Nepal Visa on Arrival 2026: Fees, Requirements & Airport Guide
Entering Nepal is refreshingly simple, as the Nepal Visa on Arrival (VoA) system lets eligible travelers collect a tourist visa directly at designated immigration entry points instead of arranging it through an embassy in advance.
Gautam Buddha International Airport, Pokhara International Airport and Tribhuvan International Airport offer a visa on arrival to eligible tourists. Here’s everything you need to know before you land.
| Nepal Visa on Arrival 2026 — Quick Answer: Most eligible foreign travelers can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Nepal’s designated immigration entry points. Current fees are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days, and tourist entry visas are multiple-entry. Complete the arrival/visa form, pay the visa fee, and present your passport, form and payment receipt at the immigration desk. |
What are the Requirements for a Visa on Arrival in Nepal?
As of 2026, most foreign nationals are eligible for Nepal’s Visa on Arrival, except travelers covered by specific restrictions. Below are the main requirements to obtain a visa on arrival:
- Valid passport : at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- Arrival card and completed visa application form : fill the Nepal visa on arrival online form before departure, or use the available application/kiosk service at the airport.
- Visa fee payment : multiple payment modes are available at Tribhuvan International Airport, and Nepal Immigration also provides an official international card-payment portal. Carrying some cash as backup is advised.
- Accommodation details : keep your first hotel/address in Nepal ready for the application form.
Note: The online pre-filled form generates a barcode receipt. Print or save it; the submission receipt is valid for 15 days. After that, submit a new form.
Which countries are Ineligible for the Visa on Arrival in 2026?
As of 2026, ordinary passport holders from the following countries cannot obtain a Visa on Arrival and should arrange a visa before traveling to Nepal:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Zimbabwe
- Swaziland (Eswatini)
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Liberia
- Somalia
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Syria
- Palestine
- Iran, ordinary passport holders must obtain a valid entry visa before arrival under the Department of Immigration notice dated 15 March 2026.
- Refugees traveling with a travel document
Travelers in these categories should apply through a Nepalese diplomatic mission or the applicable official mission-visa process before departure.
Several categories of travelers receive a gratis (free) tourist visa or are exempt from the normal tourist visa fee:
Gratis Visa (Free Visa)
| Traveler Category | Current Rule |
| Indian nationals | No visa is required to enter Nepal. |
| SAARC citizens (except Afghanistan) | Gratis visa for up to 30 days on the first visit in a visa year. |
| Chinese nationals | Gratis tourist visa, subject to the 150-day maximum stay in a visa year. |
| NRN cardholders | Eligible for gratis visa with a valid NRN card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a Nepalese diplomatic mission. |
| Children under 10 (except U.S. citizens) | Gratis tourist visa up to 30 days; normal fees apply for a 90-day visa. |
| Afghan nationals | Visa on Arrival/gratis treatment requires a recommendation from the Department of Immigration. |
Note: Separate reciprocal visa-exemption arrangements apply to specified diplomatic, official or service passport holders. They should not be treated as a general visa-free rule for ordinary tourist passports.
How Much is a Nepal Visa on Arrival Fee?
Nepal tourist Visa fees in 2026 are straightforward:
| Visa Duration | Fee (USD) |
| 15 days | $30 |
| 30 days | $50 |
| 90 days | $125 |
All tourist VoA Visas are multiple-entry, meaning you can exit and re-enter Nepal within the validity period. The maximum total stay is 150 days per calendar year.
Nepal Immigration currently accepts multiple payment modes at Tribhuvan International Airport and provides an official online card-payment option. Carry some cash as backup, especially when entering through a land checkpoint where payment facilities can vary.
Visa Extension and Late/Overstay Fees
If you extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara, multiple re-entry during the extended period requires an additional USD 25.
The current tourist visa extension and late/overstay fee structure is:
- Minimum 15-day extension: USD 45
- Each additional day beyond 15 days: USD 3 per day
- Late/overstay fine: an additional USD 5 per day
- Maximum tourist stay: 150 days in a visa year (January–December)
How to Get Nepal Visa on Arrival (Step-by-Step Guide)
Pre-fill the Visa on Arrival Form Online
In 2026, pre-filling the online Visa on Arrival form can save time at immigration. Here is how:
- Visit the Department of Immigration’s official Visa on Arrival form within 15 days of your arrival date.
- Complete the Tourist Visa application form and select your entry point.
- You will receive a submission receipt with a barcode after submitting the form.
- Print or save the receipt and carry it with you.
- Pay the visa fee through the official online card-payment service or at the available payment counter for your entry point.
- Proceed to the immigration desk with your passport, visa application receipt and payment receipt.
Note: Pre-filling the form helps you avoid filling it after arrival and can reduce waiting time during peak trekking seasons (Spring and Autumn).
Visa on Arrival at the Airport
If you did not apply online before arriving in Nepal, follow these steps at an international airport offering Visa on Arrival service:
- On arrival, complete the Arrival Card and use the available Visa on Arrival application/kiosk service.
- Complete the Tourist Visa form and obtain your submission receipt.
- Pay the required visa fee using the available payment method.
- Proceed to the immigration desk with your passport, visa application receipt and payment receipt.
- The immigration officer processes and issues your Visa.
Processing time varies with flight volume and passenger queues, so allow extra time during busy arrival periods and peak travel seasons.
Nepal Visa on Arrival at Land Borders
Eligible tourists can also obtain a Visa on Arrival at designated land immigration checkpoints. Common official entry points include:
| Immigration Checkpoint | Location |
| Kakarbhitta | Jhapa |
| Birgunj | Parsa |
| Belahia / Bhairahawa | Rupandehi |
| Nepalgunj | Banke |
| Mohana | Kailali |
| Gaddachowki / Mahendranagar | Kanchanpur |
| Kodari | Sindhupalchok |
| Rasuwagadhi | Rasuwa |
Key differences at land borders:
- Payment options can vary by checkpoint, so carry cash as backup.
- Complete the online Visa on Arrival form before travel where possible and keep the submission receipt accessible.
- The basic process remains the same: complete the application → pay the fee → proceed to immigration for visa issuance.
ETA/eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: What’s the Difference?
Nepal’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the Visa on Arrival (VoA) form are separate services. The online VoA form lets you pre-fill your arrival application, but the visa is still issued at the immigration desk when you enter Nepal. ETA is a separate online application route completed before travel through the Department of Immigration portal.
| Option | How it works |
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) | Complete the form before travel or at the entry point, pay the fee, and receive the tourist visa from immigration on arrival. |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) | Apply through the official NepaliPort ETA service before travel, complete the required details and payment, and carry the issued/submission document for immigration verification. |
Use only official .gov.np immigration portals for applications and payments.
Which Nepal Visa Duration Should Trekkers Choose?
Your visa duration should cover the complete Nepal itinerary, including arrival, trekking days, rest days and a buffer for weather or transport delays. Before choosing a trek, compare your route length with the best treks in Nepal and leave enough time before your visa expires.
| Nepal Trip | Practical Visa Option |
| Short Kathmandu/Pokhara trip or a short 5–7 day trek | A 15-day visa may be sufficient if your full itinerary fits comfortably within it. |
| Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu or a similar multi-day trek | A 30-day visa usually gives better room for acclimatization, rest and travel-buffer days. |
| Multiple treks, extended travel or a long Nepal stay | A 90-day visa may be more practical, subject to the 150-day annual tourist-stay limit. |
Tips regarding the Visa on Arrival process
Before you travel:
- Pre-fill the online visa form to save time at immigration.
- Confirm your country’s eligibility on the Department of Immigration official page.
- Carry clean cash as backup even if you plan to pay online or by card, because available payment methods can vary by entry point.
At the immigration office:
- Have your hotel name and address ready for the application form.
- Keep your barcode/application printout and payment receipt safe; you may be asked for them.
- Indian nationals do not need a visa; follow the airport or border signage for the appropriate immigration counter.
During your stay:
- Tourist visas are extendable up to 150 days per visa year at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
- You must apply for a visa extension before your current Visa expires; otherwise, late/overstay charges apply.
- Your visa stay is counted from the day you enter Nepal.
Contact Joyful Eco Trek if you’re planning to trek in the Himalayas and want your Nepal trekking permit ready, along with a Visa on Arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Nepal Visa on Arrival still available in 2026?
Yes. Nepal’s Visa on Arrival system remains available in 2026 for eligible travelers at Tribhuvan International Airport, Pokhara International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport and designated land immigration checkpoints.
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport?
Yes. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) processes Visas on Arrival for eligible nationalities. You can pre-fill the official form before travel or complete the arrival process at the airport.
How long can I stay on a tourist visa?
You can get a 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day tourist visa. The total allowed stay is 150 days per calendar year, regardless of how many visas or extensions you obtain.
What currency or payment method should I use to pay for the Nepal visa?
Nepal Immigration accepts multiple payment modes at TIA and now provides an official online card-payment option for Visa on Arrival fees. Carry some cash as backup, especially if you are entering through a land checkpoint.
Can I work in Nepal on a tourist visa?
No. A tourist visa is for tourism-related stays. Employment requires the appropriate working/non-tourist visa process and supporting approvals.
Is travel insurance required for Nepal?
Travel insurance is not listed among the current standard tourist Visa on Arrival requirements, but insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for Himalayan trips.
What happens if my visa expires while I am in Nepal?
If your tourist visa expires, current Immigration guidance applies an additional USD 5 per day late/overstay fine, along with the applicable visa extension fee. Extend your visa before expiry through the Immigration of Nepal portal or the appropriate immigration office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Can I enter Nepal multiple times on a Visa on Arrival?
Yes. Tourist visas issued on arrival are multiple-entry, allowing you to exit and re-enter Nepal within the visa validity period.
Is ETA the same as pre-filling the Visa on Arrival form?
No. The Visa on Arrival pre-application is the form used for arrival processing, while ETA is a separate online service offered through Nepal Immigration. Choose the service that matches how you plan to obtain your visa.
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