Nepal entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nepal's entry points. This is the standard way to enter for tourism, and it's straightforward — just bring the right documents and cash for the fee. As of 2026, the process is well-established and reliable.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at land border crossings. Pay the fee in USD cash — $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Have two passport-size photos ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nepal. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers at Kathmandu airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket out of Nepal ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Immigration rarely asks for hotel bookings, but having a printed reservation for your first few nights helps if questioned. Trekking permits require showing a hotel booking in Kathmandu. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Officers may ask how you plan to fund your stay. Carry at least $200–$300 in cash or have a recent bank statement on your phone. Credit cards work in Kathmandu but not in remote trekking areas. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival counter at Tribhuvan Airport does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring US dollars, euros, or Nepali rupees in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Photo booth available at airport
If you forget your passport photos, there are photo booths near the visa counter at Kathmandu airport. They cost about $5 USD and take a few minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the airport, grab a 'Visa on Arrival' form. Fill in your details — passport info, address in Nepal, and duration of stay. Keep your pen handy.
2
Queue at the visa counter
At Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. There are separate counters for different visa durations (15, 30, or 90 days). Hand over your form, passport, and photos.
3
Pay the fee
Pay in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR). As of 2026, a 15-day visa costs $25, 30-day is $40, 90-day is $100. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stick the visa into your passport and stamp it. Check the dates are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to immigration
After the visa counter, go to the immigration desks. Show your passport with the visa sticker and your boarding pass. You're in.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 120 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200)
Apply at Nepalese embassy before travel; allows longer stay than VOA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400)
Ideal for frequent visitors; must apply in advance.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course (up to 1 year, renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$50 USD (approx. NPR 6,600) plus course fees
Requires admission to a recognized educational institution.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from a Nepalese company and government approval.
work visa
Work Permit (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Nepalese company. Requires a job offer, work contract, and government approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 1 year, renewable)
$50 USD (approx. NPR 6,600) plus tuition
For those enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Nepal. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Can lead to extended stay.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400) per year
Available for retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires annual renewal and no local employment.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. NPR 66,000) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Nepal. Requires business registration and government approval. Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (15 days)Standard fee for Chinese passport holders at entry points. | $25 USD (approx. NPR 3,300) |
| Visa on arrival (30 days)Commonly chosen for longer stays. | $40 USD (approx. NPR 5,300) |
| Visa on arrival (90 days)For extended tourism or multiple entries. | $100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200) |
| Stay extension (per month)Available at immigration offices; max extension up to 120 days total stay. | $45 USD (approx. NPR 6,000) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | $5 USD (approx. NPR 660) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Chinese passport holders transiting through Nepal's international airports (e.g., Kathmandu) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
- Transit passengers with a valid visa for a third country may have additional flexibility.
Transit hubsTribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu
Health & vaccines for Nepal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DPT, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in trekking areas above 2,500m; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in lowland areas (Terai) and during monsoon season; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural Terai regions below 1,200m, especially during monsoon (June–September). Prophylaxis recommended for those 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, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00 (closed Fri, Sat)
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Pokhara
Immigration Office Pokhara
Baidam, Pokhara, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers; processes extensions and permits.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalKathmandu
LanguageNepali
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyNepalese Rupee (NPR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 154.92 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Nepal — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
As of 2026, the fees are: 15 days — $25 USD, 30 days — $40 USD, 90 days — $100 USD. You can pay in US dollars, euros, or Nepali rupees. Cards are not accepted, so bring cash.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (or in Pokhara for shorter extensions). The cost is about $3 USD per day for the first 15 days, then $5 per day after that. You can extend up to 150 days total per year.
If you're staying in the airport transit area and not entering Nepal, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport for any reason, you'll need a visa on arrival.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings like Kodari (from Tibet) and Sunauli (from India). The process is similar — fill the form, pay cash, get the sticker. But the counters may be less busy, so it's usually faster.
Yes, you can apply at the Nepali embassy in Beijing or consulates in other cities. It costs about the same as on arrival, but you avoid the airport queue. The process takes 3-5 working days. You'll need the same documents — passport, photos, and a filled form.
Overstays are fined at $5 USD per day for the first 30 days, then $10 per day after that. You pay at the immigration office before leaving. It's better to extend before your visa expires.
Not mandatory for the visa, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from trekking areas can cost thousands of dollars. A basic policy covering medical and evacuation is cheap insurance against a very expensive problem.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.