Quick Guide to Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu Airport

1. Nepal Visa on Arrival: How It Works

 

If you haven’t secured an e-Visa in advance, you can still obtain a Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Here’s what you need to do:

 

Step 1-Fill Out the Tourist Visa Form

 

✔️ Use the electronic kiosks at the airport to fill out the visa application form.

✔️ The kiosk will scan your passport, take a digital photo, and print a slip with your details.

✔️ If the machine doesn’t scan your passport properly, you’ll have to enter details manually.

 

Tip: If you fill out the visa form online in advance (within 14 days before arrival) at Nepali Immigration Portal, print the confirmation and bring it to avoid the first queue.

 

Note: Some travelers do not receive a QR code or barcode after online submission. This is normal—the submission ID and voucher number on the confirmation slip are sufficient.

 

Stpe 2-Head to Visa Payment Counter

 

Pay the visa fee based on the duration of your stay:

 

✔️ 15 days: $30

✔️ 30 days: $50

✔️ 90 days: $125

 

Payment methods:

 

✔️ Cash is recommended. Most currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) are accepted, but USD is preferred.

✔️ Some travelers have used credit/debit cards, but card payments may be unreliable. Credit card transactions may be processed as cash advances.

 

Step 3-Visit the Immigration Desk

 

✔️ Submit your tourist visa form, payment receipt, and passport to an immigration officer.

✔️ Get your visa stamped into your passport. Check that the visa duration is correct before leaving.

 

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

✔️ Can I get a visa if the online application isn’t working?

Yes, you can complete the visa form using the kiosks at TIA. Many travelers report issues with the online form not progressing past the first step. If this happens, just apply on arrival.

 

✔️ Can I pay with a card or in Euros?

Cash is recommended. You can pay in USD, EUR, or GBP, but USD is preferred for smoother transactions. Card payments are possible but not always reliable. If using a credit card, be aware that the charge may post as a cash advance.

 

✔️ Do I need an exact departure date from Nepal?

No, but you must select a visa duration (15, 30, or 90 days).

 

✔️ Is the visa counter open late at night?

Yes, as long as flights are arriving, visa processing desks remain open. Travelers who arrived around midnight reported a smooth process.

 

✔️ Can I get a passport photo at TIA for the visa application?

The electronic kiosks take digital photos, so an extra photo is usually not needed. However, carrying a spare passport-sized photo is recommended in case of technical issues.

 

✔️ Where is the visa processing area at TIA?

You can’t miss it—after landing, you’ll see three lines:

 

⇒ Kiosks for visa application (if you haven’t completed it online).

⇒ Visa fee payment counter.

⇒ Immigration desk for final processing.

 

✔️ How long does the process take?

Travelers have reported it takes 10–30 minutes, depending on the queue. Arriving with the online form already completed can save time. During peak seasons, long queues may extend wait times to over an hour—so prepare accordingly.

 

✔️ What about my baggage while I complete the visa process?

Baggage reclaim usually takes time, so don’t worry if you’re still at immigration when your bags arrive at the carousel.

 

3. Final Tips

 

✔️  Fill out the visa form online before arrival (if possible) and print the confirmation.
✔️  Bring cash in USD, EUR, or GBP to avoid card payment issues.
✔️  Check your visa duration before leaving the counter.
✔️  Late-night arrivals are not an issue—visa processing remains open.
✔️  During peak seasons, expect longer queues.