How to Get a Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Who can get visa on arrival

Most nationalities qualify for Nepal visa on arrival, including: US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, most Southeast Asian nations, and most of South America. A short list of nationalities must apply for a visa in advance via Nepal embassies abroad — check the Department of Immigration website for the current list.

Exceptions: Indian citizens do not need a visa — a valid passport (or voter ID/Aadhaar for some entry points) is sufficient. Tibetan and Chinese passport holders face additional procedures.

Before you arrive

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
• One blank passport page for the visa stamp.
• USD cash — $30, $50, or $125 exact if possible. Higher denominations are accepted but change is given in NPR.
• One passport-sized color photo (backup — the kiosk can take a webcam photo).
• Completed online visa pre-form (optional but speeds things up) — fill at https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np before arrival.

Step-by-step at Tribhuvan International Airport

Step 1: Kiosks

After immigration hall entry, find the visa-on-arrival kiosks (usually 8–12 machines along the right side). Each has a touchscreen.

• Select language.
• Enter passport details (or scan passport if prompted).
• Enter travel information: flight number, intended stay duration, hotel address.
• Take a webcam photo OR skip if you already have a paper photo.
• Print the receipt.

Tip: if you filled the online form before arrival, enter your submission number to skip manual data entry.

Step 2: Bank counter — pay fee

Take the printed kiosk receipt to the bank counter (separate from the visa desk). Pay:

• 15 days: USD 30
• 30 days: USD 50
• 90 days: USD 125

USD cash is the most reliable. Cards sometimes fail due to network issues. Euro, GBP, AUD, CAD, and several other currencies are accepted at current exchange rates. The bank stamps the receipt.

Step 3: Visa officer desk

Take the stamped receipt, your passport, and any supporting documents to the visa officer desk. Officer verifies, stamps your passport with the visa, and hands it back.

Step 4: Immigration

Proceed to the regular immigration counter. Standard entry stamp goes in on top of the visa. Done.

Typical wait times

• Off-peak mornings: 15-20 minutes total.
• Peak afternoon/evening arrivals (October-November): 45-90 minutes.

Common mistakes

• Bringing only credit card — payment terminals fail regularly. Always have USD cash.
• Passport with less than 6 months validity — you'll be turned back at check-in before boarding.
• Forgetting to select multi-entry on the kiosk if you plan to exit Nepal and return (India border hop, for instance). Multi-entry does not cost more.
• Declaring a 30-day intention then overstaying — visa extensions are available but the Department of Immigration is strict about unpaid overstays (fines from USD 5/day).

Extending your visa

If you decide to stay longer, extend at the Department of Immigration offices in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan) or Pokhara:

• Extension fee: USD 3/day, minimum 15 days.
• Maximum cumulative stay: 150 days per calendar year.
• Bring passport, photo, visa fee, and completed application.
• Processing: same-day.

Overstay fines

If you overstay without extending: USD 5/day up to 30 days, then escalating fines and possible entry-ban consequences. Pay the fine on departure at the airport immigration desk.

If you need a pre-approved visa

Apply at your local Nepali embassy 4+ weeks before travel. Typical fees are similar to VoA. Required for a short list of nationalities; also recommended if you have a complex visa history or are entering via a land border where VoA is not always available.

Land border entry

Visa on arrival is available at major land borders: Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Nepalgunj, Sunauli, and a few others. Process is similar but fewer kiosks — expect longer waits. Confirm your specific border allows VoA before traveling.