Nepal entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and all major land border crossings. The process is straightforward — bring cash (USD, EUR, or NPR) for the visa fee and a passport photo. Multiple entry visas are available depending on the duration you choose (15, 30, or 90 days).
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land border crossings. Pay the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR) — 15 days costs $30, 30 days costs $50, 90 days costs $125. Have two passport-size photos ready and fill out the arrival card on the plane or at the counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Australian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Nepal. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Kathmandu airport ask for proof of a return or onward flight before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they check this at the visa counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or trekking permit | Immigration rarely asks for a hotel booking, but trekking agencies require a confirmed itinerary for permit applications. Carry a printed copy of your first night's booking just in case. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for visa fee and expenses | You need enough cash to pay the visa fee on arrival (USD or EUR preferred) plus at least $50 per day for your stay. ATMs are available in Kathmandu but unreliable outside the city — bring USD cash. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards
The visa on arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards, and there is no ATM before immigration. You must have the exact fee in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR). ATMs are available after immigration in the arrivals hall, but you can't use them to get cash for the visa. Bring enough cash with you.
Visa fees (approximate)
15 days: USD 30, 30 days: USD 50, 90 days: USD 125. These are standard fees and can change slightly. Always have a little extra in small bills to be safe.
Photo booth available
If you forget your passport photo, there are automated photo booths in the arrival hall near the visa counters. They cost around NPR 100 and provide a strip of four photos in a couple of minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Complete visa application and arrival forms
On the plane, you'll get an immigration card. After landing, grab a separate visa application form from the counters before the immigration queues. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and choose your visa duration (15, 30, or 90 days). Have your passport photo ready to attach.
2
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
At Tribhuvan International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. There are usually several. Submit your application form, passport, and photo. The officer will ask your intended duration and collect the fee in cash.
3
Pay the visa fee
After the officer checks your documents, pay the exact cash amount. They will give you a receipt. Keep it.
4
Wait for visa processing
The visa processing takes about 5–10 minutes. Once ready, the officer will hand back your passport with the visa sticker affixed. Double-check the dates and duration.
5
Proceed to immigration
With your visa in hand, go to the immigration counters. The officer will stamp you in. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 120 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 50 (USD 50)
Apply online or at Nepalese embassy. Extensions available at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
CostUSD 100 (USD 100)
For frequent travellers. Must apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (business/volunteer)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostUSD 200 (USD 200)
Requires sponsorship letter from organization in Nepal.
retirement visa
Nepal Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires sponsorship and annual renewal.
work visa
Nepal Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Nepalese employer and government approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Nepal Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (15 days)For stays up to 15 days, payable at entry. | USD 30 (USD 30) |
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)For stays up to 30 days, payable at entry. | USD 50 (USD 50) |
| Visa on Arrival (90 days)For stays up to 90 days, payable at entry. | USD 125 (USD 125) |
| Tourist visa extension (per month)Extensions are possible for up to 120 days total stay. Apply at immigration offices. | USD 45 (USD 45) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | USD 5 (USD 5) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Nepal
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders transiting through Nepal do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsTribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Health & vaccines for Nepal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with Yellow Fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanusRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude SicknessHigh risk
Common in trekking regions above 2,500m; acclimatize properly.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Risk of diarrhea, cholera, etc.; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Mosquito-borne DiseasesModerate risk
Dengue and malaria present in lowland areas; use repellent.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in Terai region below 1,200m; prophylaxis recommended for rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kathmandu
Department of Immigration
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu 44600
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Pokhara
Pokhara Immigration Office
Baidam, Pokhara 33700
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers. Same services as Kathmandu.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalKathmandu
LanguageNepali
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyNepalese Rupee (NPR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 153.27 NPR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h 45min (EST)
vs Los Angeles+13h 45min (PST)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water or purified water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Nepal
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Nepal — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, most land border crossings like Kakarbhitta (from India), Belahiya, and Kodari also issue visas on arrival for Australians. The same fee structure applies. However, check that the specific crossing you plan to use is open for visa-on-arrival service. Some smaller crossings may not offer it.
Overstay is fined at USD 5 per day for the first 30 days, and USD 10 per day after that. You pay the fine at the immigration office at the airport or at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu before departure. Visa extensions are possible at the Department of Immigration for up to 30 days (subject to approval) if you need more time. It's better to extend than overstay.
Officially, it's not listed as a requirement for Australian citizens, but immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. It's smart to have a return or onward ticket booked to avoid any hassle. If you're overlanding out of Nepal, have a plan or a bus ticket.
Yes, you can. But some airlines may require proof of onward travel before boarding. If you're flying to Nepal on a one-way ticket, have evidence of sufficient funds and a printed itinerary to show the airline check-in agent.
Yes, the tourist visa on arrival is typically a multiple-entry visa. You can enter and exit Nepal within the validity period. The duration (15, 30, 90 days) is the total stay allowed. Each entry extends your stay up to the limit.
No, Australian dollars are not accepted. Only US dollars, Euros, or Nepali rupees (NPR) are accepted at the visa counter. If you only have AUD, exchange it at the airport before going to immigration (but the exchange rate may be poor). Best to bring crisp US dollars.
Entry may be denied. The rule is strict: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Nepal. If it's close, apply for a new passport before traveling. The airline may also refuse boarding.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.