Nepal Visa: The Complete 2026 Guide for Trekkers

Nepal Visa: The Complete 2026 Guide for Trekkers

Nepal has one of the most straightforward visa systems in South Asia. Most travellers can get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport or at any of Nepal's land borders. This guide covers everything a trekker needs to know.

Who needs a visa?

Almost everyone. Only Indian citizens are exempt - they do not need a visa to enter Nepal.

All other nationalities require a Nepal tourist visa, which can be obtained in three ways:
1. On arrival at the airport or land border (the most common)
2. Through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system online before travel
3. At a Nepal embassy or consulate in your home country before travel

Tourist visa types and cost

The Nepal tourist visa comes in three durations:

• 15 days: USD 30 (multiple entry)
• 30 days: USD 50 (multiple entry)
• 90 days: USD 125 (multiple entry)

Children under 10 are free.

Visa fees can be paid in any major currency (USD preferred). Credit cards are accepted at the airport but cash is faster.

Visa on arrival - the standard process

Most trekkers arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The process:

1. Disembark and follow signs to "Visa on Arrival" - to the left of the main immigration hall.
2. Get a visa form. Available at electronic kiosks (try filling online via the Nepal Immigration ETA portal beforehand to save time).
3. Pay the fee. Cash counters or card machines. Get a receipt.
4. Queue at immigration. Present passport, fee receipt and visa form.
5. Visa sticker issued. Done.

Total time: 30-90 minutes depending on flight arrival timing. Avoid evenings (multiple international flights arrive together).

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)

Since 2024, Nepal has offered an online pre-arrival visa application via the Department of Immigration website (https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np). You complete the form, upload your photo, and receive a confirmation. On arrival you still pay the fee but the immigration queue is much faster.

Recommended for travellers arriving in peak season (October, April).

Land border entry

Tourist visas are also issued at major land border crossings:

• Sunauli / Belahiya (from India - Gorakhpur)
• Birgunj (from India - Raxaul)
• Kakarbhitta (from India - Siliguri)
• Nepalgunj (from India - Rupaidiha)
• Mahendranagar (from India - Banbasa)
• Kerung / Rasuwagadhi (from Tibet)

Process is the same as the airport but smaller queues. Cash payment recommended at land borders.

What you need

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from date of entry, with at least one blank page
• Visa fee: USD or major foreign currency
• Passport photos: 2 recent passport-size photos (bring 6-8 spare for trekking permits)
• Onward travel: Technically required but rarely checked
• Hotel address: Required on the form - any Kathmandu hotel name is fine

Visa extensions

If you stay longer than your visa allows, you can extend at the Department of Immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

• Extension cost: USD 3 per day (minimum 15 days = USD 45)
• Maximum stay: 150 days per calendar year
• Documents: Passport, current visa, photo, application form, fee

The Kathmandu office is in Kalikasthan, near Hotel Marshyangdi. Open 10am-2pm Sunday to Friday. Same-day extensions are common but allow 2-3 hours.

Overstaying

Overstaying your visa is treated seriously. Penalties:

• Under 30 days overstay: USD 3 per day plus the visa fee
• Over 30 days: Higher fines and potential deportation

You cannot leave Nepal until the penalty is paid. Avoid overstaying - extend in advance.

Other visa categories

Nepal offers nine visa categories. For most travellers only the tourist visa is relevant. Other categories:

• Trekking peak / mountaineering visa: Required only for commercial climbing expeditions, usually arranged by your trekking agency.
• Business visa: For foreign business representatives.
• Student visa: For university enrolment.
• Diplomatic / official: For government officials.
• Residential visa: Long-term residence (separate application process).

Discounts

US passport holders historically received discounts on certain visa types. As of 2026 this is no longer the case - all nationalities (except Indian) pay the same fees.

Visa for trekking in restricted areas

Your Nepal tourist visa is sufficient for all standard treks. Restricted-area treks (Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, etc.) require additional restricted-area permits issued by your trekking agency, but no special visa.

Visa for entering Tibet from Nepal

If your trip includes a Tibet extension (Kailash, Lhasa), you need a separate Chinese visa AND a Tibet travel permit, both arranged through a Lhasa-based tour operator. Your Nepal tourist visa does not cover Tibet entry.

Tips for a smooth visa experience

1. Bring USD cash. Faster than card payment at the airport.
2. Bring extra photos. You will need them for trekking permits anyway.
3. Apply for ETA online before flying. Saves 30 minutes at the airport.
4. Get a longer visa than you think you need. A 30-day visa is USD 50; a 90-day is USD 125. The marginal cost of extra time is low and avoids the extension hassle.
5. Check your passport validity. 6 months minimum from date of arrival.
6. Photocopy your visa page. Useful for trekking permits and hotel checkin.

In summary

The Nepal visa is one of the easiest in Asia. Visa on arrival works for almost all travellers. Cost is USD 30-125 depending on duration. Bring USD cash and passport photos to save time at the airport. Apply for ETA online beforehand for peak-season arrivals.

If you have unusual circumstances (very long stay, multiple Nepal entries, dual citizenship), check the Nepal Department of Immigration website or ask your trekking agency before travel. For 95% of trekkers the standard tourist visa is all you need.