Nepal is a renowned destination because of its towering peaks such as Everest, Annapurna, etc. Because of the towering mountains and hills, you will get stunning beauty and endless opportunities for adventure. You can also witness the rich culture of Nepal in its ancient temples and World Heritage sites.
However, to enjoy the allure of Nepal, you need to know the visa application and entry process at first to have a journey with ease. If you comply with immigration rules and have relevant and correct visa knowledge, it will help you to avoid delays on your journey.
This blog is designed for tourists planning to visit Nepal for a short time. The information outlines the different types of visas needed to enter Nepal, the application process of each visa type, and some things to think about for each group of travelers.
Types of Nepal Visas
Tourist Visa
With a Tourist Visa, you can visit Nepal for trekking, sightseeing, and cultural visits. However, the tourist visa is valid for durations of 15, 30, or 90 days, and is the most common visa type. It can be acquired from a Nepalese port of entry or in advance without prior approval.
Trekking Visa
Nepal does not issue a specific trekking visa. Trekkers must obtain permits (such as TIMS, park entry permits) while entering with a tourist visa.
Business Visa
It is issued to business persons who will attend meetings, do investment activities, and buy and sell products. A business visa must have prior approval from the Department of Immigration in order to receive a visa.
Student Visa
This visa is issued to students who attend and are registered full-time at an educational institution in Nepal. A student visa must be approved by the Department of Immigration.
Working Visa
Issued to foreigners who are working or have a contract to work in Nepal. A working visa must get prior approval from the Department of Immigration before being considered for approval based on sponsorship provided by a Nepalese employer.
Residential Visa
The residential visa is for someone who plans to live in Nepal for a long time (for example, retirees or NRNs- non-resident Nepalese) and requires special approval from the Department of Immigration.
Visa on Arrival in Nepal
You can get your visa after arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport and several border points of Nepal. This will make it easier for international visitors to enter Nepal without prior visa arrangements.
Visa on Arrival is available to eligible citizens of 180+ countries in 2025. Just a few limited exceptions exist (Afghanistan, Nigeria, Ghana, etc.), which state that the members from these countries must arrange for a visa before arrival through the Nepali diplomatic missions.
When applying for a visa on arrival, travelers will need to show a valid passport (at least six months of remaining validity from entry into Nepal), travel documents, and may need to provide other supporting documents (such as a completed second application form & recent passport-size photographs), depending on the situation or office of immigration.
Applying for a Visa Online
To apply for a visa to Nepal online before your arrival, visit the official Nepal Immigration Department, and select your visa. Complete the necessary passport and personal information, as well as your travel itinerary, which includes your entry point to Nepal and the duration of your stay.
You must submit your application within 15 days of your expected arrival date in order to allow enough time for processing. Any application outside the 15-day period or submitted too early may be rejected, and you do not want to have any travel issues or delays.
You will need a number of documents, such as a passport with a minimum of 6 months, a recent digital passport photo, and a completed application form online.
Once completed, you will receive an email confirmation or receipt, print the documents, and present them at your visa counter. You need to pay your fees, and after you complete the immigration process, you will receive your visa stamp on your passport. This method can certainly save you some time from making a visa application entirely upon arrival.
Visa Fees and Validity
For a Tourist visa in Nepal 2025, you must pay around USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. You can make payment at the immigration office and entry point either in USD or Nepali rupees.
Department of Immigration offices in Kathmandu or in Pokhara are where you can extend your visa. To extend the visa, you need to pay USD 3 per day of extension, while not exceeding the original visa time. If you overstay, then you have to pay USD 5 per day as a penalty.
Trekking Permits & Visa Info for Trekkers
Trekkers in Nepal generally do not require anything beyond a standard tourist visa. There are specific trekking permits, such as the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, National Park or Conservation Area permits, depending on where the trek will take place.
To obtain any trekking permit, you need to have a valid passport as well as your visa. Permits are best purchased in Kathmandu or Pokhara form the offices of government departments and Nepal Tourism Board.
Visa for Expats
Expats requesting student, working, or residential visas in Nepal are required to submit applications to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. They will generally need to supply a valid passport, a visa application form, a couple of recent photos, employment or admission letters, and ministry recommendations for the working visas.
Visa validity is varied for students and workers, whose visas are generally valid for one year, during which time the visa can be renewed annually. Residential visas are also valid for one year, and often require proof of some financial status or investment. Please be mindful that you will have to submit the updated documents and pay the fee before the prior visa expires for renewals.
It is required to stay here legally, in that you maintain a valid status with your visa, and also that you do not break any visa conditions. Overstaying without obtaining your renewal can carry fines starting at USD 5 per day; it may also expose you to other legal penalties, along with deportation. Complying with Nepal’s immigration law is an important aspect for every expat to ensure their lawful residence and avoid penalties.
Where to Extend Your Visa in Nepal
You can apply for your Nepal visa extension in either the Immigration Offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. In order to apply, as documents you will need your valid passport with visa, a filled-out visa extension application form, and a passport-size photo.
The visa extension fee is USD 45 for the first 15 days and then USD 3 per day for the days after that, and then any processing costs; you can usually pay this in cash at the office.
Visa Tips & Warnings
- Always travel with a copy of your passport and visa documents in Nepal.
- Please check the visa rules and fees before you get there to avoid any surprises when you arrive in Nepal.
- Also, don’t overstay your visa, as this could result in a fine, legal penalty, or possibly a ban from reentry.
- Under no circumstances should you work on a tourist visa; doing so is illegal unless you have the right worker visa.
- Bring extra passport photos and the exact cash in USD, for an on-arrival visa or extension; this could save delays in processing your visa.
FAQs
Is a visa available for all land borders?
Visa on Arrival is available for major land border entry points: Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, and Mahendranagar, but most minor borders do not have this service.
How many times can I extend my tourist visa?’
There is no set limit to the number of extensions; You can extend your Tourist visa several times at the Immigration Offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, generally at USD 3 per day or plus fees.
Is a visa required for Indian citizens?
Indian citizens can enter Nepal with valid ID documents, due to open border arrangements between the two countries.
Can I change my tourist visa to a work/student visa?
A tourist visa cannot be changed to a work or student visa; if you would like to study or work, you need to apply at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Nepal visa can be easily obtained by either arriving with a Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or any of the major land borders. Both options include basic documents you need for travel, which only require a valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
Plan to choose the right kind of visa well in advance to ensure a smooth experience when you arrive to stay in Nepal for any period of time, whether a tourist for a short stay, a trekker for a week, or an expat for a long stay. As long as you follow the Nepal visa rules and extend on time, you will always be legally travelling, which is important when travelling in such a stunning, beautiful country as Nepal, and be safe and responsible to the local communities.
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