Planning your trek or climb with Climb in Nepal? Getting your visa sorted is one of the first steps, and thankfully, Nepal keeps things pretty straightforward for tourists. The Department of Immigration handles visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu for most nationalities, making entry quick and easy. We’ve helped hundreds of climbers and trekkers navigate this over the years, so here’s the clear, up-to-date rundown as of 2026 to get you started right.

Visa on Arrival  (Easy Option for Most Travelers)

When you fly into Kathmandu (or arrive at select land borders), you can get your tourist visa directly at immigration. This is the standard entry visa for trekking, mountaineering, sightseeing, or visiting friends/family.

What You’ll Need:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with a couple of blank pages.
• A recent passport-sized photo (bring extras just in case the light background ones work best).
• Cash for the fee (USD is preferred and easiest; they accept major currencies but no credit cards).
• The online pre-arrival form is highly recommended it saves time and avoids queues.

Fill out the Tourist Visa form online in advance at:

https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01

You’ll get a barcode receipt (print it or save it on your phone). It stays valid for 15 days, so do this close to your travel date. At the airport, there are also self-service kiosks for electronic passports that auto-fill everything for you. Some airlines hand out forms on the flight too.

Steps at the Airport:

1. Fill the arrival card (if not done online).
2. Complete or present your online form.
3. Pay the fee at the counter.
4. Head to the immigration desk with your passport, receipt, and photo they’ll stamp your visa (multiple entry allowed).

It’s usually smooth, though expect some lines during peak seasons (spring and autumn).

You can also get the visa beforehand from a Nepalese embassy/consulate in your home country if you prefer.

Countries That Must Get Visa in Advance

Visa on arrival is available to almost everyone, but nationals from these countries need to apply at a Nepalese embassy or consulate before traveling:

1. Nigeria
2. Ghana
3. Zimbabwe
4. Swaziland (Eswatini)
5. Cameroon
6. Somalia
7. Liberia
8. Ethiopia
9. Iraq
10. Palestine
11. Afghanistan
12. Syria
13. Holders of refugee travel documents

If you’re from one of these, reach out to your nearest Nepalese mission early.

Current Visa Fees (On Arrival)

• 15 Days: USD 30
• 30 Days: USD 50
• 90 Days: USD 125

These are the standard rates for tourist visas, payable in cash.

Extending Your Visa

If your trek or climb runs longer (many of our expeditions do!), extend at the Department of Immigration office in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan) or Pokhara. Maximum total stay is 150 days in a calendar year (Jan–Dec).

• Minimum extension: 15 days for USD 45, then USD 3 per additional day.
• Overstay fine (if less than 150 days late): USD 5 per day.

Bring your passport, the online extension form, and copies. Go early in the day to avoid crowds, it’s straightforward once you’re there.

Free (Gratis) Visas (Who Qualifies?)

No fee for these cases:

• Children under 10 years (except US citizens, they pay the normal rate).
• SAARC nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) get up to 30 days free on their first visit in a visa year. Afghan citizens can get gratis on arrival only with a recommendation from the Department of Immigration (we can assist with paperwork if you’re booking with us).
• Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) card holders.
• Chinese nationals (up to 150 days gratis in a visa year).
• Officials from China, Brazil, Russia, and Thailand (reciprocal waiver, no visa needed).

If any of this applies to you, mention it at immigration they’ll sort it.

A quick note from our team here in Kathmandu; Always double-check the latest on the official Department of Immigration site  as rules can tweak slightly. Carry extra photos and USD cash (airport ATMs can be unreliable), and send us your visa details once you have them, we need them for your trekking permits anyway.

This should get you through the door without stress, so you can focus on the mountains ahead. If anything’s unclear for your specific nationality or trip dates, just message us we’re right here and love helping make your adventure seamless. See you soon on the trails!