Nepal Visa for United States Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Nepal as an American citizen? US passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Fees range from $30 for 15 days to $125 for 90 days. This guide covers the full application process, requirements, and tips for your Himalayan adventure.

Visa Application process

American citizens can obtain a Nepal tourist visa either on arrival at the airport or through online pre-registration.1 Both methods grant the same visa; online registration simply saves time.

Complete Online Form

Visit immigration.gov.np and fill out the tourist visa application form.1 This can be done up to 15 days before your arrival date.

Print Confirmation

After submission, print the confirmation receipt.1 You will need this at the airport.

Arrive in Nepal

At Tribhuvan Airport, proceed directly to the payment counter with your printed form.1 Pay the fee and then go to the immigration desk for your visa stamp.

Complete Arrival Card

Upon arrival, fill out the arrival card provided on the aircraft or at the airport.1 Alternatively, use the self-service kiosks in the terminal.

Pay at Bank Counter

Present your completed form and passport at the bank counter.1 Pay the appropriate fee based on your intended stay duration.

Immigration Processing

Take your receipt to the immigration desk.1 Your passport will be stamped with the tourist visa.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete Online Form
2. Print Confirmation
3. Arrive in Nepal
1. Complete Arrival Card
2. Pay at Bank Counter
3. Immigration Processing

Visa Fees breakdown

Duration: Fee	15 days: US$30	30 days: US$50	90 days: US$125	Children under 10: Free	Additional fees:3	Payment accepted in US dollars (cash) or Nepalese Rupees.3

What you need to prove

Nepal’s tourist visa requirements for American citizens are straightforward:

Valid passport: At least 6 months validity with blank pages 1
Recent photo: Standard passport-size photograph 1
Visa fee: Cash in USD or NPR 3
Basic travel info: Where you plan to stay and travel 1

Required documents

Valid Passport
Passport-Size Photo
Arrival Card
Visa Fee

Valid Passport

Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date • At least one blank page for visa stamp; • Must be in good condition] (Tip: Nepal strictly enforces the 6-month validity ruleCheck expiration date before booking flights)

Passport-Size Photo

Recent color photograph for visa application • Standard passport size (2x2 inches); • White or light background; • Taken within last 6 months] (Tip: Bring 2 photos in case one is needed for trekking permitsPhotos can be taken at Kathmandu airport for a fee)

Arrival Card

Immigration form completed upon arrival • Available at the airport; • Or complete online in advance via Nepal immigration website] (Tip: Online pre-registration significantly reduces wait timeComplete within 15 days of travel)

Visa Fee

Payment for tourist visa • 15 days: $30; • 30 days: $50; • 90 days: $125; • Payable in US dollars or Nepalese Rupees (cash)] (Tip: Bring exact amount in clean, undamaged billsATMs are available at the airport if needed)

Optional documents

Accommodation Details

Address where you will be staying (optional but helpful) • Hotel name and address in Nepal; • Or trek starting point if trekking] (Tip: Having a booking reference speeds up immigration questions)

Comparison

Duration	Fee	Entry Type
15 days	US$30	Multiple entry
30 days	US$50	Multiple entry
90 days	US$125	Multiple entry
Children under 10	Free	Multiple entry

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
50%	Passport Validity Issues
25%	Missing or Poor Quality Photo
15%	Previous Overstay
10%	Incomplete Application

50% - Passport Validity Issues

How to avoid: Verify passport expiration well before travel. Allow time for renewal if needed.

25% - Missing or Poor Quality Photo

How to avoid: Bring 2 passport photos. Photos can be taken at the airport but this adds time and cost.

15% - Previous Overstay

How to avoid: Pay any outstanding overstay fines ($5/day) before attempting re-entry. Contact the nearest Nepal Embassy if you have concerns.

10% - Incomplete Application

How to avoid: Complete online pre-registration before travel. Double-check all fields before submitting.

Frequently asked questions

Do American citizens need a visa for Nepal?

Yes, US citizens require a visa to enter Nepal. The easiest option is the Visa on Arrival available at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and major land borders. You can also apply online in advance to save time at arrival.

How much does a Nepal tourist visa cost for Americans?

Fees are: $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, and $125 for 90 days. All tourist visas are multiple entry, allowing you to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period.

Can I extend my Nepal tourist visa?

Yes. Tourist visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. Extension fee is $3 per day (minimum 15 days). The maximum stay is 150 days per calendar year.

What is the maximum stay in Nepal per year?

US citizens can stay a maximum of 150 days in Nepal within a calendar year (January to December). This includes all visits and extensions combined.

Should I apply online or get visa on arrival?

Online pre-registration is recommended, especially during peak trekking seasons (October-November and March-April) when airport queues can be very long. It does not cost extra and can save significant waiting time.

Are children exempt from visa fees?

Yes, children under 10 years old are exempt from Nepal tourist visa fees. However, they still need to go through the visa application process and receive a stamp in their passport.

Can I enter Nepal by land from India or China?

Yes. Visa on Arrival is available at several land border crossings. Popular entry points from India include Sunauli/Belahiya (Bhairahawa), Kakarbhitta, and Birgunj. From Tibet/China, the main crossing is at Tatopani/Kodari (check if open as it closes seasonally).

What is the approval rate for Nepal tourist visas?

The approval rate for American tourists is approximately 99%. Nepal welcomes tourism and visa refusals are extremely rare for US citizens with valid documentation.

Apply for Nepal tourist visa online

Sources

Nepal Department of Immigration

https://immigration.gov.np/

U.S. State Department - Nepal Travel

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Nepal.html

Nepal Immigration - Visa Fees

https://www.immigration.gov.np/en/post/visa-fee-and-documents-1

At a glance