Travel guide · Kathmandu
Nepal Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu Airport
Pre-apply online, bring photos and US dollars, and pick 15, 30 or 90 days — visa on arrival, made simple.
Nepal makes entry easy for most travellers with a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, but a little preparation will save you a long queue. Here's how the process works, what it costs and how to speed things up.
The short answer
Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Choose 15, 30 or 90 days (approximately US$30, US$50 and US$125 respectively), bring a passport photo and the fee in US dollars cash, and complete the online pre-application before you fly to skip ahead. Always confirm the official current fees and eligibility before travelling.
How the process works
- Pre-apply online. Fill in the Department of Immigration's online tourist visa form before departure and save the confirmation — this is the biggest time-saver.
- Use the kiosks on arrival. If you didn't pre-apply, self-service machines in the arrivals hall generate your application form.
- Pay the fee. Pay at the bank counter, ideally in US dollars cash; some other major currencies and cards may be accepted but dollars are simplest.
- Get stamped. Take your form, receipt, photo and passport to the immigration desk for your visa stamp.
Fees and durations at a glance
| Duration | Approximate fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 15 days | ~US$30 |
| 30 days | ~US$50 |
| 90 days | ~US$125 |
These figures are approximate and change from time to time, so verify the official current rates on the Department of Immigration website before you travel. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and bring a spare passport photo.
After you land
Once your visa is stamped, you're ready to head into the city — see our guide on getting from the airport to Thamel, and pick up a local SIM card at the arrivals counters so you're connected from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Nepal?+
Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at other entry points. A handful of countries are not eligible and must obtain a visa in advance through a Nepali embassy, so check your status before you travel. Confirm the current rules on the official Department of Immigration site.
How much does a Nepal tourist visa cost?+
Fees are charged in US dollars and depend on duration. As an approximate guide, a 15-day visa is around US$30, a 30-day visa around US$50 and a 90-day visa around US$125. These rates change periodically, so treat them as estimates and confirm the official current fees before you fly.
What do I need for the Nepal visa on arrival?+
You'll need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport-sized photo, the visa fee in cash (US dollars are easiest), and your completed application. Filling in the online pre-application form before you arrive saves time at the airport. A printout of the submission receipt is useful.
How do I skip the queues at Kathmandu airport?+
Complete the Department of Immigration online visa application before you travel and keep the confirmation, use the self-service kiosks on arrival to generate your form, and have the exact fee ready in US dollars. Arriving outside the busiest flight banks also helps. Together these steps can save a long wait.
