt, which will be presented at the immigration counter.

The second step is to go to the desk of immigration desk. Give your passport, filled form, receipt of arrival card, photo, and receipt of payment. The officer will examine your papers, ask some basic questions regarding your visit then will stick the visa sticker on your passport. The visa will indicate your entry date and the number of days that you can remain.

Check the sticker again before walking out of the counter to make sure that you have the right name, passport number, and validity dates. Once you pass this area, correcting mistakes becomes difficult. After receiving the visa, collect your luggage and proceed through customs to exit the airport.

Updated Visa Fees and Accepted Payment Methods

Nepal visa fees are simple and clear. They depend on how many days you want to stay.

Tourist Visa Fees

• 15-day visa costs 30 dollars
• 30-day visa costs 50 dollars
• 90-day visa costs 125 dollars

These fees apply to most nationalities, except those who receive free visas, such as Chinese citizens, SAARC citizens on their first visit of the year, and children under 10.
Payment is normally accepted in United States dollars.

Other major currencies like the Euro, the Pound, and the Australian Dollar are often accepted, but sometimes only dollar bills are preferred. Nepalese rupees and Indian rupees are not accepted at the visa counter. At land borders, only cash is accepted.

Some airport counters have card readers, but they are not reliable every day due to network issues, so carrying cash is strongly recommended. It is safest to bring cash.

Visa on Arrival at Land Borders

Many travelers enter Nepal by land from India or Tibet. Nepal provides a visa on arrival at several land borders as well.

The major India-Nepal entry points include:

• Kakarbhitta
• Birgunj
• Bhairahawa
• Biratnagar
• Nepalgunj
• Dhangadhi
• Mahendranagar

The main entry point from Tibet is Rasuwagadhi near the town of Kerung.

The process at land borders is similar: fill out a form, pay the visa fee, and get your passport stamped. However, the facilities may be simpler than the airport. You may not find electronic kiosks, so bring passport photos and a pen.

Always make sure your bus or taxi stops at the official immigration office. Do not cross the border without getting your entry stamp. Entering without a stamp can cause serious problems later when exiting the country.

Visa Extension Rules and Overstay Penalties

Sometimes travelers fall in love with Nepal and decide to stay longer. Nepal allows tourists to extend their visa up to a total of 150 days per year. To extend your visa, visit the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. Bring your passport, one photo, and the extension fee.

The minimum extension is 15 days for 45 dollars. After that, each extra day costs 3 dollars. You can also add a multiple-entry facility for 25 dollars, though your visa on arrival is generally multiple entries. Extending your visa is important before it expires.

Violating the maximum even by a single day means you will have to pay a fine of $5 every day on top of the usual extension charge. Extended overstays result in much stricter punishment and, in severe cases, a travel ban. You should always note the expiry date on your visa sticker and remind yourself on your phone.

Visa on Arrival for Tourists, Trekkers, Business Travelers, and Students

Most tourists enter Nepal with a visa on arrival. If you are sightseeing, taking a holiday, or visiting family and friends, the normal visa is enough. Trekkers and climbers also use the tourist visa, even for long treks. You can choose a 30-day or 90-day visa, depending on your trekking plan. Trekking permits, such as conservation area permits or national park entry permits, are separate from the visa.

Business travelers visiting for meetings or conferences can also use a tourist visa. Only those planning long-term business activities need other visa types later. Students and volunteers normally enter on a tourist visa first and then change to a student or volunteer visa inside the country if needed. A tourist visa cannot be used for paid work.

Special Notes for Popular Nationalities

Visa regulations might vary slightly across the travellers of the various regions in the world, but the general visa on arrival policy is comparable, with barely any difference. To make its visa policy visitor-friendly, Nepal has made sure that the policy includes simple guidelines and rules that can be comprehended by a first-time visitor.

There are nationalities that get a free visa, the ones that get a standard visa, and a few that have to apply in advance. These minor variations are going to make you better prepared and prevent any kind of surprise during the immigration process. The following are brief and clear points on the key nationalities that visit Nepal in large numbers.

• American, British, Canadian, European, Australian, and New Zealand travelers are fully eligible for a visa on arrival. United States citizens also have the option to apply for a five-year multiple-entry visa at the Department of Immigration inside Nepal (not on arrival).
• Indian citizens do not need a visa. They can enter with a passport or a voter ID card.
• Chinese citizens receive a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days.
• Most Asian travelers, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, get a normal visa on arrival with standard fees.
• African and Middle Eastern nationals can also get a visa on arrival, except those from the restricted list.
• Travelers with more than one passport should choose the passport that is eligible for a visa on arrival.

How to Fill the Online Visa Form

Filling out the online visa form before your flight saves a lot of time. You can fill it up to 15 days before arriving in Nepal. The form asks for your passport details, your arrival date, your contact information, and your first night’s hotel address.

After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Print it and bring it with you. At the airport, show this paper at the online visa counter. You still need to fill out the arrival card and then pay the visa fee. The online form simply helps you skip one long step at the airport.

Best Times to Arrive for a Smooth Entry

Your arrival in Nepal can influence the speed at which you receive your visa. The most frequent ones are spring and autumn, and most flights are coming close to each other and which might cause a congested immigration hall. During these months, particularly in the late morning or early afternoon, you may have to wait longer in line.

The winter and monsoon seasons are very silent, and there are fewer tourists. Most of the travelers complete their visa process in 15 to 30 minutes during these seasons. There is also always a shorter line at early morning and late night flights since not as many planes land during the early morning and late night.

To get the quickest entry, you should take a flight that is landing in the off-peak hours or in a season that has low traffic. Filling out the online form prior to traveling can also enable you to get through the process faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few simple mistakes can delay your visa process. Many travelers forget to check their passport validity. Nepal requires a six-month validity after entry. Also, remember to bring passport photos, cash for the visa fee, and at least one blank page in your passport. At land borders, do not walk past the immigration building without getting stamped.

At the airport, do not rely only on credit cards for payment. Another common mistake is not checking the visa sticker before leaving the counter. Always confirm that the visa duration and your details are correct. The biggest mistake is overstaying the visa. Even a short overstay requires a fine and can cause a delay at departure. Always extend in time.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visa Experience

A few simple tips make your arrival even easier. Fill out your arrival card during the flight. Keep your passport, photos, cash, and online form printout in one folder for easy access. Carry a pen, as forms are often handwritten. Treat the immigration officers patiently and politely, particularly when they have a heavy workload.

Nepal is also a good country to have travel insurance in case you will trek or participate in adventure activities. Once immigration is completed, withdraw Nepalese rupee from the airport ATM to cover transport and hotel bills.

Always have a copy of your passport and visa sticker with you in case you lose them. In case you are travelling with a tour company, listen to them; they usually help with the visa settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?

Yes, most foreigners need a visa. Indian citizens do not need one.

How much does the visa cost?

A fifteen-day visa costs 30 dollars, a thirty-day visa costs 50 dollars, and a ninety-day visa costs 125 dollars.

Can I pay in Nepalese rupees

No. Pay in United States Dollar or other major foreign currencies.

Can I get a visa late at night?

Yes. The airport immigration operates whenever international flights arrive.

Can I re-enter Nepal with the same visa?

Yes. Tourist visas issued on arrival are already multiple-entry, so you can leave Nepal and return again as long as the visa is still valid.

Can I work or volunteer on a tourist visa?
Working is not allowed. Short informal volunteering is common, but long-term volunteering requires a proper visa change.

What if I overstay?

You must pay a fine of five dollars per day and extend your visa before leaving.

Conclusion

Nepal visa on arrival is one of the most convenient entry systems in Asia. Almost every traveler can receive their visa quickly and continue their journey without stress. The process is very smooth with proper preparation. Carry your passport, which has a validity of six months, your photos, the visa fee in cash, and your filled online form, in case possible. Nepal is a friendly and hospitable nation.

This friendliness is reflected in the visa-on-arrival system. As soon as you get you will experience the warmth and comfort of travelling. Nepal visa on arrival is your first step to a great adventure, whether you are hiking to the Everest Base Camp, hunting for Kathmandu temples, visiting Lumbini, or taking time in Pokhara.

This is all you need to realize that you can now enter Nepal in 2026 with all the confidence you have with this simple and complete guide.