Nepal Visa Process 2026: The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
If you want to trek in the Himalayas, visit ancient cities, or experience Nepal’s culture, it’s a good idea to learn about the visa process first. Nepal makes it easy for all types of travelers, whether you’re a backpacker, business visitor, or student. This guide will walk you through the steps to get a Nepal visa in 2026, so you can plan your trip with ease.
Why Nepal’s Visa Policy Draws the World
Nepal is known for its stunning scenery, historic temples, and lively culture, but it’s also famous for making travel easy. Unlike many places, Nepal lets most visitors get a visa when they arrive at the airport or border. This simple process means you just bring the right documents, and you’re set. Whether you travel often or decide to visit on a whim, you don’t have to worry about embassy visits or long waits. With less hassle, you can spend more time exploring everything Nepal has to offer.
Who Needs a Nepal Visa?
Most foreign visitors need a visa to enter Nepal, but the good news is that almost everyone can get one when they arrive. There are a few exceptions. Indian nationals do not need a visa and can enter Nepal with a valid government-issued ID. However, citizens from certain African and Middle Eastern countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan, must get a visa ahead of time from a Nepalese embassy or consulate.
Types of Nepal Visas: Pick the Right One for Your Trip
Nepal offers different types of visas depending on why you are visiting. Picking the right visa will help make your arrival and stay go smoothly.
1. Tourist Visa
By far, the most common visa type is the Tourist Visa. It covers sightseeing, trekking, cultural exploration, visiting family and friends, or participating in yoga retreats and adventure tours. Flexibility is a key feature:
- 15-day multiple-entry visa
- 30-day multiple-entry visa
- 90-day multiple-entry visa
With a multiple-entry visa, you are free to leave Nepal and come back as often as you like while your visa is still valid.
2. Business Visa
If you want to do business, attend meetings, or represent a foreign company in Nepal, you will need a Business Visa. You usually have to provide documents like an invitation from a Nepalese company, proof of business registration, or a letter from the government.
3. Student Visa
If you have been accepted into a school or university in Nepal, you can apply for a Student Visa. You will need an official acceptance letter and proof that you are enrolled.
4. Transit Visa
If you are only stopping at Tribhuvan International Airport on your way to another country, you can get a Transit Visa. This visa lets you stay for up to 24 hours and allows just one entry.
5. Other Specialized Visas
Nepal also offers visas for other reasons, like diplomatic, official, marriage, or press visits. The requirements depend on your situation and the documents you provide.
Two Simple Ways to Secure Your Nepal Visa
Nepal makes it easy for foreigners to get the correct travel authorization. Use one of these two approved methods:
Method 1: Visa on Arrival (Fastest & Most Popular)
Most travelers choose a visa on arrival because it is simple. You can get this service at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, as well as at many land borders like Sunauli, Raxaul, and Kakarbhitta.
Step-by-Step Process for Visa on Arrival
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
- Online Pre-Application (Recommended): Visit the official Nepal Immigration website before your trip and complete the online tourist visa form. This will make your arrival smoother. The online form is valid for 15 days. Print the confirmation slip with the barcode to show when you enter.
- Kiosk at the Airport or Border: If you have not filled out the form ahead of time, you can use the electronic kiosks at the arrival terminal. Lines can get long when it is busy, so filling out the form online before you travel can save you time.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee
- Pay the appropriate visa fee at the visa payment counter. Cash payments are accepted in US Dollars, Euros, Swiss Francs, Pounds Sterling, Japanese Yen, and a few other major currencies.
- It is best to bring exact change, as the counters may not have change on hand. Some counters say they accept cards, but cash is usually the safest way to pay.
Visa Fees for 2026:
- 15 Days: USD $30
- 30 Days: USD $50
- 90 Days: USD $125
Step 3: Submit Documents and Receive Your Visa
- With receipt, filled application form (or barcode), passport, and passport-sized photo, approach the immigration counter.
- The immigration officer will verify your documents and place a visa sticker in your passport.
- After you collect your luggage, go to customs. The process is simple.
Method 2: Visa in Advance (For Peace of Mind or Ineligible Nationalities)
If you want to have your visa before you travel, or if your country is not eligible for a visa on arrival, you can apply at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Embassy Application Process
- Locate your nearest embassy or consulate: Visit their official website to download the current visa application form.
- Gather your documents: Typically required are a completed application form, a passport (with at least 6 months’ validity and 1 blank visa page), at least 1 recent passport-size photo, and your visa fee (payment method as per embassy instructions).
- Submit in person or by mail: Some embassies let you apply by post. If you do, include a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope.
- Wait for processing: Processing times are typically a few days to two weeks. You will receive your passport with the visa sticker once approved.
Required Documents for Getting Your Nepal Visa
Whether you’re applying on arrival or at an embassy, be sure to prepare:
- Valid Passport: At least six months’ validity from the planned date of arrival.
- Visa Application Form: Either a printed barcode slip from the online system or a paper form at the airport/embassy.
- Passport-Size Photograph(s): At least one, with more sometimes required for other visa categories or extensions.
- Visa Fee in Cash: Bring the exact amount in a major currency to make the visa-on-arrival process easier.
- Proof of onward or return travel and accommodation: These may be requested for long stays or non-tourist visas.
Special Note: Ineligible Nationalities
Travelers from certain countries listed above cannot use the visa-on-arrival option. They need to get approval from a Nepalese consulate before traveling.
Extending Your Nepal Tourist Visa
If 15, 30, or even 90 days in Nepal don’t feel like enough, you’re not alone .😊
Many visitors want to stay longer. You can extend your visa and stay up to 150 days in a calendar year.
Visa Extension Process
- Go to the Department of Immigration: Offices are located in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Bring your valid passport, current visa, a passport photo, and the daily extension fee.
- The extension fee is currently $3 per day. If you apply late, there is an extra charge, so try to extend your visa before it expires.
To extend your visa, just fill out a simple form and pay at the Immigration Office. If you overstay, you could face fines, trouble leaving Nepal, or even travel restrictions. It’s best to extend your visa the official way.
Nepal Visa Exemptions, Restrictions, and COVID Updates
- Indian citizens: No visa is required; a valid government-issued ID suffices.
- Overstaying penalties: If you stay past your visa, you will need to pay a daily fine. Check with Immigration for the latest rates.
- COVID-19 updates: Most pandemic-era restrictions have been lifted, but always confirm if new policies have been implemented. The latest information can be found on the official sources of Nepal’s Department of Immigration.
- Land border crossings: Most allow a visa on arrival, though procedures can be slower than at the airport. Expect crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
Immigration Tips for a Smooth Journey
Use the Online Application: Completing the form online before arrival saves time and hassle.
Carry Cash: Some payment counters at land borders and the airport may not accept credit or debit cards, or the service may be down.
Bring extra passport photos from home for visa extensions or trekking permits. While you can get them cheaply in Nepal, having them ready will save you time.
Keep Your Visa Slip: When extending, you’ll need to present your original visa and your extension receipt.
Track Your 150-Day Total: Tourist stays are capped at 150 days per year. Mark your calendar if you plan long-term travels.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months, as airlines and immigration will not make exceptions.
Gather Entry & Exit Stamps: For trekkers crossing land borders to India, Tibet, or Bhutan, keep careful records of entry/exit stamps for visa authorities.
Special Considerations for Trekkers and Adventurers
Nepal is known for adventure, from the Himalayas and Annapurna Circuit to Everest Base Camp and jungle wildlife. You will need entry permits like TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and national park fees, which are separate from your tourist visa. You can get these permits from local trekking agencies or park offices. If you plan to enter Nepal through remote border crossings popular with trekkers, make sure you have all your documents, proof of funds, and a passport in good condition.
Planning for the Unexpected: Contingencies
Sometimes, lost luggage, missing paperwork, or last-minute policy changes can cause delays. To be safe, keep both digital and paper copies of your important documents. It also helps to add a few extra days at the beginning of your trip, especially if you have tours or treks planned, so you have time to handle long immigration lines or any problems at the border.
Wrapping Up: Nepal Welcomes You!
Getting your visa is just the first step in your Nepal adventure. Whether you come for spiritual experiences, mountain treks, ancient valleys, or lively festivals, Nepal’s easy visa process helps you start exploring right away.
Get your documents ready, pick the right visa, and prepare to experience the magic of Nepal. Here, legends come alive, mountains rise high, and every traveler leaves with a story.
