Nepal entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all Nepalese airports and land borders. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up with your documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at Kathmandu airport | Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Fill out the arrival form on the plane or at the visa counter, pay the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR — bring exact change), and you'll get a 15, 30, or 90-day visa. The 30-day visa costs $30 USD, 90-day costs $125 USD.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Nepal. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. No blank page requirement, but have at least one free page for the visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Kathmandu airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or a digital copy on your phone works. If you're overlanding to India or Tibet, have a bus or flight booking out of Nepal. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or trekking permit | Immigration rarely asks for a hotel booking, but having one speeds things up. If you're trekking, bring your TIMS card or trekking permit as proof of your itinerary. A booking.com or Airbnb confirmation on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for daily expenses | Officers don't usually check bank statements, but carry at least $200 USD equivalent in cash or have a card with a visible balance. Nepal is cash-heavy — bring USD or EUR to exchange at the airport or in Thamel. ATMs work but charge high fees. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards. Bring crisp, undamaged US dollars (bills from 2009 or later) to avoid rejection. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Passport photos save time
Bring two passport-sized photos (2x2 inches) with you. The airport has photo booths, but they're often busy and cost extra. Having your own photos speeds up the visa application process.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival card
On the plane or at the airport, grab an arrival card and fill it out. You'll need your passport number, flight details, and hotel address.
2
Queue at the 'Visa on Arrival' counter
At Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, follow signs to the Visa on Arrival counter. There's a separate queue for visa applications. Have your passport, photos, and cash ready.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Pay the visa fee in USD, EUR, or NPR. The officer will issue a visa sticker and paste it in your passport. For a 15-day visa, it's $30; 30 days is $50; 90 days is $125.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa, go to the immigration counter. The officer will stamp your passport and ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where staying). Answer clearly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Nepal.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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 150 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 5,280 NPR)
Apply at Nepalese embassy before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,200 NPR)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-Stay Visa (Non-Tourist)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–500 USD)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Work Permit (Non-Tourist Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD (application fee varies)
For those with a job offer from a Nepalese company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–200 USD (plus tuition)
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in Nepal. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Nepalese business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (15 days)Payable in USD, EUR, or NPR at the airport. | $25 USD (approx. 3,300 NPR) |
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)Most common for tourists. | $40 USD (approx. 5,280 NPR) |
| Visa on Arrival (90 days)For longer stays, but not extendable. | $100 USD (approx. 13,200 NPR) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport departure. | $5 USD per day (approx. 660 NPR) |
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Nepal do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsTribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Health & vaccines for Nepal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude SicknessHigh risk
Risk in high-altitude areas (above 2,500m); ascend gradually and consider medication.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common; 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 in Terai region (southern Nepal) 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, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Pokhara
Immigration Office Pokhara
Lakeside, Pokhara, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers; handles extensions.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalKathmandu
LanguageNepali
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyNepalese Rupee (NPR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 153.25 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
For a 15-day visa: $30 USD. For 30 days: $50 USD. For 90 days: $125 USD. You can pay in US dollars, euros, or Nepalese rupees. Credit cards are not accepted.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (or in Pokhara for shorter extensions). Extensions cost $3 per day for up to 15 days, plus a processing fee. You can extend up to a total stay of 150 days per calendar year.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to exit the airport for any reason, you'll need a visa on arrival.
Same visa on arrival applies at all land border crossings (e.g., Sunauli, Kakarbhitta). The process is similar: fill out a form, pay in cash (USD preferred), and get your visa. Carry passport photos.
Nepal does not offer an e-visa for Kenyan passport holders. Visa on arrival is the only option for tourism.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Nepalese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from trekking areas can cost thousands, and hospitals in Kathmandu require upfront payment for foreigners.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.