Travel guide · Nepal
Nepal Visa for Chinese Citizens
Chinese passport holders get a Nepal visa on arrival; group tours and Tibet overland routes have extra steps.
Chinese citizens can enter Nepal easily with a visa on arrival, and at times Nepal has even waived the fee for Chinese tourists to boost visitor numbers. Beyond the standard airport process, the China connection adds one distinctive option: the overland route from Tibet through the Gyirong (Kerung) border, popular with travellers combining the Tibetan plateau and the Himalaya.
The short answer
Chinese passport holders get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport and major land borders, choosing 15, 30 or 90 days. Standard fees are roughly US$30, US$50 and US$125, all multiple-entry — but because gratis arrangements for Chinese nationals come and go, confirm whether a fee currently applies before travel. Bring a passport valid for six months, a passport photo and cash. Maximum stay is 150 days per calendar year.
The on-arrival process
At Tribhuvan International Airport the flow mirrors that for other nationalities:
- Fill in the form — bring a printed online confirmation or use the self-service kiosk in arrivals.
- Pay any applicable fee — at the bank counter in cash; US dollars are easiest.
- Collect your visa — present the receipt at immigration for stamping.
For a full step-by-step at the capital's airport, see our Nepal visa on arrival guide.
Group tours and the Tibet route
Many Chinese visitors travel on organised group tours, which streamline paperwork through the operator. If you are crossing overland from Tibet via Gyirong (Kerung), the process is different: you will need Chinese permits arranged on the Tibet side through a registered tour company, and the border can close or restrict at short notice for weather or policy reasons. Build flexibility into the itinerary and plan the Tibet leg through an established agency. Once inside Nepal, our guide to getting around Nepal covers domestic flights and overland transport to Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Durations and fees
| Visa | Approx. fee (USD) | Entries |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | ~$30 (may be waived) | Multiple |
| 30 days | ~$50 (may be waived) | Multiple |
| 90 days | ~$125 (may be waived) | Multiple |
The master Nepal visa guide details extensions and the 150-day annual cap.
How Chinese rules compare
Chinese travellers use the same on-arrival mechanics as Western nationalities but may benefit from periodic fee waivers. They do not have the full visa-free movement that Indian citizens enjoy. For the complete cross-nationality picture, see our Nepal visa rules by nationality hub. Fee waivers and overland border conditions change often, so reconfirm with the Department of Immigration and your tour operator before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Nepal?+
Yes, but it is available on arrival. Chinese passport holders can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and at major land borders, and can pre-apply online within seven days of travel. Nepal and China have also waived visa fees for Chinese tourists in some periods, so confirm whether a fee currently applies before you go.
How much is a Nepal visa for Chinese travellers?+
When charged, the standard fees are roughly US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days, all multiple-entry. Nepal has periodically offered gratis (free) tourist visas to Chinese nationals to encourage tourism, so the fee can vary. Confirm the current position with the Department of Immigration before travel.
Can Chinese citizens enter Nepal overland from Tibet?+
Yes, via the Gyirong (Kerung) border crossing, which is the main overland route between Tibet and Nepal. Overland travel from Tibet usually requires Chinese permits on the Tibet side arranged through a tour operator, and conditions on this route change with the seasons and policy, so plan through a registered agency and confirm border status in advance.
How long can a Chinese citizen stay in Nepal?+
A Chinese tourist can stay up to 150 days within a calendar year, the same cap as other on-arrival nationalities. You can extend at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara for a daily fee up to that annual limit.
