Skip to main content

Nepal Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or major land border crossings; a 30-day multiple-entry visa costs USD 50 and processing at the counter usually takes 15-30 minutes.

Guide last updated October 2, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
  • One passport-size photo (though digital photo capture is now common at the airport kiosks)
  • Completed arrival form, available on paper or via Nepal's online pre-arrival visa application
  • Visa fee in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) or by card at the airport kiosks
  • Return or onward ticket (not always checked but good practice)
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo captured at the immigration counter
  • Travel health insurance: strongly recommended, especially for trekking or high-altitude travel

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: multiple entry, 15 days for USD 30, 30 days for USD 50, 90 days for USD 125
  • Tourist visa (embassy, in advance): same validity options, obtainable from the Nepali Embassy in Washington DC if preferred
  • Business visa: multiple entry, up to 1 year with proof of local business invitation, fee varies
  • Trekking permits (separate from the visa): required for restricted areas such as Upper Mustang or Manaslu, arranged through a registered trekking agency

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and major land border posts (e.g., Kakarbhitta, Belahiya/Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj)
  • Steps: use the self-service kiosk to enter details and pay by card, or fill a paper form and pay cash at the bank counter, then proceed to the immigration desk for stamping
  • Fee: USD 30 (15 days), USD 50 (30 days), or USD 125 (90 days), payable in major foreign currency cash or card
  • Processing time: typically 15-30 minutes, longer during peak trekking seasons (October-November, March-April)
  • Queue tips: use the online pre-arrival form (visitnepal.gov.np) in advance to reduce paperwork time at the airport kiosk

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: USD 30/50/125 depending on duration (15/30/90 days)
  • No separate service fee at the airport
  • Total cost estimate: USD 30-125 depending on trip length
  • Standard processing: same day, on arrival
  • Express option: not applicable; the on-arrival process is already same-day

Tips for United States travelers

  • Carry exact or close-to-exact USD cash, as change may not always be available at busier checkpoints
  • Common rejection reasons: passport damage, insufficient remaining validity, previous overstay records
  • Completing the online pre-arrival form before your flight significantly speeds up the airport process
  • Extensions: available at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu, roughly USD 3/day plus a late fee if applicable, for up to 150 days total per visa year
  • For trekking regions, arrange TIMS cards and area permits separately through a licensed agency

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United States passport holders

United KingdomFranceGermanyJapanAustraliaCanadaView all →

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.