Nepal entry requirements for United States 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
US citizens flying into Kathmandu can get a visa on arrival in 2026. The process is quick if you bring cash for the fee and a passport photo. No pre-approval needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Bring two passport photos and cash in USD — $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. The visa counter accepts USD, EUR, and NPR but not credit cards.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Nepal. Immigration at Kathmandu airport checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, they will deny entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they may deny the visa without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Nepal. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. Have a credit card, bank statement, or at least $200 in cash as a safety net — they rarely check, but it covers you. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival only at designated entry points
Most US travelers fly into Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport where the process is smooth. Land border crossings that offer visa on arrival: Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadi. Some close at 17:00 or earlier – check hours.
Cash is king at immigration
The visa fee must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted. US dollars are easiest, but they also accept Euros, British Pounds, Australian Dollars, and some other major currencies. Non-USD exchange rates may be less favorable. Have exact change ready to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival card and visa form
On the flight you'll get a Nepalese arrival card. Fill it with personal info, flight number, and address in Nepal. After landing, go to the 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Use the free kiosks to enter your details and get a printed receipt, or fill out a paper form. The kiosks are faster.
2
Pay the visa fee
Take the completed form and your passport to the payment counter. Pay in USD cash (or EUR, GBP, etc.). They'll give you a receipt. Keep it.
3
Get the visa sticker
Go to the immigration counter with your receipt, form, and passport. The officer will check everything, take your photo, and stamp the visa sticker into your passport. This takes about 2–5 minutes. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 stay90 days, extendable up to 120 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200)
Apply at Nepalese embassy before travel for longer stays.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400)
For frequent travelers; must apply at embassy.
Long-stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$500 USD (approx. NPR 66,000)
Requires sponsorship from a Nepalese company.
retirement visa
Nepal Retirement Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (approx. NPR 13,200)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires sponsorship from a Nepalese citizen or organization. Allows long-term stay without frequent renewals.
work visa
Nepal Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year (approx. NPR 26,400)
For foreign nationals employed by a Nepalese company or NGO. Requires work permit from Department of Labour and sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Nepal Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD per year (approx. NPR 6,600)
For enrolled students at recognized Nepalese institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
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 available for up to 120 days total stay. Apply at immigration office. | $45 USD (approx. NPR 6,000) per month |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | $5 USD per day (approx. NPR 660), max $100 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa form20%
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
US passport holders transiting through Nepal's international airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in high-altitude trekking areas; ascend gradually and consider medication.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Drink bottled or boiled water, avoid street food, and practice hand hygiene.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk in lowland areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in lowland areas (Terai) below 2,000m; prophylaxis recommended for those areas. No risk in Kathmandu or high-altitude treks.
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
Pokhara Immigration Office
Baidam, Pokhara, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers; offers extension services.
Practical information for US 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
You can choose 15, 30, or 90 days. The fee depends on duration: 15 days – US$30, 30 days – US$50, 90 days – US$125. Most tourists pick 30 days. The count starts from the day you enter, not the day you apply.
Yes, at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (near the airport). Extensions cost US$45 for up to 15 days. You can extend multiple times, but total continuous stay cannot exceed 150 days per calendar year. Office hours: Monday–Thursday 10:00–16:00, Friday 10:00–14:00.
Yes, but only at certain border crossings: Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadi. Overland entry points have limited hours (some close at 17:00) and may not have kiosks – bring a paper form and cash. Check status before traveling.
Photo booths are at Tribhuvan International Airport near the visa counters. Cost about NPR 200–300 (roughly US$2–3). At busy times the queue can be long, so it's better to bring your own.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Nepal (e.g., to India) and return, you must apply for a new visa and pay again. No free re-entry.
No, it's not mandatory for the visa. But it's strongly recommended because Nepal's healthcare is limited. If you plan to trek or climb, many agencies require proof of insurance covering emergency evacuation up to high altitude.
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.