Nepal entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all Nepalese airports and land borders. This is the standard way to enter Nepal in 2026 — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with your passport and a passport photo, pay the fee, and you're in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Bring USD cash for the fee: $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Have a passport-size photo ready.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nepal. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kathmandu airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you cannot show one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Nepal ready. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines flying into Kathmandu sometimes check before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration officers may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival counter at Kathmandu airport does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash to get the visa first.
Self-service kiosks save time
At Kathmandu airport, use the electronic kiosks to fill out your visa application. It prints a receipt you take to the payment counter. Much faster than the paper form.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. There are two counters: one for filling out the form (or use the self-service kiosk), and another for payment and visa sticker.
2
Fill out the application form
Use the self-service kiosk (fast, prints a receipt) or fill out a paper form. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and address in Nepal. Keep the receipt.
3
Pay the visa fee
Go to the payment counter. Pay in USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR cash. Get a payment receipt. No credit cards accepted.
4
Get your visa sticker
Take your passport, payment receipt, and passport photo to the visa officer. They'll paste the sticker and stamp you in. This takes 2-5 minutes.
5
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, go to the immigration officer for entry stamp. Show your passport and boarding pass. You're in.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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. 5,280 NPR)
Apply at Nepalese embassy abroad; same as VoA but pre-arranged.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,200 NPR)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Long-stay Visa (Non-Tourist)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
For work, study, or volunteer; requires sponsor and approval.
work visa
Work Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (depending on company sponsorship)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Nepalese company. Requires work permit approval and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–$300 USD (plus tuition fees)
For enrolled students at recognized Nepalese institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000/month). Requires sponsor and health insurance. Limited availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (15 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR) at arrival airport. | $25 USD (approx. 3,300 NPR) |
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)Most common option for tourists. | $40 USD (approx. 5,280 NPR) |
| Visa on Arrival (90 days)For longer stays; must be used within 150 days from issue. | $100 USD (approx. 13,200 NPR) |
| Visa extension (per 15 days)Available at Department of Immigration, Kathmandu; max extension up to 120 days per year. | $30 USD (approx. 3,960 NPR) plus processing fee |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration upon departure; no cap mentioned, but avoid overstay. | $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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Nepal do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival 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 only).
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). Zambia is not endemic, but transit through endemic areas may require proof.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Altitude SicknessHigh risk
Common in trekking areas above 2,500m; can be life-threatening. Ascend gradually and consider medication.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Contaminated food/water cause diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases (Dengue, Malaria)Moderate risk
Dengue is common in lowland areas (Terai) during monsoon; malaria risk is low but present. Use repellent and nets.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Kathmandu, Pokhara) but present in rural Terai (southern plains). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard itineraries.
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 10:00–16:00 (except public holidays)
Main office for visa extensions; bring passport, photo, and fee.
Pokhara
Immigration Office Pokhara
Near Mahendrapul, Pokhara, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–16:00
Convenient for trekkers; limited extension services.
Practical information for ZM travellers
Country basics
CapitalKathmandu
LanguageNepali
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyNepalese Rupee (NPR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 152.33 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
15 days = $30 USD, 30 days = $50 USD, 90 days = $125 USD. Pay in cash at the counter. No cards accepted.
Yes, but only for tourist visas. Go to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (or Pokhara office). Extensions cost about $3 per day for up to 15 days, or $2 per day for longer. Maximum total stay is 150 days per calendar year.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, no visa needed. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need a visa on arrival.
Same process — visa on arrival available at all land border checkpoints (e.g., Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya). Same fees and requirements. Just have cash and a photo ready.
Nepal does not offer an e-visa for Zambian passport holders. Visa on arrival is the standard method.
Overstay fines are $5 per day for the first 30 days, then $2 per day after that. You'll need to pay at the immigration office before leaving. Serious overstays can lead to blacklisting.
No, Nepal does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Zambia. But check if your home country requires it for re-entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.