Discover how to secure your entry permit, avoid common pitfalls and tap into little-known perks before you land in Kathmandu.
Nepal offers several ways to obtain a tourist visa—on arrival, through an embassy or via its new eVisa portal. You’ll also learn which travelers pay nothing, how long you can stay, what happens if you overstay and which nationalities must plan ahead.
Types of Nepal Tourist Visas
Nepal issues tourist visas in three main ways, as detailed on Wikipedia’s Visa policy of Nepal page:
• Visa on Arrival
• Embassy or Mission Visa
• Pre-registered eVisa (online)
Visa on Arrival
Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and major land crossings by completing an application form, submitting a passport and photo, and paying the fee, with eligibility criteria outlined on the same Wikipedia reference.
Embassy or Mission Visa
Alternatively, you can apply at a Nepalese embassy or consulate before departure. Processing times vary by location, so consult your nearest mission well in advance for appointment requirements and documentation, as described on that page.
Pre-registered eVisa System
Nepal’s eVisa portal lets you complete the application online—including document uploads and payment—before you travel. Approved applicants receive an email letter of introduction to present on arrival, eliminating in-person paperwork and streamlining the entry process via the Nepal Immigration eVisa portal.
Fees and Exemptions
Here’s what you’ll pay for a single-entry tourist visa, based on the length of stay, according to the Wikipedia policy:
- 15 days – USD 30
- 30 days – USD 50
- 90 days – USD 125
Some visitors pay nothing:
• Citizens of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (SAARC, except India)
• Children under 10 years old
Children’s passports require no visa fee for any length up to 90 days, as shown in the policy overview.
Required Documents and How to Apply
Whether you choose Visa on Arrival, Embassy/Mission visa or eVisa, prepare:
• Valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended entry date)
• One recent passport-style photograph
• Completed application form (submitted online for eVisa)
• Visa fee (cash in USD/NPR or credit card via the eVisa portal)
eVisa Step-by-Step
- Navigate to the Nepal Immigration eVisa portal.
- Create an account and enter your personal and travel information.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport and photograph.
- Pay the visa fee with a credit or debit card.
- Receive an approval letter via email, then print and present it alongside your passport and photo on arrival.
Extensions, Stay Limits and Overstay Penalties
You can extend your tourist visa at any immigration office in Nepal up to a total of 150 days per calendar year—regardless of the number of entries—per the Wikipedia policy documentation.
Overstaying your visa incurs a fine of USD 3 per day, as reported in Travelfish’s guide to Nepal visas and permits. Failure to settle overdue fines may result in refusal of future entry, so plan extensions at least one week before expiration.
Special Entry Restrictions
A few nationalities cannot obtain a visa on arrival and must apply at a Nepalese embassy or mission in advance, including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Confirm any additional requirements with your local Nepalese diplomatic office.
Ready to Step into the Himalayas?
With this guide in hand, you know which visa path fits you best, how to save on fees, where to apply and what happens if you overstay. Pack your bags, print that eVisa letter and get set for the adventure of a lifetime.