Planning your dream trip to Nepal from the United States? One of the first things you’ll need to arrange is your visa. The good news? Nepal makes it incredibly easy for US citizens to obtain a tourist visa. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your Nepal visa hassle-free.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Nepal?
Yes, all US citizens need a visa to enter Nepal. However, unlike many countries, Nepal offers “Visa on Arrival” at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and other land border crossings, making the process straightforward and convenient.
Nepal Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
Visa Types and Fees (2026)
Nepal offers three tourist visa options based on the length of your stay:
| Visa Duration | Validity Period | Fee (USD) | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 days | 15 days from date of entry | $30 | Yes |
| 30 days | 30 days from date of entry | $50 | Yes |
| 90 days | 90 days from date of entry | $125 | Yes |
Note: Fees must be paid in cash (US dollars) or major credit/debit cards are accepted at Kathmandu airport.
Requirements for Nepal Visa on Arrival
To obtain your visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll need:
- Valid US Passport
- Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Nepal
- Must have at least one blank page for the visa sticker
- Visa Fee
- Cash in US dollars (exact amount recommended)
- Credit/debit cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard)
- Passport-sized Photo
- One recent color photo (2×2 inches)
- White background preferred
- Photos are also available at the airport for a small fee if you forget
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Can be filled online before arrival (recommended)
- Or complete paper form at the airport
- Return/Onward Ticket
- Proof of departure from Nepal (may be requested)
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Visa at Kathmandu Airport
Option 1: Online Pre-Application (Recommended)
Before your flight:
- Visit the Nepal Immigration Department website
- Fill out the online visa application form
- Upload your passport-sized photo
- Submit and print the confirmation receipt with QR code
- Bring the printed receipt to the airport
At Kathmandu Airport:
- After landing, follow signs to “Visa on Arrival”
- Show your online confirmation receipt at the express counter
- Pay the visa fee
- Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
- Get your passport stamped at immigration counter
- Collect your luggage and exit
Time saved: Online pre-application can reduce waiting time from 30-60 minutes to just 10-15 minutes!
Option 2: On-Arrival Application (Traditional)
- After landing, proceed to visa application area
- Pick up a paper application form
- Fill out the form completely (blue or black ink)
- Attach your passport photo
- Join the queue at visa counter
- Submit form, passport, and payment
- Receive visa and proceed to immigration
- Get passport stamped
- Collect luggage
Expected time: 30-90 minutes depending on flight arrivals and queue length
Visa Extension in Nepal
Fell in love with Nepal and want to stay longer? Tourist visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Extension Details:
- Maximum stay: 150 days per calendar year (January-December)
- Extension fee: $3 per day (approximately $45 for 15 days, $90 for 30 days)
- Processing time: Same day (apply in the morning)
- Required documents: Passport, current visa, completed extension form, passport photo, extension fee
Important: You can only stay a total of 150 days in Nepal in any calendar year on a tourist visa. After that, you must leave the country.
Land Border Visa Entry Points
If you’re traveling overland from India or Tibet, visa on arrival is also available at these major border crossings:
From India:
- Kakarbhitta (eastern border, near Darjeeling/Sikkim)
- Birgunj (central border, closest to Kathmandu)
- Sunauli (western border, near Varanasi)
- Nepalgunj (far western border)
- Mahendranagar (far western border)
From Tibet/China:
- Rasuwagadhi-Kerung (Tibet border, currently open for tourists)
Note: Requirements and fees are the same as airport visa. However, land border offices may only accept cash in USD or Indian Rupees. Check current status before traveling as border crossings can occasionally close.
Alternative: Apply for Visa at Nepalese Embassy
While most US travelers use visa on arrival, you can also apply for a tourist visa at the Royal Nepalese Embassy in Washington, DC or Nepalese Consulates in New York, Chicago, or San Francisco.
Why Apply in Advance?
- Peace of mind before traveling
- Avoid airport queues (especially during peak season)
- Required for certain work or study visas
Embassy Application:
- Processing time: 3-5 business days (or same-day expedited)
- Fee: Same as visa on arrival + service charge
- Application: Submit in person or by mail with passport, form, photo, and fee
Pro Tips for a Smooth Visa Process
- ✅ Complete online application before your flight – Save 30-45 minutes at the airport
- ✅ Bring exact change in USD – Makes payment faster and easier
- ✅ Carry extra passport photos – You’ll need them for trekking permits too
- ✅ Check passport validity – Must be valid 6+ months beyond your trip
- ✅ Take a photo of your visa – Useful backup if you need extensions
- ✅ Arrive during office hours – Visa counters operate 24/7 but immigration offices have set hours for extensions
- ✅ Keep visa receipt – You’ll need it for any extensions
Important Restrictions & Rules
⚠️ Annual Limit: US citizens can stay a maximum of 150 days in Nepal per calendar year on tourist visas. After 150 days, you must leave and can only return the following calendar year.
⚠️ Overstay Penalties:
- $2-3 USD per day fine for overstay
- Possible blacklist for extended overstays
- Always extend before your visa expires!
⚠️ Restricted Areas: Some regions require special trekking permits (Mustang, Dolpo, Manaslu). These are separate from your visa and arranged through trekking agencies.
COVID-19 & Health Requirements
As of 2026, COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted for entry to Nepal. However, always check the latest requirements before traveling:
- No vaccination certificate required (as of 2026)
- No PCR test required (as of 2026)
- Travel insurance recommended (some trekking permits may require it)
Always verify current health requirements on the Nepal Immigration website before departure.
Connect with Local Guides on VisitMeet
Got your visa sorted? Now it’s time to plan your Nepal adventure! Connect with experienced local guides on VisitMeet who can help you:
- Navigate Kathmandu airport arrival
- Arrange airport pickup and hotel transfers
- Obtain trekking permits and TIMS cards
- Plan your perfect itinerary
- Experience authentic Nepali culture
Join VisitMeet today and connect with locals before you even land in Nepal!
Quick Reference Checklist
Before you fly to Nepal, make sure you have:
- ☐ Valid US passport (6+ months validity)
- ☐ Completed online visa application (or plan to do at airport)
- ☐ Passport photos (2-3 copies)
- ☐ Visa fee in USD cash or credit card
- ☐ Return/onward flight ticket
- ☐ Travel insurance (recommended)
- ☐ Accommodation booking (first night at minimum)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival as a US citizen?
Yes! US citizens can easily obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or land border crossings. The process is straightforward and takes 15-60 minutes depending on queues.
How much does a Nepal visa cost for Americans?
Nepal tourist visas cost $30 (15 days), $50 (30 days), or $125 (90 days). Payment accepted in cash USD or major credit cards at Kathmandu airport.
Do I need a visa for a layover in Kathmandu?
If you’re staying airside (not leaving the international transit area), you don’t need a visa. However, if you want to leave the airport to explore Kathmandu during a layover, you’ll need a tourist visa.
Can I extend my Nepal visa?
Yes, tourist visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara for $3 per day, up to a maximum of 150 days total per calendar year.
What happens if I overstay my Nepal visa?
Overstaying results in a fine of approximately $2-3 USD per day. Extended overstays can result in blacklisting. Always extend your visa before it expires!
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