Nepal Visa on Arrival: Complete Application Guide

Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival: Step-by-Step Process

Nepal offers visa on arrival for most nationalities at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and land borders. This guide ensures smooth processing with proper preparation.

Pre-Arrival Preparation

Required Documents (Prepare Before Travel)

• Passport: 6+ months validity beyond Nepal stay, blank visa pages
• Passport photos (2): 3.5x4.5cm, white background, recent
• Completed application form: Download from Department of Immigration website, fill, print, sign
• Return/onward ticket: Confirmed flight itinerary
• Financial proof: ~$500/week or equivalent (cash, card, traveler's checks)

Arrival Process at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

1. Disembark → Visa on Arrival counters (before immigration)
2. Fill form if not pre-completed (kiosks available)
3. Submit form + passport + photos + onward ticket to officer
4. Pay fee (see below)
5. Receive visa stamped in passport (usually immediate)
6. Proceed to immigration with visa

Visa Fees (Tourist Visa)

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

Payable in USD (crisp, undamaged bills preferred), EUR, or NPR. Credit cards sometimes accepted at KTM. Land borders: USD or local currency.

Fee & Payment Notes

• Fees change—verify on official immigration site before travel
• SAARC nationals: Reduced fees (some free)
• Chinese nationals: Free (reciprocal)
• Indian nationals: No visa required (ID sufficient)

Important Limitations

• Tourist visa max on arrival: 90 days (single or multiple entry)
• Extensions: Possible at Immigration Office Kathmandu/Pokhara (max 150 days/year total)
• Non-tourist visas: Business, work, study, volunteer—apply at embassy BEFORE travel
• Overstay fines: $5/day + $30/day after 150 days

Land Border Crossings (Visa on Arrival Available)

• Kakarbhitta (India border, East)
• Birgunj (India border, Central)
• Belahiya/Bhairahawa (India border, West, near Lumbini)
• Jamunaha/Nepalgunj (India border, Mid-West)
• Mohana/Dhangadhi (India border, Far West)
• Kodari (China border, currently limited)
• Rasuwa/Gyirong (China border)

Pro Tips for Smooth Arrival

• Complete form online beforehand—save 15-30 mins
• Carry exact USD cash (small denominations)
• Have printed onward ticket (phone screens sometimes rejected)
• Photos: Bring 4 (extra for permits, trekking, copies)
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended (not mandatory for visa but essential)
• Peak seasons (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr): Expect 1-2 hour queues

Online Pre-Application (Optional)

Online visa application generates barcode for faster counter processing. Still pay fee at counter.

Nepal's visa on arrival is among the world's most accessible. With documents ready, you'll be trekking Himalayan trails within hours of landing.