Nepal Visa on Arrival: Complete Guide for Hassle-Free Entry

Nepal's visa-on-arrival (VOA) is one of Asia's most straightforward entry systems. But preparation prevents airport headaches. Here's your step-by-step guide for smooth landing in Kathmandu.

Eligibility Check

• VOA eligible: Most nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, India, China, Philippines, etc.)
• Pre-visa required: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, refugees
• Visa-free: India (unlimited), SAARC nationals (30 days gratis)

Verify at Nepal Immigration before travel.

Before You Fly

• Passport: 6+ months validity, 1 blank page
• Photos: 2 passport-size (35×45mm, white bg) — bring physical copies (kiosk photos unreliable)
• Cash: USD crisp bills (preferred), EUR, or NPR. Exact change helpful.
• Pen: For forms (airport pens vanish)
• Hotel address: First night accommodation details

Visa Fees (2024)

Multiple entry included. Children <10: free (except US/UK/Canada). SAARC: 30 days free.

At Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

1. Arrival Card

• Fill on plane or at tables before immigration
• Fields: name, passport, flight, address in Nepal, purpose

2. Visa Application Kiosks (New System)

• Touchscreen machines in arrival hall
• Enter data, scan passport, take photo
• Print receipt with barcode
• Pro tip: Skip kiosk — go straight to counter with pre-filled form (faster if prepared)

3. Payment Counter

• Join "Visa Fee" queue
• Present: kiosk receipt OR completed form + passport + photos
• Pay in USD (exact preferred), EUR, or NPR
• Receive payment receipt

4. Immigration Counter

• Submit: passport, payment receipt, arrival card
• Officer verifies, stamps passport, affixes visa sticker
• Check: visa type, duration, entries, dates — before leaving counter
• Receive arrival card back — KEEP IT for departure

Land Border Crossings (India/Nepal)

• Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, Jamunaha, Mohana, Gaddachauki, Kodari
• Same process, fees in INR or USD
• Longer queues, fewer kiosks — bring extra photos/cash/patience

Extension & Conversion

• Extend: Dept of Immigration, Kathmandu (Maitighar) or Pokhara
• Max 150 days/visa year; $2/day + processing fee
• Convert to other visa: Possible (study, business, volunteer) — apply before expiry

Common Pitfalls

1. No photos: Kiosk photo often rejected; bring 2 physical
2. Large USD bills: $100s scrutinized; bring $20s, $10s, $5s
3. Damaged passport: Tears, water damage = refusal
4. Overstay: $5/day fine + possible ban; extend BEFORE expiry
5. Losing arrival card: Departure hassle; photo/scan backup

Pro Tips

• Arrive early morning (flights 9-11 AM) — shorter queues
• Use online pre-application at nepalimmigration.gov.np — print barcode, skip kiosk
• Carry printed hotel booking — officers ask
• Trekkers: get appropriate duration (30 days for EBC, 90 for extended)
• Travel insurance: not required for visa but ESSENTIAL for trekking/medical

COVID-19 Update (2024)

No vaccination/test requirements for entry. Check airline/transit rules.

Nepal's VOA is efficient when you're prepared. Twenty minutes with documents ready vs. two hours scrambling. Your Himalayan adventure starts at the immigration counter.