Nepal Travel Visa : What U.S. Travelers Need to Know

Sherkha

March 26, 2025

If you're a US citizen planning to visit Nepal, understanding the visa requirements is essential. Nepal offers a straightforward visa process for US travelers, allowing them to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historical sites.

 

Whether you're trekking in the Himalayas, visiting ancient temples, or experiencing local traditions, securing your visa is the first step to an unforgettable adventure in Nepal.

 

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about obtaining a Nepal travel visa, including types of visas, how to apply, and important tips for your trip.

We plan your perfect holiday

Embark on your Nepal holiday with confidence, guided by our expert travel specialists who offer the right information, the right trip, and the right travel services.

Visa at the Embassy in the USA (Washington, D.C.) and Process

 

If you’re the plan-ahead type, you can snag your Nepal tourist visa at the Nepalese Embassy in Washington, D.C. before you jet off. You’ll need to submit your application, passport, and a few docs (more on that below), plus pay the fee.

 

Processing usually takes a few business days, so don’t wait until the day before your flight. Check the embassy’s website for the latest details and to book an appointment—lines can get real.

 

Visa on Arrival at the Airport

 

Landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu? You can grab a visa on arrival. It’s pretty chill—just fill out the form at the kiosk or counter, hand over your docs, and pay up. Word of warning: it can take a couple of hours if the place is packed, so pack some patience along with your snacks.

 

Visa on Arrival at the Land Border

 

Crossing into Nepal by land? You can score a visa on arrival at certain border points (like Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, or Belahiya if you’re coming from India).

 

Same deal as the airport—bring the right docs and crisp U.S. dollars. Not every crossing offers this, though, so double-check your spot before you roll up.

 

Documents Required

 

Here’s what you’ll need to have in your bag:

 

Valid Passport: Make sure it’s good for at least six months from your entry date. Oh, and it’s gotta have two blank pages just for the visa—no squeezing it onto stamp-cluttered pages.

Previous Visa (if any): Got an old Nepal visa? Bring it along, just in case. Other supporting docs might pop up depending on your situation—check ahead.

Cash: U.S. dollars only (post-2003, crisp and clean) for on-arrival payments. Cards and other currencies? Nope, they won’t fly.

 

Visa Costs and Durations

 

For U.S. citizens, Nepal’s tourist visas are multiple-entry and come in three flavors:

 

✔️ 15 days: $30 USD

✔️ 30 days: $50 USD

✔️90 days: $125 USD

 

You can stay up to 150 days total in a year, but you’ll need to extend if you max out one of these chunks. Pay in U.S. dollars—ATMs can be sketchy, and credit cards might leave you hanging.

 

Visa Extension: Nepal Visa Requirements

 

Need more time to soak in those Himalayan vibes? Head to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu before your visa expires. Extensions are doable, but don’t sleep on it—late applications mean fees, and overstaying can land you fines, jail time, or a ban from Nepal. Yikes. Bring your passport, some cash, and a good attitude.

 

Nepal Tourist Visa Lowdown

 

Flying in? Get your visa at the embassy or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Online option? Yep, there’s a form for that—hunt it down on the Nepalese Immigration site. Coming by land? Sort your visa beforehand or at select border spots if you’re crossing from India. Either way, bring those fresh U.S. dollars—old, torn bills won’t cut it.

 

Pro Tips

 

✔️ Overstaying = Trouble: Big fines, arrests, or a “see ya never” from Nepal. Keep your visa current.

✔️ Leaving Nepal: Check your visa’s still valid before you head out. Expired? Extend it in Kathmandu—the airport won’t help you there, and missing your flight sucks.

✔️ Stay Informed: Hit up the Government of Nepal’s Department of Immigration website for the latest scoop.

 

Pack smart, pay right, and enjoy Nepal without the visa stress. Safe travels, fam!

FAQs

 

1. Can Americans get a visa when they arrive in Nepal?

Yep! Americans can get a visa when they land in Nepal.

 

2. How much is the visa fee for US citizens in Nepal?

It depends on how long you want to stay. For example, a 15-day visa costs about $30 USD.

 

3. Do US citizens need a passport for Nepal?

Absolutely! You need your passport to be valid for at least 6 months when you enter Nepal. Plus, it should have 2 empty visa pages.

 

4. What documents do you need for a visa when you arrive in Nepal?

Easy peasy! Just bring your valid passport, two passport photos, your hotel address, and cash for the visa fee.

 

5. How do you pay for a visa when you arrive in Nepal?

No worries! Just follow the steps at the airport or certain land borders. Bring your passport, photos, hotel address, and cash for the fee.

 

6. Can you get a Nepal visa online?

Yup! Go to link above and fill out the online visa application form as instructed.

 

7. Can you get a visa when you arrive at Kathmandu airport?

Absolutely! Use the link provided and apply for a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.

 

8. Can US citizens drive in Nepal?

Sure thing! But you need a valid driver's license to drive legally.

 

9. How long does it take to get a Nepal visa?

If you apply outside Nepal, it might take a few business days. Depends on the embassy or consulate's workload.

 

10. What's the penalty for overstaying a visa in Nepal?

If you overstay less than 30 days, you'll pay a fine of $3/day plus an extra $2/day for the extension fee.

 

11. How many times can you extend your tourist visa in Nepal?

You can extend it up to 150 days a year. Extensions start at 15 days for $45 USD and $3 per additional day. If it's less than 150 days overdue, add an extra $5 per day as a late fee.

Nepal Travel VisaNepal Travel GuideVisa to Nepal Tourist Visa to Nepal
Share this