Planning your Himalayan adventure to Nepal? Knowing the Nepal visa requirements is your first essential step. This comprehensive Nepal visa guide covers everything travelers from the USA, UK, Australia, and top European countries need to know about obtaining a Nepal tourist visa in 2025.
Based on 2024 Nepal Tourism Board statistics, over 1.14 million international tourists visited Nepal, with the USA (111,216 visitors), UK (57,554), Australia (43,980), Germany (29,801), and France (25,126) ranking among the top source markets. If you’re from any of these countries, this Nepal visa guide will answer all your questions.
Process of Nepal Visa on Arrival
The good news for most international travelers is that Nepal offers a convenient visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at major land border crossings with India and Tibet. This straightforward process makes Nepal visa requirements remarkably simple compared to many Asian destinations.
Who Qualifies for a Nepal Visa on Arrival?
Citizens from the following top visiting countries automatically qualify for a Nepal visa on arrival:
North America:
- United States of America
- Canada
Europe:
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Austria
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Norway
- Finland
- Ireland
- Poland
Oceania:
- Australia
- New Zealand
Asia:
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Thailand
This Nepal visa on arrival facility makes Nepal one of the most accessible destinations in South Asia for Western travelers.
Countries That Cannot Get a Nepal Visa on Arrival
A small number of countries require Nepal visa requirements through embassies before travel. These include:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Zimbabwe
- Swaziland
- Cameroon
- Somalia
- Liberia
- Ethiopia
- Iraq
- Palestine
- Afghanistan
If you’re from these countries, contact the nearest Nepalese embassy 4-6 weeks before your planned departure to arrange your Nepal tourist visa.
Nepal Visa Fees and Duration Options
Understanding Nepal visa requirements includes knowing the cost structure. Nepal offers three standard Nepal tourist visa options:
15-Day Nepal Tourist Visa
- Cost: USD 30
- Ideal for: Weekend getaways, Kathmandu Valley exploration, short Poon Hill trek
- Extensions: Available in Nepal
30-Day Nepal Tourist Visa
- Cost: USD 50
- Ideal for: Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, comprehensive Nepal tour
- Extensions: Available in Nepal
- Most Popular: This option suits most first-time visitors
90-Day Nepal Tourist Visa
- Cost: USD 125
- Ideal for: Long treks (Manaslu Circuit, Kanchenjunga, Great Himalaya Trail), extended cultural immersion, volunteer programs
- Extensions: Available up to 150 days total per calendar year
These Nepal visa requirements fees have remained stable for several years, making Nepal an affordable destination for budget and luxury travelers alike.
Nepal Visa Requirements: Essential Documents
To successfully obtain your Nepal visa on arrival or through an embassy, prepare these documents according to Nepal visa requirements:
Required Documents Checklist:
1. Valid Passport
- Must have at least 6 months’ validity from your entry date
- At least one blank page for a visa stamp
- Damaged passports may be rejected
2. Passport Photos
- Two recent passport-sized photos (2×2 inches or 51x51mm)
- White background preferred
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Photo booths are available at Kathmandu airport if needed
3. Visa Fee in US Dollars
- Must be clean, undamaged bills
- Airport currency exchange is available, but the rates aren’t optimal
- Credit cards NOT accepted for visa fees
4. Completed Visa Application Form
- Available online at www.immigrationnepal.gov.np (recommended)
- Available at airport immigration counters
- Requires an accommodation address in Nepal
5. Return/Onward Ticket (occasionally requested)
- Print a copy of the flight confirmation
- Shows you intend to leave Nepal
6. Proof of Sufficient Funds (rarely requested but recommended)
- Bank statements
- Credit cards
- Cash (USD 30-50 per day is standard)
Meeting these Nepal visa requirements ensures smooth entry without delays or complications at immigration.
Nepal Visa on Arrival Process: Step-by-Step
Understanding the Nepal visa on arrival process helps you navigate Kathmandu airport efficiently, especially during peak tourist seasons when queues extend significantly.
Step 1: Complete Online Application (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Before your flight to Nepal, visit the Immigration Department’s online portal at www.immigrationnepal.gov.np. Complete the tourist visa application form, which takes 5-10 minutes. Upload your passport photo digitally. Submit the form and save the confirmation receipt (either print or save on your phone).
This pre-arrival completion of Nepal visa requirements saves 30-45 minutes of queue time at the airport. During the October-November peak season, this time saving is invaluable.
Step 2: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
After your flight lands and you collect your luggage, follow the signs to “Visa on Arrival” before reaching the immigration counters. The visa section is clearly marked and staffed by immigration officers.
Step 3: Payment and Processing
Present your online confirmation (if completed beforehand) or complete a paper form at the airport kiosks. Pay your visa fee at the payment counter—USD 30, 50, or 125 depending on your chosen duration. Payment must be in US dollars cash. Collect your payment receipt.
Step 4: Immigration Counter
Join the immigration queue (separate lines for online vs. paper applications—online is faster). Present your passport, payment receipt, and passport photos to the immigration officer. The officer will verify your Nepal visa requirements documents, stamp your passport, and return it with your Nepal tourist visa.
Step 5: Entry into Nepal
Proceed through immigration with your stamped passport. Collect your luggage if not already done and exit through customs. Welcome to Nepal!
Total Process Time:
- With online pre-application: 15-30 minutes
- With paper application at the airport: 45-90 minutes (longer during peak seasons)
Country-Specific Nepal Visa Guide
Nepal Visa for Americans (USA)
American citizens represent Nepal’s second-largest tourist market, with over 111,000 visiting in 2024. Nepal visa requirements for US citizens are straightforward:
- Visa on Arrival: YES
- Cost: Same as standard (USD 30/50/125)
- Multiple Entry: YES
- Extension: YES, up to 150 days total per year
US citizens commonly choose 30-day Nepal tourist visas for Everest Base Camp treks or comprehensive Nepal tours. The Nepal-US relationship is strong, and American travelers rarely face visa complications.
Special Note for Americans: The US Embassy in Kathmandu provides consular services should you need passport replacement or emergency assistance. Contact: +977-1-423-4000.
Nepal Visa for UK Citizens (Britain)
British travelers ranked fourth among Nepal’s visitors in 2024, with over 57,500 arriving. Nepal visa requirements for UK citizens mirror other Western nations:
- Visa on Arrival: YES
- Cost: Standard rates
- Multiple Entry: YES
- Extension: Available
UK citizens often combine Nepal visits with India travel, making the Nepal visa on arrival system particularly convenient. No special permits or additional Nepal visa requirements apply to British passport holders.
Brexit Note: Post-Brexit, UK passport holders maintain the same Nepal visa on arrival privileges as EU citizens.
Nepal Visa for Australian & New Zealand Citizens
Australia contributed nearly 44,000 visitors to Nepal in 2024, while New Zealand sent over 4,200. Nepal visa requirements for Oceania travelers are identical to Americans and Europeans:
- Visa on Arrival: YES
- Cost: Standard USD rates
- Multiple Entry: YES
- Extension: YES
Australian and Kiwi travelers typically visit Nepal during their region’s winter (June-August), though this coincides with Nepal’s monsoon season. Autumn (September-November) sees increasing numbers from Down Under.
Nepal Visa for German Citizens
Germany ranks as Nepal’s top European source market, sending nearly 30,000 travelers in 2024. Nepal visa requirements for German citizens are uncomplicated:
- Visa on Arrival: YES (Visum bei Ankunft)
- Cost: Standard rates in USD
- Multiple Entry: YES
- Extension: Available in Kathmandu
German trekkers particularly favor the Annapurna region and less-crowded routes like the Manaslu Circuit. The German Embassy in Kathmandu provides consular services for German citizens.
Nepal Visa for French Citizens
France contributes over 25,000 annual visitors to Nepal. Nepal visa requirements for French citizens follow standard protocols:
- Visa on Arrival: YES (Visa à l’arrivée)
- Cost: Standard USD rates
- Multiple Entry: YES
- Extension: Available
French travelers often combine Nepal trekking with cultural exploration, spending extended periods in Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO sites.
Nepal Visa for Spanish, Italian & Dutch Citizens
Spain (13,968 visitors in 2024), Italy (14,474 visitors), and the Netherlands (11,393 visitors) all enjoy straightforward Nepal visa on arrival access:
- Visa on Arrival: YES for all
- Cost: Standard rates
- Multiple Entry: YES
- Extension: Available
- Special Requirements: NONE
European Union passport holders face no additional Nepal visa requirements beyond standard documentation.
Nepal Visa for Canadian Citizens
Canada sent over 16,000 travelers to Nepal in 2024. Nepal visa requirements for Canadians mirror American procedures:
- Visa on Arrival: YES
- Cost: Standard USD rates (CAD not accepted)
- Multiple Entry: YES
- Extension: Available
Canadian travelers should bring US dollars for visa payment, as Canadian dollars aren’t accepted and exchange rates at the airport are unfavorable.
Nepal Visa for Scandinavian Citizens (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland)
Nordic countries contribute steady visitor numbers to Nepal. Nepal visa requirements for all Scandinavian nations are identical:
- Visa on Arrival: YES
- Cost: Standard USD rates
- Multiple Entry: YES
- Extension: Available
Scandinavian trekkers often visit during Nepal’s autumn season, avoiding their harsh winter months.
Nepal Visa Extension Process
One of the most flexible aspects of Nepal visa requirements is the straightforward extension process. If you fall in love with Nepal (as many do) and want to stay longer, extending your Nepal tourist visa is simple.
Where to Extend Your Nepal Visa
Visit the Department of Immigration office in Kathmandu, located in Kalikasthan. The office also has branches in Pokhara, Kakarbhitta (eastern border), Birgunj (southern border), and Belahiya (western border). Kathmandu’s office handles most extensions.
Nepal Visa Extension Costs
- First 30 days of extension: USD 3 per day (NPR 50 per day)
- Beyond 30 days: USD 5 per day
- Maximum total stay: 150 days in any calendar year
Extension Application Requirements
Bring these documents for your Nepal visa extension:
- Current passport with a valid Nepal tourist visa
- Completed visa extension form (available at the immigration office)
- Two passport photos
- Extension fee in Nepali Rupees
- Trekking permits if you’ve been trekking
The extension typically processes same-day or within 24 hours. Never overstay your Nepal tourist visa—penalties include fines (USD 3 per day initially, increasing with duration), potential detention, deportation, and re-entry bans.
Nepal Multiple Entry Visa
Nepal tourist visas allow multiple entries during their validity period, making Nepal visa requirements particularly flexible for travelers combining Nepal with visits to India, Tibet, or Bhutan.
For example, if you hold a 30-day Nepal tourist visa, you can:
- Enter Nepal, trek to Everest Base Camp
- Exit to India for a week
- Re-enter Nepal without obtaining a new visa
- Continue exploring until your 30 days expire
This multiple-entry facility under Nepal visa visa-on-arrival rules makes Nepal an excellent hub for regional exploration.
Special Nepal Visa Considerations
Nepal Visa for Business Travelers
If visiting Nepal for business rather than tourism, you need a business visa, which requires:
- Letter of invitation from a Nepalese company
- Business registration documents
- Application through the Nepalese embassy (not available on arrival)
Business visas have different Nepal visa requirements and aren’t covered by the tourist visa on arrival system.
Nepal Visa for Students
Students enrolled in Nepalese educational institutions need student visas sponsored by their schools. These aren’t available through the Nepal visa on arrival and require embassy processing.
Nepal Visa for Volunteers
Volunteers working with NGOs require special volunteer visas. While some arrive on Nepal tourist visas, this technically violates visa conditions. Legitimate volunteer organizations assist with proper visa arrangements.
Trekking Permits: Beyond Nepal Visa Requirements
Important: Your Nepal tourist visa allows you to stay in Nepal but doesn’t permit trekking. Most trekking areas require additional permits:
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- National Park Permits (Sagarmatha, Annapurna, Langtang)
- Restricted Area Permits (Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga)
These permits are separate from Nepal visa requirements and obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara through trekking agencies or tourism offices.
Common Nepal Visa Questions from International Travelers
Can I get a Nepal visa at land borders? Yes, most land crossings from India offer a Nepal visa on arrival. The Tibet/China border at Kodari/Tatopani also offers it (when open), though entering Tibet from Nepal requires pre-arranged Chinese visas and permits.
What if my passport expires in 5 months? Nepal visa requirements mandate 6 months of passport validity. If yours expires sooner, renew it before traveling to avoid entry denial.
Can I pay visa fees in Euros, Pounds, or Australian Dollars? No. Only US dollars are accepted for the Nepal visa on arrival. Exchange currency before reaching the visa counter or use airport exchange services (unfavorable rates).
Do children need Nepal visas? Children under 10 years receive free Nepal tourist visas. Children 10+ pay standard rates. All children need valid passports and photos meeting Nepal visa requirements.
Can I work on a Nepal tourist visa? No. Tourist visas prohibit employment. Working on a tourist visa violates immigration law and risks deportation and bans.
Final Tips for Smooth Nepal Visa Processing
1. Prepare Documents in Advance: Don’t wait until the airport. Organize passport, photos, and USD cash before departure.
2. Complete Online Application: The online system at www.immigrationnepal.gov.np saves significant time and frustration.
3. Bring Clean USD Bills: Immigration rejects torn, heavily marked, or damaged bills. Bring crisp notes.
4. Arrive with Patience: During peak season (October-November), visa queues extend 60-90 minutes. Factor this into arrival day plans.
5. Understand Extension Options: If you might stay longer, knowing extension procedures prevents last-minute stress.
6. Respect Visa Conditions: Never overstay. The penalties aren’t worth the risk.
7. Keep Visa Documents Safe: Losing your passport in Nepal creates significant complications. Use hotel safes.
Conclusion: Nepal Visa Requirements Are Tourist-Friendly
Nepal’s visa on arrival system makes visiting this Himalayan nation remarkably accessible for travelers from the USA, UK, Australia, and Europe. The straightforward Nepal visa requirements, reasonable fees, flexible extensions, and multiple-entry allowances demonstrate Nepal’s commitment to welcoming international visitors.
Whether you’re an American planning Everest Base Camp, a British trekker heading to Annapurna, an Australian seeking cultural immersion, or a European adventurer exploring remote valleys, understanding these Nepal visa requirements ensures your journey begins smoothly.
The mountains are calling, and with your Nepal tourist visa questions answered, nothing stands between you and your Himalayan adventure. Prepare your documents, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic of Nepal.
Need more information about Nepal travel? Explore our comprehensive guides on trekking permits, best seasons to visit, accommodation options, and cultural etiquette. Welcome to Nepal—we can’t wait to help you discover its wonders!