Planning a trip to Nepal? Whether you are visiting Kathmandu, exploring Pokhara, trekking in the Himalayas or simply looking for a cultural getaway, understanding the Nepal visa online process can make your journey much easier.
Nepal offers several entry options for international travelers, including visa on arrival, online visa services and applications through Nepalese embassies and diplomatic missions. Indian citizens generally do not need a visa, while eligible NRN card holders can receive a gratis tourist visa.
Here is a complete guide to the Nepal tourist visa, visa requirements, fees, online application, visa on arrival and special arrangements for different travelers in 2026.
Nepal Tourist Visa
Most foreign nationals traveling to Nepal for tourism need a tourist visa.
The standard tourist visa is available for 15, 30 or 90 days and provides multiple-entry facilities. Eligible travelers can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at designated immigration points or apply through a Nepalese diplomatic mission before traveling.
Nepal has also expanded its online immigration services, allowing travelers to complete relevant visa procedures before arriving in the country.
For most visitors, the tourist visa is the appropriate option for holidays, sightseeing, trekking and other tourism activities.
Travelers entering Nepal for employment, study, business or other specific purposes may need a different type of visa.
Nepal Visa on Arrival
The Nepal visa on arrival remains one of the easiest options for eligible international travelers.
Visa on arrival is available at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and designated land and air entry points.
The process generally involves completing the required tourist visa form, paying the applicable fee and proceeding to the immigration counter with your passport and supporting documents.
During Nepal’s peak tourism seasons, queues can become longer. Completing the online form before traveling can make the arrival process more convenient.
How Does Nepal Visa on Arrival Work?
The general process is simple:
- Complete the online tourist visa form before arrival or use the available kiosk at the airport.
- Keep your application receipt or barcode available.
- Pay the applicable visa fee.
- Proceed to the immigration counter.
- Present your passport and required documents.
- Complete the immigration verification process and receive your visa.
Nepal has also introduced online payment facilities for eligible visa services, giving travelers another way to prepare for their arrival.
Nepal Visa Online Application
The Nepal visa online application allows travelers to enter their visa information before reaching Nepal.
Completing the application online can be particularly useful for travelers who want to minimize paperwork at the airport.
Travelers should make sure that their name, passport number, date of birth and other personal details exactly match their passport.
An online application should not automatically be considered the same as receiving a visa electronically. Depending on nationality and visa category, travelers may still need to complete immigration procedures after arriving in Nepal.
Always use Nepal’s official immigration services when submitting personal information or making visa payments.
Nepal Visa Requirements
Before traveling to Nepal, make sure your documents are ready.
For a standard tourist visa, travelers generally need a valid passport and the required visa application information. A recent passport-size photograph may also be required depending on the application method.
You should have your travel dates and accommodation details available when completing the online application.
Your passport should generally have at least six months of validity remaining.
Providing accurate information is important. Errors in passport numbers, names or dates of birth can cause delays during the visa or immigration process.
Nepal Visa Fee 2026
The standard Nepal tourist visa fees are:
| Visa Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 15 days | US$30 |
| 30 days | US$50 |
| 90 days | US$125 |
These tourist visas are issued as multiple-entry visas.
Travelers should check the latest applicable fees before traveling because immigration fees and procedures can change.
Nepal Visa for Indian Citizens
One of the most frequently searched questions is: Do Indian citizens need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian citizens generally do not need a visa to enter Nepal.
However, Indian travelers must carry an accepted travel document.
A valid Indian passport is the most straightforward option. Certain other identification documents may also be accepted under Nepal’s entry rules.
An Aadhaar card alone is not accepted as a travel document for entering Nepal.
Indian citizens traveling by air or land should check the latest entry requirements before their journey, particularly if traveling with children or using documents other than a passport.
Nepal Visa for NRNA Card Holders
Nepal provides special immigration facilities for eligible Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) card holders.
Eligible NRN card holders can receive a gratis tourist visa, meaning they do not have to pay the standard tourist visa fee.
Travelers using this facility should carry their valid NRN card together with their passport.
The NRN card should remain valid for the duration of the relevant travel and immigration process.
Because NRN-related immigration rules can depend on the type of documentation held, travelers should make sure their card and passport information are up to date before traveling.
Nepal Visa for Children
Children may qualify for special visa provisions.
Nepal generally provides a gratis visa for children under 10 years of age, although an exception applies to US citizens.
Parents or guardians should still carry the child’s valid passport or other required travel documentation.
Families should verify the latest rules before traveling because requirements can differ according to nationality and individual circumstances.
Nepal Visa for SAARC Nationals
Citizens of several SAARC countries receive special visa provisions when visiting Nepal.
Citizens of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka can generally receive a gratis visa for up to 30 days for their first visit during a visa year.
Afghan nationals have separate provisions and may require a recommendation from the relevant authority.
SAARC travelers should check whether they qualify for a visa exemption before paying the standard tourist visa fee.
Nepal Visa for Foreign Nationals
Visa requirements depend largely on nationality.
Most foreign tourists can obtain a visa on arrival, but certain nationalities must arrange their visa before traveling to Nepal.
Travelers should therefore check their eligibility before booking flights.
If your nationality is not eligible for visa on arrival, you will generally need to apply through a Nepalese embassy or diplomatic mission before entering the country.
Who Cannot Get Nepal Visa on Arrival?
Nepal does not provide visa-on-arrival facilities to nationals of certain countries.
The restricted list includes nationals of:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Zimbabwe
- Eswatini
- Cameroon
- Somalia
- Liberia
- Ethiopia
- Syria
- Iraq
- Palestine
- Afghanistan
Travelers from these countries generally need to obtain a visa through a Nepalese diplomatic mission before traveling.
It is important to confirm the current list before departure because immigration policies can be updated.
Nepal Visa Extension
Want to stay in Nepal longer?
Tourist visas can be extended through Nepal’s Department of Immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The maximum tourist stay is generally 150 days in a visa year.
A tourist visa extension starts at a minimum of 15 days. The applicable extension fee includes a daily charge for additional days.
Travelers should apply for an extension before their current visa expires.
Overstaying a Nepal tourist visa can result in additional fees and penalties, so visitors planning a longer stay should monitor their visa expiration date carefully.
Documents Required for Nepal Visa
Before traveling, it is useful to prepare the following:
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photograph, where required
- Completed online visa application
- Visa payment confirmation, if applicable
- Travel details
- Accommodation information
- Previous Nepal visa information, if applicable
Additional documents may be required depending on nationality, visa type and individual circumstances.
Can You Apply for a Nepal Visa Before Traveling?
Yes.
Travelers can apply for a Nepal visa through a Nepalese embassy or diplomatic mission before traveling.
This can be especially useful for people who are not eligible for visa on arrival or those who prefer to arrange their visa before departure.
Travelers obtaining a visa from a Nepalese diplomatic mission should pay attention to the visa’s validity and entry requirements.
The visa validity period and permitted stay are separate concepts. In general, the permitted stay begins when the traveler enters Nepal.
Is Nepal Visa Online Better Than Visa on Arrival?
For eligible travelers, both options can be convenient.
The advantage of using the Nepal visa online process is that you can prepare your information before reaching the airport.
Visa on arrival is convenient for travelers who prefer to complete the process after arriving in Nepal.
If you are traveling during a busy tourist season, completing the online application and preparing your documents in advance can help make the arrival process smoother.
For travelers who are not eligible for visa on arrival, applying before departure is essential.
Nepal Visa Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Nepal tourist visa?
The standard tourist visa costs US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days.
Can I apply for a Nepal visa online?
Yes. Nepal provides online immigration services that allow eligible travelers to complete relevant visa application and payment procedures before arrival.
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival?
Yes. Eligible foreign nationals can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at designated immigration entry points.
Do Indian citizens need a Nepal visa?
No. Indian citizens generally do not require a visa to enter Nepal, but they must carry an accepted travel document.
Do NRNA card holders need a Nepal visa?
Eligible NRN card holders can receive a gratis tourist visa under Nepal’s applicable immigration provisions.
How long can tourists stay in Nepal?
Tourists can generally stay in Nepal for up to 150 days in a visa year, subject to the applicable visa and extension rules.
Can I extend my Nepal tourist visa?
Yes. Tourist visas can be extended through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara, subject to the applicable rules and fees.
Final Thoughts
The Nepal visa online system gives travelers more flexibility when preparing for their journey, while the visa-on-arrival facility remains a convenient option for eligible visitors.
For most tourists, the key things to check are passport validity, visa eligibility, application requirements, fees and permitted length of stay.
Indian citizens, NRNA card holders, children and SAARC nationals may qualify for different immigration arrangements, while citizens of certain countries must obtain their visa before traveling.
Before your trip, always verify the latest immigration requirements that apply to your nationality.
With your documents prepared and the appropriate visa arrangements in place, you can focus less on the paperwork and more on experiencing Nepal’s mountains, culture, heritage, wildlife and hospitality.
