Nepal Tourist Visa
Tourist Visa · For United States citizens
Planning a trip to Nepal as an American citizen? US passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Fees range from $30 for 15 days to $125 for 90 days. This guide covers the full application process, requirements, and tips for your Himalayan adventure.
Nepal Tourist Visa for American Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For United States citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
Recent color photograph for visa application
Immigration form completed upon arrival
Payment for tourist visa
Recommended (Optional)
Address where you will be staying (optional but helpful)
Application Process
American citizens can obtain a Nepal tourist visa either on arrival at the airport or through online pre-registration.1 Both methods grant the same visa; online registration simply saves time.
Option 1: Online Pre-Registration (Recommended)
1. Complete Online Form
Visit immigration.gov.np and fill out the tourist visa application form.1 This can be done up to 15 days before your arrival date.
2. Print Confirmation
After submission, print the confirmation receipt.1 You will need this at the airport.
3. Arrive in Nepal
At Tribhuvan Airport, proceed directly to the payment counter with your printed form.1 Pay the fee and then go to the immigration desk for your visa stamp.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
1. Complete Arrival Card
Upon arrival, fill out the arrival card provided on the aircraft or at the airport.1 Alternatively, use the self-service kiosks in the terminal.
2. Pay at Bank Counter
Present your completed form and passport at the bank counter.1 Pay the appropriate fee based on your intended stay duration.
3. Immigration Processing
Take your receipt to the immigration desk.1 Your passport will be stamped with the tourist visa.
Fees
| Duration | Fee | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | US$30 | Multiple entry |
| 30 days | US$50 | Multiple entry |
| 90 days | US$125 | Multiple entry |
| Children under 10 | Free | Multiple entry |
Additional fees:3
- Visa extension: $3 per day (minimum 15 days = $45)
- Late extension penalty: Additional fees apply if visa expired
- Multiple re-entry fee: Included in initial tourist visa
Payment accepted in US dollars (cash) or Nepalese Rupees.3
What You Need to Prove
Nepal’s tourist visa requirements for American citizens are straightforward:1
- Valid passport: At least 6 months validity with blank pages1
- Recent photo: Standard passport-size photograph1
- Visa fee: Cash in USD or NPR3
- Basic travel info: Where you plan to stay and travel1
Nepal does not require proof of onward travel, hotel bookings, or financial statements for tourist visa applicants. However, having accommodation details ready can help answer immigration questions quickly.
Processing Times
| Method | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online pre-registration | Minutes (at airport) | Recommended during peak season |
| Visa on Arrival | 15-60 minutes | Depends on queue length |
| Embassy application | 3-5 business days | Apply before travel |
| Visa extension | Same day | Apply at Immigration offices |
Peak seasons (October-November, March-April) can see long queues at Kathmandu airport.1 Online pre-registration is strongly recommended during these times.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once you have your visa:
- Verify the details: Check dates and duration stamped in your passport
- Keep track of your stay: Calculate when your 15/30/90 days expire
- Plan for trekking permits: If trekking, you will need additional permits (TIMS card and conservation area permits)
- Register if staying long: Stays over 30 days may require registration with local authorities
At immigration entry:
- Your visa allows multiple entries within its validity
- Each time you enter, you use days from your total allocation
- The 150-day annual limit applies across all visits in a calendar year3
If Your Visa is Refused
Visa refusal for American citizens is extremely rare. If it happens:
- Check the reason: Usually passport validity or documentation issues
- Resolve on the spot: Most issues can be fixed immediately (photos available at airport, etc.)
- Contact your embassy: The US Embassy in Kathmandu can assist in serious cases
- Previous issues: If you have history of overstays, contact the Nepal Embassy in Washington D.C. before travel
For travelers who previously overstayed in Nepal:
- Outstanding fines of $5 per day must be paid1
- Clear any issues at a Nepal Embassy before attempting entry
- Provide explanation letter if circumstances have changed
Important Notes for Trekkers
Nepal is a premier trekking destination. Beyond your tourist visa, trekkers should know:
- TIMS Card: Trekkers Information Management System card required for most treks
- Conservation fees: Entry permits needed for Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and other regions
- Guide requirements: Some areas require licensed guides
- Altitude considerations: Allow time for acclimatization on high-altitude treks
These permits are separate from your tourist visa and can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.1
Extending Your Stay
To extend your tourist visa in Nepal:3
- Visit Immigration Office: Main office in Kathmandu or branch office in Pokhara
- Bring documents: Passport, one photo, completed extension form
- Pay extension fee: $3 per day, minimum 15 days ($45)
- Receive new stamp: Usually processed same day
Apply before your current visa expires to avoid late fees. Extensions are straightforward for tourists with clean records.3
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Passport Validity Issues
Passport has less than 6 months validity from arrival date.
How to avoid: Verify passport expiration well before travel. Allow time for renewal if needed.
Missing or Poor Quality Photo
Photo does not meet requirements or was forgotten.
How to avoid: Bring 2 passport photos. Photos can be taken at the airport but this adds time and cost.
Previous Overstay
History of overstaying or exceeding 150-day annual limit.
How to avoid: Pay any outstanding overstay fines ($5/day) before attempting re-entry. Contact the nearest Nepal Embassy if you have concerns.
Incomplete Application
Missing information on arrival card or application form.
How to avoid: Complete online pre-registration before travel. Double-check all fields before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do American citizens need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, US citizens require a visa to enter Nepal. The easiest option is the Visa on Arrival available at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and major land borders. You can also apply online in advance to save time at arrival.
How much does a Nepal tourist visa cost for Americans?
Fees are: $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, and $125 for 90 days. All tourist visas are multiple entry, allowing you to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period.
Can I extend my Nepal tourist visa?
Yes. Tourist visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. Extension fee is $3 per day (minimum 15 days). The maximum stay is 150 days per calendar year.
What is the maximum stay in Nepal per year?
US citizens can stay a maximum of 150 days in Nepal within a calendar year (January to December). This includes all visits and extensions combined.
Should I apply online or get visa on arrival?
Online pre-registration is recommended, especially during peak trekking seasons (October-November and March-April) when airport queues can be very long. It does not cost extra and can save significant waiting time.
Are children exempt from visa fees?
Yes, children under 10 years old are exempt from Nepal tourist visa fees. However, they still need to go through the visa application process and receive a stamp in their passport.
Can I enter Nepal by land from India or China?
Yes. Visa on Arrival is available at several land border crossings. Popular entry points from India include Sunauli/Belahiya (Bhairahawa), Kakarbhitta, and Birgunj. From Tibet/China, the main crossing is at Tatopani/Kodari (check if open as it closes seasonally).
What is the approval rate for Nepal tourist visas?
The approval rate for American tourists is approximately 99%. Nepal welcomes tourism and visa refusals are extremely rare for US citizens with valid documentation.