Nepal Tourist Visa 2026: Fees, On-Arrival Process & Who Gets It Free
Most visitors to Nepal can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, or in advance from a Nepali embassy abroad. As of July 2026, the on-arrival tourist visa costs US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, or US$125 for 90 days, and can be extended for up to 150 days in a single visa year (January–December). This guide breaks down the official rules published by Nepal’s Department of Immigration so you can arrive prepared.
Table of Contents
- Who needs a Nepal tourist visa?
- Tourist visa fees (2026)
- The 3-step on-arrival process at TIA
- Who gets a free or gratis visa
- Extending your visa (up to 150 days)
- Required documents
- Frequently asked questions
Who needs a Nepal tourist visa?
Nepal issues a tourist visa to foreign nationals on arrival or through Nepali diplomatic missions abroad. According to the Department of Immigration, the tourist visa “is issued on-arrival or from missions abroad” and may be extended “up to 150 days total per visa year (Jan–Dec).” The only ordinary passport holders who are fully exempt are Indian nationals, who may enter Nepal without a visa under the 1950 India–Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
Tourist visa fees (2026)
The Department of Immigration publishes the following tourist visa fee schedule (USD):
| Validity | Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | Entry (on-arrival or embassy) | $30 |
| 30 days | Entry (on-arrival or embassy) | $50 |
| 90 days | Entry (on-arrival or embassy) | $125 |
| Extension | Per day (minimum 15 days) | $3 / day |
| Late fine | If you overstay before extending | $5 / day |
| Multiple re-entry | Add-on to an extended visa | +$25 |
Source: Department of Immigration Nepal, “Nepal Visa Types & Requirements” fee schedule, immigration.gov.np (accessed 17 July 2026).
The 3-step on-arrival process at TIA
Tribhuvan International Airport facilitates tourists with Visa on Arrival. The Department of Immigration describes the procedure as “quick and simple” and outlines three steps:
- Fill the forms. Complete the Arrival Card and the Online Tourist Visa form — either on the Department’s website before you fly, or on the kiosk machines at TIA. Print the submission receipt with barcode (valid for 15 days).
- Pay the fee. Pay at the bank counter for 15, 30, or 90 days. Multiple payment modes are accepted; the Department advises carrying some cash.
- Get your visa. Present your online form, payment receipt, and passport at the Immigration Desk. The officer processes and issues your visa.
You may also obtain a tourist visa from a Nepali embassy or consulate before you travel — useful if you arrive by land border or want to skip the airport queue.
Who gets a free or gratis visa
Per the Department of Immigration’s published categories, the following travelers receive a tourist visa free of charge (gratis) or at no fee:
- Children below 10 years of age
- SAARC citizens (except Afghanistan) — up to 30 days on the first visit in a given visa year
- Afghan citizens — only upon recommendation of the Department of Immigration
- NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) card holders — issued gratis by the Department
- Chinese nationals
- Officials from China, Brazil, Russia, and Thailand — under reciprocal visa-waiver arrangements
Separately, diplomatic and official/service passport holders from 14 countries are exempt from visa requirements entirely (updated 25 May 2026): Brazil, Cambodia, China, Georgia, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam — for stays up to 30 or 90 days depending on the country.
Extending your visa (up to 150 days)
If you want to stay longer than your initial 15/30/90 days, apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or an immigration office. Extensions are charged at US$3 per day with a 15-day minimum, and a US$5-per-day late fine applies if you overstay before extending. A multiple re-entry facility can be added for US$25. The total stay on a tourist visa cannot exceed 150 days in a single visa year (January–December).
Required documents
For a tourist visa you generally need:
- A valid ordinary passport (with at least six months’ validity is recommended)
- Your completed arrival/visa application form and barcode receipt
- Passport-sized photo (often captured or uploaded during the online form)
- Visa fee payment (cash or card at the counter)
- Any previous Nepal visa details, if applicable
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival?
Yes. Most foreign nationals can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, or in advance from a Nepali mission abroad.
How much is the Nepal tourist visa in 2026?
US$30 (15 days), $50 (30 days), or $125 (90 days). Extensions are $3 per day with a 15-day minimum.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian nationals can enter Nepal without a visa under the 1950 India–Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
What is the maximum stay on a tourist visa?
150 days in a single visa year (January to December), counting the initial grant plus any extensions.
Can I work in Nepal on a tourist visa?
No. Only foreign nationals holding a Working Visa may accept employment in Nepal. A tourist visa does not permit work.
Key takeaways
- On-arrival tourist visa: $30 / $50 / $125 for 15 / 30 / 90 days.
- Indian citizens are visa-exempt; several other groups get it free or gratis.
- Extend at $3/day (15-day minimum), max 150 days per visa year.
- Fill the online form early, carry some cash, and don’t overstay — late fine is $5/day.
This article is based on official information published by the Department of Immigration Nepal (visa fees & documents, and visa exemption notices updated 25 May 2026), accessed 17 July 2026. Visa rules change — always confirm with the Department of Immigration or a Nepali embassy before you travel.
Related guides on TravellingNepal.com:
- Best Time to Visit Nepal in 2026
- Altitude Sickness: A Trekker’s Guide
- Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
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