Are you planning a trip to the Himalayas? In order to properly budget for your flight, permits, and accommodations, it is essential to know the Nepal visa cost. Depending on the country, visa fees frequently vary annually. Therefore, having the most recent information helps you avoid future issues at immigration or the airport.
This article provides you with a comprehensive guide and will teach you everything there is to know about the Nepal visa cost. You can find the official fees, payment instructions, and extension guidelines below. By keeping up to date, you can easily plan your trip and concentrate on the trail rather than paperwork. After you’ve learned about Nepal’s visa requirements, you can look at our customized travel packages to the country’s lovely mountains.
Nepal Visa Cost for 2025/2026 (15 / 30 / 90 days)
When travelling to a foreign country, obtaining a visa is crucial because it allows you to enter the country legally. Knowing the Nepal visa cost is the first step in organizing your trip to the Himalayas. Understanding the official visa fees for Nepal guarantees a smooth entry, regardless of whether you are trekking for a brief vacation or a longer stay.
Here is a brief overview of the 2025–2026 Nepal visa cost as determined by the Nepali government.
Visa duration Fee (USD): 15 days, $30 Common short visit. 30 days, $50 Most common tourist length. 90 days, $125 for long stays.
For the majority of visitors entering Nepal, the fees reflect the current regulations; however, citizens of China and SAARC nations are exempt from paying the Nepal visa cost.
This table provides you with an accurate breakdown of the costs for applying for a Nepal visa in advance or choosing to pay for it at the airport when you arrive.
Choose Your Visa Type
The duration and reason for your visit to Nepal will determine the type of visa you need. Nepal tourist visa types typically include 15, 30, and 90-day options. Let’s see what it has to offer in order to examine it more closely.
- 15-Day Visa
If you are planning short city tours, visits to the Kathmandu Valley, or sightseeing excursions, the 15-day visa is perfect. Additionally, you can arrange a quick hike close to the capital city.
- 30-day visa
The 30-day Nepal visa, which is one of the most popular, is ideal for light trekking, multi-city exploration, and cultural immersion. In addition to spending some leisurely time in Kathmandu, you will have ample time for moderate trekking.
Tourists frequently contrast 30- and 90-day Nepal visas to determine whether a longer trip is worthwhile.
- 90-day visa
For extended travel to Nepal, the 90-day visa, which is the longest available for tourists, is the ideal option. This is the best option if you want to engage in extended volunteer work or go on in-depth trekking expeditions.
Additionally, Nepal provides transit visas for visitors, enabling short stays while making connections to other locations.
Not sure which Nepal visa to get? Check out our Nepal travel guide for suggested itineraries and tips for visitors staying 30 to 90 days.
Acquiring a Nepal Visa on Arrival in 2025: What You Should Know
The good news is that obtaining a visa on arrival in Nepal is generally easy; however, you can prepare to make the process faster once you land. If you’re landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, please see the simple steps below for completing the visa on arrival process:
- Before You Fly
Fill out the online visa application to save time (if available). Otherwise, make sure to have your passport (must be valid for at least 6 months) and a passport photo with you. With everything in order, it should all go relatively smoothly.
- Arrival into Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
When you land, simply make your way to the visa-on-arrival signs. You can fill out the visa form either by hand or using one of the digital kiosks. After that, go to the payment counter (and pay depending on the length of your stay). The visa on arrival system is well known and used by tourists as standard protocol.
- What to Bring
You need your passport, a passport photo, and preferably some proof of onward travel. Not always a requirement, but good to have.
- Expect to Wait
Processing times can be as short as 15 minutes or over an hour depending on travel times. But if you arrive during less busy times, you should not have to wait long at all. Also, it is highly recommended to take some US cash with you for payment if possible to avoid any delays at the counter for payment processing.
At Nepal Adventure Trail, we help travelers with navigating the Nepal visa on arrival processing with low stress so you can start your trip and enjoy the adventures ahead!
Which is better, embassy application or on-arrival?
When planning your Nepal trip, the decision between applying for a visa at a Nepali embassy or obtaining a visa on arrival is based on your specific needs and circumstances.
- On-Arrival Visa:
Pros: Most tourists find it quick and convenient. Arriving at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and certain land border crossings, it is instantly available.
Cons: Processing time may vary based on the volume of arrivals, and payment must be made in cash (preferably USD).
- Embassy Application:
Pros: Ideal for travelers with special needs, such as long-term stays or specific nationality requirements, or who prefer pre-approval.
Cons: Requires advance planning and document submission, which may take more time.
In conclusion, if you are traveling to Nepal for a short trip, the on-arrival visa is typically the best option. If you have specific requirements or simply would like to have the visa arranged prior to travel, a Nepali embassy may serve you better.
Extending Your Nepal Visa (Costs, Where to Apply & Penalties)
If you wind up staying in Nepal longer than you planned, it’s worth knowing the Nepal visa cost for extension and how it all works. The minimum extension fee is $45 for 15 days. Beyond that, the fee is an additional $3 per day. You don’t want to let your visa expire because $5 per day fines for late stays are imposed by the Immigration Department of Nepal.
Visa extensions are done with the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or at authorized offices, like in Pokhara. Airport immigration counters generally do not extend visas either, so make your plans if you are nearing a departure.
To extend a Nepal visa in Kathmandu, you need your original passport, your visa for Nepal at the time, and any supporting documents requested. Knowing this will eliminate any surprises when it comes to Nepal overstay fines, so extending your trip does not have to be stressful. Again, always be sure to check the latest travel advisory updates prior to making stay changes.
Common Visa Mistakes Travelers Make
So you can avoid these Nepal visa mistakes and have a smooth entry and stay in the country, keep in mind the following:
- Not bringing a passport photo or arriving with a passport that is not valid (meaning it has to be valid for at least 6 months).
- Travelers who only have a credit or debit card face difficulties making payments because visa fees must be paid in cash, ideally in US dollars.
- Believing that all visa requirements are the same is incorrect because different nationalities may have different requirements, so always confirm with reliable sources.
- You must apply for an extension before your visa expires in order to avoid penalties.
Keep these tips in mind to help you avoid any unnecessary fines or delays and make your travel experience much easier overall.
Final Tips: Stay Updated and Plan Ahead
It is important to double-check the intended Nepal visa cost and current entry policies for Nepal 24-72 hours before travelling. The best resource is the official website of the Immigration Department of Nepal; it is recommended to print key pages or save screenshots for offline use.
Additionally, we also recommend obtaining travel insurance that covers visa delays and entry disruptions, just to be safe.
Need assistance with your visa & arrival requirements? Nepal Adventure Trail can do your airport pickup and walk you through each step of the visa process.
When it comes to your travel, flight plans, and specially designed itineraries, our passionate staff can take care of everything. Create a personalized travel itinerary.
