Travel guide · Nepal
Nepal Visa for US Citizens
Americans get a Nepal visa on arrival: pick 15, 30 or 90 days, pay in cash, pre-apply online to skip the queue.
US citizens are firmly in Nepal's easy tier: there is no need to arrange a visa before you fly. American passport holders get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu's airport and at major land crossings, choosing how long they want to stay and paying a modest fee in cash. You can speed things up with an online pre-application, but it is not compulsory.
The short answer
Bring a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport photo and US dollars in cash. Pick 15 days (~US$30), 30 days (~US$50) or 90 days (~US$125), all multiple-entry. Fill in the online form in the week before travel to skip the kiosk, or just complete it on arrival. Maximum stay is 150 days per calendar year. Always confirm current fees before travel, as rates can change.
The on-arrival process
At Tribhuvan International Airport the flow is straightforward:
- Complete the form — either bring your printed online confirmation or fill in the self-service kiosk in the arrivals hall.
- Pay the fee — queue at the bank counter and pay in cash. US dollars are easiest; other major currencies are usually accepted.
- Get your visa — take your receipt to the immigration desk, where your visa is stamped into your passport.
Land borders such as Sunauli, Birgunj and Kakarbhitta follow the same steps with smaller, simpler offices. For a detailed walkthrough of the capital's airport, see our Nepal visa on arrival guide.
Durations and fees
| Visa | Approx. fee (USD) | Entries |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | ~$30 | Multiple |
| 30 days | ~$50 | Multiple |
| 90 days | ~$125 | Multiple |
If you might stay several weeks, buying a longer visa upfront is usually cheaper than extending later. Need more time anyway? Our Nepal visa extension guide covers the daily extension fee and the 150-day annual limit.
How US rules compare
American travellers pay the same fees and follow the same on-arrival process as most Western nationalities, including Canadian citizens and British citizens. The big exceptions are Indians (no visa) and SAARC nationals (free 30-day gratis visa). See the full breakdown on our Nepal visa rules by nationality hub.
Before you go
Check that your passport has at least one blank page and six months of validity, and carry a couple of spare passport photos in case the kiosk camera is down. The US State Department also publishes Nepal travel advisories worth a quick read. Fees, durations and the eligibility framework are set by the Government of Nepal and reviewed periodically, so reconfirm with the Department of Immigration close to your departure date.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Nepal?+
Yes, but it is easy. American passport holders are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at major land borders. You can also complete the online application in the seven days before you fly to save time. There is no need to visit a Nepali embassy in advance for tourism.
How much is a Nepal visa for Americans?+
The standard tourist visa fees are roughly US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days, all multiple-entry. Fees are the same for US citizens as for most other on-arrival nationalities. Treat these as indicative and confirm current rates with the Department of Immigration before travel.
Can Americans pre-apply for a Nepal visa online?+
Yes. Fill in the form on the Nepal Department of Immigration website within seven days of travel, print the confirmation, and present it on arrival to skip the kiosk step and go straight to payment. The online form does not waive the fee — you still pay in cash at immigration.
How long can a US citizen stay in Nepal?+
A US tourist can stay a maximum of 150 days within a single calendar year. You can start with any duration visa and extend at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara, subject to a daily fee, up to that annual cap.
