Nepal entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at land border crossings. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism — no need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Available at Tribhuvan International Airport and land borders | Land at Kathmandu and head to the visa counter before immigration. Pay the fee in cash — USD is easiest ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days). Have two passport photos ready; the machine at the counter can also take your photo for a small fee.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Nepal immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Tribhuvan. Check your expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Kathmandu routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking ready. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or trekking permit confirmation | Immigration rarely asks for a hotel booking, but trekking agencies require a confirmed itinerary for permit applications. Carry a copy of your first night's booking just in case. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for daily expenses | No formal minimum is published, but carrying around $200–$300 in cash (USD or Nepali rupees) covers a week of basic expenses. ATMs are plentiful in Kathmandu but unreliable in remote trekking areas. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa 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 need the visa to get through.
Visa on arrival at land borders too
If you're entering Nepal overland from India (e.g., Sunauli, Raxaul, Kakarbhitta), you can get the same visa on arrival. The process is similar — bring cash and a passport photo just in case.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' — it's a separate queue before the main immigration counters. Fill out the arrival card (distributed on the plane or at the counter).
2
Fill Out the Visa Application Form
Use the self-service kiosks (touchscreen) or a paper form. Enter your details, select visa duration (15/30/90 days), and print the receipt. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to pay.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Take the receipt to the cash counter. Pay in USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR. Keep the payment receipt.
4
Submit Documents at Immigration
Hand over your passport, the payment receipt, and the arrival card to the immigration officer. They'll take your photo and fingerprints, then stamp the visa sticker into your passport.
5
Collect Baggage and Exit
After the visa is issued, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on queues.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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 (approx. NPR 5,300)
Apply at Nepalese embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200)
Ideal for frequent visitors; must be used within 150 days per calendar year.
Long-Stay Visa (Non-Tourist)
Max stayUp to 5 years
Validity5 years
Cost$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400)
For business, study, or volunteer work; requires sponsor and approval from Department of Immigration.
retirement visa
Nepal Retirement Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year (approx. NPR 26,400)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (min. $1,000 USD/month). Requires sponsor and annual renewal at Department of Immigration.
work visa
Nepal Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year (approx. NPR 39,600) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Nepalese company. Requires work permit from Department of Labour and approval from Immigration.
student visa
Nepal Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (approx. NPR 13,200)
For enrolled students at recognized Nepalese institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Nepal Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year (approx. NPR 66,000)
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in a Nepalese business. Requires approval from Department of Industry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (15 days)Payable at airport immigration counters in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR). | $25 USD (approx. NPR 3,300) |
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)Most common option for tourists. | $40 USD (approx. NPR 5,300) |
| Visa on Arrival (90 days)For longer stays; must be used within 150 days per calendar year. | $100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200) |
| Visa extension (per 15 days)Apply at Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Max extension up to 120 days total stay. | $45 USD (approx. NPR 6,000) plus processing fee |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration upon departure; no official cap but may affect future visits. | $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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Nepal's international airports (Kathmandu) do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is needed.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours if leaving the airport (requires pre-approval).
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude SicknessHigh risk
Common in trekking regions above 2,500m; can be life-threatening. Ascend gradually and consider medication.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in lowland areas especially during monsoon (June–September). Use repellent.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas below 2,000m (e.g., Terai region). Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting these 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 44600, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, 2 photos, and fee in cash (USD or NPR).
Pokhara
Immigration Office Pokhara
Baidam, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers; offers visa extensions and trekking permits.
Practical information for SA 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
As of 2026, the fees are: 15 days — USD 30, 30 days — USD 50, 90 days — USD 125. Pay in cash at the counter (USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR). No cards accepted.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (near the airport) or at immigration offices in Pokhara and Chitwan. Extensions cost NPR 3,000 for 15 days and NPR 6,000 for 30 days. You can extend up to 150 days total per calendar year.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area for any reason, you'll need a visa on arrival.
Yes, the same visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings like Sunauli (from Gorakhpur), Raxaul (from Birgunj), and Kakarbhitta (from Siliguri). The process is similar — fill out the form, pay the fee, and get the visa stamped.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not for the visa, but it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from trekking areas can cost thousands of dollars, and hospitals in Kathmandu require upfront payment for treatment.
No. Visa on arrival is only available at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at designated land border crossings. If you fly into Pokhara or other domestic airports, you must already have a visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.