Nepal entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all land border crossings. You fill out a form, pay the fee in cash, and receive a 15-, 30-, or 90-day visa depending on the amount you pay. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Kiwis visiting Nepal.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport | Land at Tribhuvan International Airport and head 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 two passport photos ready; the on-site photo booth costs extra and slows you down.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Nepal immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or turned away at immigration. No exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Nepal | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket before stamping your visa on arrival. A flight booking out of Nepal within your visa validity works. If you overstay, the fine is $5 per day for the first 30 days, then $2 per day after that. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or trekking permit | Immigration rarely asks for a hotel booking at the airport, but trekking agencies require a TIMS card or trekking permit before you start any trail. Have your first night's hotel confirmation handy just in case. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for daily expenses | Officials may ask how you'll fund your stay. Carry at least $200 in cash (USD or EUR) plus a debit/credit card. ATMs in Kathmandu dispense NPR but often charge high fees and have withdrawal limits. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Photo booth available at airport
If you forget your passport photos, don't panic. There are photo booths near the visa counter at Tribhuvan International Airport. They cost about NPR 200.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes at the airport. Have your form filled out, photos ready, and cash in hand — you'll be through quickly.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival card and visa form
On the flight or at the airport, grab a 'Tourist Visa On Arrival' form. Fill in your details — name, passport number, address in Nepal, and how long you're staying. Keep your passport and photos ready.
2
Queue at the visa counter
At Tribhuvan International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa On Arrival'. There are multiple counters — join the queue. You'll hand over your form, passport, and photos. The officer will check your details and tell you the fee.
3
Pay the fee
Pay in cash (USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR). The fee depends on the duration: 15 days = USD 30, 30 days = USD 50, 90 days = USD 125. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Double-check the dates — make sure the 'valid from' and 'valid until' match your intended stay.
5
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa, head to the immigration counters. Show your passport with the visa sticker and your boarding pass. They'll scan and let you through.
6
Collect luggage and exit
Grab your bags from the carousel, then walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no dutiable goods. You're in Nepal.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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
Cost$40 USD
Apply at Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival. Extensions possible in Kathmandu.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD
For frequent visitors. Must apply at embassy before travel.
Long-Stay Visa (Non-Tourist)
Max stayVaries (e.g., 1 year)
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD
For work, study, or volunteer purposes. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Nepalese company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Department of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
~$100 USD per year
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
volunteer visa
Volunteer Visa
Up to 1 year
~$100 USD
For those volunteering with registered NGOs. Requires sponsorship letter from the organization.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (15 days)Payable at airport in cash (USD, EUR, or local currency). | $25 USD |
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)Most common option for tourists. | $40 USD |
| Visa on Arrival (90 days)For longer stays, but must be used within 90 days. | $100 USD |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Max extension of 120 days per visit. | $45 USD per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office or airport before departure. | $5 USD 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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) if staying within the international transit area and not passing through immigration.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in trekking regions above 2,500m; acclimatize properly and consider medication.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesModerate risk
Dengue and malaria present in lowland areas (Terai) below 2,000m.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in Terai region (southern plains) below 2,000m; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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, Dillibazar, Kathmandu
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
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 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers needing extensions. Limited services.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalKathmandu
LanguageNepali
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyNepalese Rupee (NPR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 153.08 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 extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (or at the Pokhara and Chitwan offices). Extensions cost NPR 3,000 for 15 days, NPR 6,000 for 30 days, and so on. You can extend up to 150 days total per calendar year. Go early in the morning to avoid long queues.
The same visa-on-arrival process applies at all major land border crossings (e.g., Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, Nepalgunj, and others). You'll fill out the same form, pay the same fee, and get the same visa. Just make sure you have cash and photos ready.
Yes, Indian citizens and citizens of many other countries can get a visa on arrival at land borders. For New Zealand passport holders, the same rules apply — you get a visa on arrival at any entry point.
Overstaying costs USD 5 per day for the first 30 days, then USD 2 per day after that. You'll need to pay the fine at the immigration office before leaving. Serious overstays (over 150 days) can lead to a ban. Don't risk it — extend or leave on time.
If you're transiting and not leaving the international transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport (even for a few hours), you need a visa on arrival. The same rules apply.
Nepal does offer an e-visa system, but it's not mandatory. The visa on arrival is simpler and faster for most people. If you prefer to have it sorted beforehand, you can apply at nepalip.gov.np. The e-visa costs the same as the on-arrival visa.
Report the loss to the local police immediately and get a police report. Then contact the New Zealand Embassy in New Delhi (India) — there's no NZ embassy in Nepal. They can issue an emergency travel document. It's a hassle, so keep your passport in a secure place.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.