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Nepal Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a Nepal Tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (15/30/90 days; USD 30/50/125) with a passport valid at least 6 months and a 2x2 inch photo.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry, and have at least one blank visa page.
  • Specific forms: There is no pre-application for visa on arrival; you may fill a visa-on-arrival form at the airport immigration counters. If you choose to use the online e-visa route, apply via the official Nepal Immigration portal at https://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/.
  • Financial proof: No fixed financial-proof requirement for a standard visa on arrival, but you should have funds to cover your stay; carry cash in USD or NPR to pay visa fees and for daily expenses.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Have details of your first night's accommodation and a return or onward ticket if requested by immigration.
  • Photo spec: One recent passport-size photo (2x2 inches / 51x51 mm) with a white or light background.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are captured at the visa-on-arrival counters; you may be photographed and fingerprinted at entry.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory, but strongly recommended for medical emergencies and travel disruption.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Tourist visa): Official name Tourist visa; Validity 15 days / 30 days / 90 days; Max stay equals the duration; Entry: Multiple-entry; Approx fee: USD 30 / 50 / 125 respectively.
  • Non-tourist visa – Business: Official name Non-tourist visa (Business); Validity typically 15/30/90 days or longer with embassy approval; Max stay per entry up to 180 days; Entry: Multiple-entry; Approx fee: USD 30 / 50 / 125 (or longer durations as issued).
  • Student visa: Official name Student visa; Validity 1 year (renewable); Max stay per entry up to 1 year; Entry: Multiple-entry; Approx fee: about USD 60 (varies by mission).
  • Work visa: Official name Work visa; Validity 1 year (renewable); Max stay per entry up to 1 year; Entry: Multiple-entry; Approx fee: about USD 125 (varies by mission).
  • Transit visa: Official name Transit visa; Validity 3 days; Max stay 3 days; Entry: Single-entry; Approx fee: USD 5.

How to apply

  • Visa on arrival: Ports of entry with visa-on-arrival counters (mainly Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu). Steps: arrive in Nepal, proceed to the visa-on-arrival counters with your passport, 2x2 photo, and return/onward ticket; complete any visa-on-arrival form provided; pay the visa fee in cash (USD or NPR) at the counter; collect your visa sticker/entry and proceed to immigration; immigration will scan your passport and may capture biometrics.
  • Fee and currencies: Visa-on-arrival fees are payable in cash at counters in USD or NPR; ensure you have exact or close amounts in the local notes.
  • Processing time: Typical processing is 15–60 minutes depending on queue; allow extra time during peak travel season.
  • How approval arrives: If using online e-visa instead of on-arrival, you will receive an electronic visa approval via email after payment and can present the printout on arrival.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee for tourist visa on arrival: 15 days USD 30 (NPR ~ 3,900), 30 days USD 50 (NPR ~ 6,500), 90 days USD 125 (NPR ~ 16,250).
  • VFS/BLS service fees: Not applicable for Nepal visa on arrival; this applies to other types only if processed through a Nepalese mission; check portal.
  • Total cost estimate: For a typical 30-day stay, expect around USD 50 plus incidental expenses.
  • Standard processing time: 15–60 minutes at the airport; online e-visa processing typically 3–5 business days.
  • Express/priority option: Not offered for visa-on-arrival; online e-visa may be faster but still subject to processing time.

Tips for United States travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: For visa on arrival, no pre-approval is required; if you choose to apply online for an e-visa, submit at least 3–7 days before travel; check the official portal for processing times.
  • Common rejection reasons for United States applicants: Passport validity less than 6 months, missing or damaged passport, insufficient funds (not a fixed requirement for visa on arrival but recommended to have funds for stay), incomplete arrival forms, discrepancies between flight details or accommodation details, or presenting a photo that does not meet specifications.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Nepal visa-on-arrival is issued at immigration counters; some special categories may require embassy processing; always verify current process on the official Nepal Immigration or MOFA portals.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Nepal before travel; ensure you comply with entry requirements, health measures, and safety guidance.
  • Extension options inside Nepal: Tourist visa can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or at designated immigration offices; extensions are granted for additional days up to a total annual limit and involve a fee; processing typically takes 1–3 business days.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.