Nepal visa guide: visa on arrival and applying ahead
Home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains, Nepal draws trekkers, pilgrims, and culture travellers to the Himalaya and the temples of the Kathmandu Valley. For most visitors the entry process is refreshingly simple, built around a tourist visa on arrival. This guide explains how it works and what to prepare, so you arrive ready. It is general information, not immigration advice, so always confirm the current rules with official sources before you travel.
Do you need a visa for Nepal?
Most foreign nationals, including British passport holders, need a tourist visa to enter Nepal, but it can usually be obtained on arrival rather than in advance. Nepal offers a visa on arrival to travellers from most countries at its international airport and main land border crossings.
A small number of nationalities are not eligible for visa on arrival and must arrange a visa ahead of time through a Nepalese diplomatic mission. Because eligibility can change, check your own position against the official portal before booking.
Visa on arrival: how it works
For eligible travellers, the visa on arrival is issued at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at designated land borders. The typical steps are:
- Complete the arrival application, either at a self-service kiosk on arrival or in advance through the official online system.
- Provide a passport valid for the length of your stay, along with a passport-style photograph.
- Pay the visa fee for your chosen length of stay, payable on arrival.
- Present your documents at the immigration desk to have the visa endorsed in your passport.
Completing the online application before you fly can shorten the queue on arrival, as you carry a submission receipt to the desk rather than filling in the form at the airport.
Applying ahead at an embassy
If you are not eligible for visa on arrival, or you simply prefer to arrive with everything settled, you can apply at a Nepalese embassy or consulate before you travel. Processing times and required documents vary between missions, so contact the relevant office early and follow their published instructions.
How long can you stay?
Nepal issues tourist visas for stays of up to 90 days within a visa year for most visitors, across single or multiple visits. You choose the duration when you apply, and the fee is tied to the length you select.
If you decide to stay longer once you are in the country, tourist visa extensions are handled by the Department of Immigration. Extensions are subject to conditions and maximum limits, so plan around the total time you are permitted rather than assuming an extension.
What to prepare
To keep your arrival smooth, have the following ready before you reach the immigration desk:
- A passport valid for the duration of your stay, with a blank page for the visa.
- A recent passport-style photograph, in case the kiosk cannot take one.
- The address of your first night's accommodation for the arrival form.
- Your online application receipt, if you completed the form in advance.
Rules on document requirements can change, so treat this as a checklist to confirm against the official guidance rather than a guarantee.
Where to check official information
Nepal's immigration authorities publish current visa rules, fees, and the online application system through the official government portal at nepalimmigration.gov.np. For entry rules specific to your nationality, also check your own government's travel advice.
For related reading, see our explainers on what a visa on arrival involves and how visa on arrival compares with an e-visa, plus our overview of countries offering visa on arrival.
Staying connected in Nepal
Getting online quickly on arrival makes the visa process and onward travel far easier, from confirming your accommodation address to arranging a transfer from the airport. A travel eSIM lets you connect the moment you land in Kathmandu, before you have found a local SIM. Saily is our recommended eSIM partner for Nepal, so you can install a data plan before departure and be online as soon as you clear immigration.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Nepal?
Most nationalities, including British passport holders, can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport and main land borders. A few nationalities are not eligible and must apply in advance, so confirm your own status before you travel.
How long is a Nepal tourist visa valid?
Tourist visas are issued for stays of up to 90 days within a visa year for most visitors. You select the duration when you apply, and the fee corresponds to the length you choose.
Do I need to apply for a Nepal visa online before I travel?
You do not have to, but completing the official online application before you fly can speed up arrival, as you bring a receipt to the immigration desk. Eligible travellers can still apply fully on arrival.
What documents do I need for a Nepal visa on arrival?
Generally a passport valid for your stay, a passport-style photograph, the address of your first accommodation, and your visa fee. Always confirm the current list against official guidance before departure.
How much does a Nepal visa cost?
Fees vary by the length of stay you select and can change, so check the current amounts on the official immigration portal. The fee is paid on arrival when you collect the visa.
Can I extend my Nepal tourist visa?
Yes. Extensions are handled by the Department of Immigration and are subject to conditions and maximum stay limits within the visa year. Plan around the total time you are permitted rather than relying on an extension.
Is my passport validity important for Nepal?
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay and have a blank page for the visa. Requirements can vary, so check official guidance and your airline's rules before you fly.
Where is the official Nepal visa website?
Nepal's immigration authorities publish current rules, fees, and the online application at nepalimmigration.gov.np. For nationality-specific entry advice, also consult your own government's travel guidance.
Can I use a visa on arrival for multiple entries into Nepal?
Nepal's tourist visa allows travel within the permitted number of days across the visa year, and multiple-entry options are available. Confirm the entry conditions of the visa type you select at the time of application.