Nepal entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all major entry points in Nepal in 2026. Just bring the required documents and cash for the fee — no need to apply in advance.
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) — $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Have two passport-size photos ready.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Nepal. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | 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 or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely check, but it's a formal requirement for the visa on arrival. | Recommended |
Visa fee — cash only
The visa counter does not accept credit cards or mobile payments. Bring USD or NPR in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Thousands of travelers use this process daily. As long as you have the required documents and cash, you'll be through in under 15 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or any land border crossing, head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. Fill out the arrival card (usually given on the plane or at the counter).
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and two photos. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or NPR). The officer will process your visa — typically takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive visa and enter
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the visa sticker. Proceed to baggage claim and customs. Keep the visa receipt with your passport.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,200 NPR)
Apply at Nepalese embassy in Vientiane or online.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 26,400 NPR)
Requires embassy application; good for frequent travellers.
Student Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,600 NPR) plus tuition
Must be enrolled in a recognized Nepalese institution.
Work Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,200 NPR) plus processing
Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa (Nepal)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
$50 USD (approx. 6,600 NPR) plus tuition fees
For enrollment in a recognized Nepalese educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Nepal)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 13,200 NPR) plus processing fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Nepalese employer. Requires government approval and sponsorship.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Nepal)
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 26,400 NPR) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires annual renewal and no local employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (15 days)Valid for single entry, 15 days stay. | $25 USD (approx. 3,300 NPR) |
| Visa on arrival (30 days)Valid for single entry, 30 days stay. | $40 USD (approx. 5,300 NPR) |
| Visa on arrival (90 days)Valid for single entry, 90 days stay. | $100 USD (approx. 13,200 NPR) |
| Visa extension (per month)Extendable up to 120 days total stay at Immigration Office. | $45 USD (approx. 6,000 NPR) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $500 USD. | $5 USD (approx. 660 NPR) 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
Laos passport holders transiting through Nepal's international airports (e.g., Kathmandu) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For land transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsTribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Health & vaccines for Nepal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude SicknessHigh risk
Common in trekking areas above 2,500m; can be life-threatening. Ascend gradually and consider medication.
Mosquito-borne diseases (Dengue, Malaria)Moderate risk
Dengue risk in lowland areas (Terai) and during monsoon; malaria risk in rural areas. Use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water, avoid street food, and practice hand hygiene.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk is present in rural areas of the Terai region (southern Nepal) below 1,200m. 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
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Pokhara
Immigration Office Pokhara
Lakeside, Pokhara, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers; offers visa extension services.
Practical information for LA 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Nepal — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
For a 15-day visa, it's $25 USD (or equivalent NPR). For 30 days, $40 USD. For 90 days, $100 USD. Pay in cash — USD is easiest. Exact change helps.
Yes, you can extend at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (or Pokhara office). Extensions cost about $30–$45 USD per 15 days, up to a maximum of 150 days total stay per calendar year.
Same process — visa on arrival is available at all major land borders (e.g., Sunauli, Kakarbhitta, Birgunj). Bring the same documents and cash. The counters may close earlier than airports, so arrive during daylight hours.
A digital copy (email or app screenshot) is fine. Just have it ready on your phone to show the immigration officer.
Immigration may deny entry or ask you to buy one on the spot. Book a refundable ticket or one with free cancellation to be safe.
Nepal does not automatically deny visas for most criminal records, but serious offenses (e.g., drug trafficking, terrorism) may lead to rejection. The officer has discretion.
No, Laos passport holders do not get visa-free access to Nepal. You must get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance (though e-visa is not yet available for all nationalities — check the official Nepal immigration website).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.