Nepal entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nepal's entry points — no need to apply in advance. This has been the case for years and remains valid in 2026. Just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport | South African passport holders get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Fill in the arrival form on the plane or at the visa counter, pay the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP — no cards accepted), and get stamped in. Multiple entry options: 15 days ($30), 30 days ($50), or 90 days ($125).Check visa info | 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 at Johannesburg or Cape Town check this before boarding — no exceptions. If your passport expires sooner, renew before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Kathmandu asks for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking. Airlines also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Immigration rarely asks for hotel bookings, but having a printed confirmation for your first few nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara smooths things out. If you're trekking, a trekking permit booking also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $200–$300 in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) to show you can cover your stay. ATMs in Kathmandu dispense NPR, but immigration prefers seeing hard currency. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival counter does not accept cards. Bring crisp, undamaged US dollars (or Euros/NPR) in exact change if possible. ATMs are available after immigration, but you need cash before you get there.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The whole process at Kathmandu airport usually takes 20–40 minutes. Have your documents ready, fill forms neatly, and you'll be through quickly. The counters are well-signed.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival card and visa application form
On the plane or at the airport, grab an arrival card and a visa application form. Fill them out in block capitals. You'll need your passport number, flight details, and hotel address.
2
Queue at the 'Visa on Arrival' counter
At Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. There are separate counters for different nationalities — South Africans go to the general counter. Have your passport, forms, and cash ready.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa sticker
Hand over your documents and the fee. The officer will issue a visa sticker and paste it into your passport. Double-check the validity dates before walking away.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa, join the immigration queue. Present your passport with the new visa, the arrival card, and your boarding pass. The officer may ask about your stay — answer briefly and honestly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. R720)
Apply at Nepali embassy in Pretoria or online via eVisa system.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. R1,800)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-Stay Visa (Non-Tourist)
Max stayUp to 5 years
Validity5 years
Cost$200 USD (approx. R3,600)
For work, study, or volunteer purposes; requires sponsor in Nepal.
retirement visa
Nepal Retirement Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year (approx. R3,600)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires sponsor and annual renewal. Allows long-term stay without leaving.
work visa
Nepal Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. R1,800) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Nepali company. Requires work permit from Department of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Nepal Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. R900) per year
For enrolled students at recognised Nepali institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (15 days)Payable in USD, EUR, or Nepali rupees at the airport. | $25 USD (approx. R450) |
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)Most common option for tourists. | $40 USD (approx. R720) |
| Visa on Arrival (90 days)For longer stays; must be used within 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. R1,800) |
| Stay extension (per month)Maximum extension of 120 days total stay per calendar year. | $30 USD (approx. R540) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap; pay at immigration office before departure. | $5 USD (approx. R90) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Nepal's international airports (Kathmandu) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transit, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours airside.
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-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude SicknessHigh risk
Common in trekking regions above 2,500m; can be life-threatening. Ascend slowly and consider medication.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Diarrheal diseases are common; drink only bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Mosquito-Borne DiseasesModerate risk
Dengue and malaria occur in lowland areas (Terai) during monsoon season. Use repellent and nets.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in lowland areas (Terai) below 1,200m, especially during monsoon (June–September). 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 44600
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Pokhara
Immigration Office Pokhara
Baidam, Pokhara 33700
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers; processes extensions and permits.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalKathmandu
LanguageNepali
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyNepalese Rupee (NPR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 154.92 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 fee is $30 USD for a 15-day visa, $50 USD for 30 days, and $125 USD for 90 days. Pay in cash — US dollars, Euros, or Nepalese rupees. No credit or debit cards.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (or Pokhara office). The first extension costs about $30 USD for 15 days, and subsequent extensions cost more. You can stay up to 150 days total per calendar year.
If you're staying airside and not passing immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area for any reason, you'll need a visa on arrival. Most transit passengers at Kathmandu stay airside.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
Yes, but only at designated border crossings: Kodari (from Tibet), Kakarbhitta (from India), Sunauli (from India), and a few others. The process is the same as at the airport — fill forms, pay cash, get sticker. Not all crossings offer this, so check ahead.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you're leaving by bus to India, a bus ticket booking confirmation works. If you're flying out, a flight itinerary is fine.
You'll be fined $5 USD per day for the first 30 days of overstay, then $2 USD per day after that. Pay at immigration before you leave. Overstaying more than 30 days can also get you blacklisted, so don't push it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.