Nepal entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at major land border crossings. The process is straightforward — fill out a form, pay the fee, and receive your visa at immigration. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, go to the visa counter before immigration. Pay the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR) — $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Have a passport photo ready; if you don't have one, there's a photo booth at the airport.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from the day you enter Nepal. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Two blank pages are required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Nepal | Immigration officers at Kathmandu airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight out of Nepal within your visa validity (15, 30, or 90 days) satisfies this. Overland exit via India is accepted but you'll need to show a bus or train booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or trekking permit | Not always checked at immigration, but having a hotel reservation for your first few nights avoids hassle. If you're trekking, your TIMS card or ACAP permit serves as proof of your itinerary. Many guesthouses in Thamel accept walk-ins, so a single night booking is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officially you need $50 per day for your stay, but in practice this is rarely checked unless you look like you're working illegally. Carry at least $200–$300 in cash (USD or EUR) for the visa fee and initial expenses — ATMs in Kathmandu dispense NPR but often run out of cash. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars, Euros, or Nepali rupees. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged US dollar bills (older than 2006 may be rejected). ATMs at the airport dispense NPR, but the exchange rate may be poor.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you think you might need to stay longer than 90 days, apply for a different visa type before you travel. Overstaying your visa on arrival can result in fines and complications when leaving Nepal.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the airport, you'll get a small white arrival card. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. There are multiple counters — pick one with a short queue. You'll need your passport and the completed arrival card.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR). As of 2026, a 15-day visa costs $30, 30-day costs $50, and 90-day costs $125. Credit cards are not accepted at the counter — bring crisp US dollars or Nepali rupees.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the dates — it's usually valid from the day of issue. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. NPR 5,300)
Available on arrival or in advance. Extensions possible at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200)
For multiple entries within validity. Extensions possible.
Long-Stay Visa (Business/Study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400) per year
Requires sponsorship from a Nepali organization or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For those employed by a Nepali company or organization. Requires a work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable based on course duration
~$150 USD per year
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions in Nepal. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work in some cases.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or proof of accommodation. Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (15 days)For stays up to 15 days, single entry. | $25 USD (approx. NPR 3,300) |
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)For stays up to 30 days, single entry. | $40 USD (approx. NPR 5,300) |
| Visa on Arrival (90 days)For stays up to 90 days, single entry. | $100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200) |
| Visa extension (per month)Extensions are possible at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu, up to 120 days total. | $45 USD (approx. NPR 6,000) per month |
| Overstay fineMaximum fine is $100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200). | $5 USD (approx. NPR 660) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Japan passport holders transiting through Nepal do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsTribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu
Health & vaccines for Nepal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Altitude SicknessHigh risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Everest region; acclimatization and gradual ascent are essential.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Mosquito-borne Diseases (Dengue, Malaria)Moderate risk
Present in lowland areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in lowland areas (Terai) below 2,000m; 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 10:00–16:00 (except public holidays)
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Pokhara
Immigration Office Pokhara
Near Tourist Bus Park, Pokhara
Sun–Thu 10:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions for tourists in the Pokhara area.
Practical information for JP 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, you can get a visa on arrival at major land border crossings like Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, and others. The process is the same as at the airport — fill out the form, pay the fee, and get your visa. However, not all land crossings offer this, so check the official Nepal immigration website for the latest list.
The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars, Euros, or Nepali rupees. Credit cards are not accepted at the counter. Bring crisp, undamaged US dollar bills (older than 2006 may be rejected). ATMs at the airport dispense NPR, but the exchange rate may be poor.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel, or leave and re-enter. Overstaying incurs fines and can cause problems at departure.
No, a photo is not required. The visa sticker is issued based on your passport details. Just bring your passport and the completed arrival card.
At Tribhuvan International Airport, the process usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the queue. During peak hours (late afternoon and evening), it can take up to an hour. Land border crossings are usually faster.
Immigration may deny entry if you don't have a return or onward ticket. It's a mandatory requirement. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans, or have a confirmed onward journey.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Nepal can be high — a hospital stay for something like altitude sickness or a minor accident can cost hundreds per day. Insurance also covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation.
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.