Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, or in advance via Nepal’s online e-Visa portal. Visas are also available at several land border crossings. This guide covers everything you need to enter Nepal legally — and how Eco Holiday Asia helps with the additional trekking permits your trip may require.
Rules may change — Eco Holiday Asia verifies the latest visa and permit requirements before confirming your trip.
Nepal Tourist Visa: The Basics
| Duration | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | $30 | Single entry |
| 30 days | $50 | Single entry; most common choice |
| 90 days | $125 | Single entry; for long-stay travellers |
Fees must be paid in USD cash (exact amount preferred) or by card at the visa-on-arrival counter. The fee is subject to change — check the official Department of Immigration website before you travel.
How to Get a Nepal Visa
Option 1: Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan Airport
- Fill in the arrival form (paper or electronic kiosks at the airport)
- Join the visa-on-arrival queue; submit form, passport photo, and fee
- Collect your visa sticker; proceed to immigration
Tip: The VOA queue can be long in peak season (October, April). Consider the e-Visa to skip part of this queue.
Option 2: Online e-Visa (Recommended)
Nepal’s Department of Immigration offers an e-Visa system. Apply at the official government portal, upload a photo, and pay online. Print the approval letter and present it at the dedicated e-Visa counter on arrival — typically much faster than the VOA queue.
Countries NOT Eligible for Visa on Arrival
Citizens of India do not need a visa to enter Nepal — a valid passport or voter ID card is sufficient. Citizens of a small number of countries have different arrangements. Always verify with the Nepal Embassy or consulate in your country before travelling. Rules may change.
Extending Your Nepal Visa
Visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Maitighar) or Pokhara. You may extend up to 150 days per calendar year. Extensions typically processed same day or within 24 hours.
Trekking Permits
Entry to Nepal is just the first step. Most trekking routes require additional permits beyond your tourist visa. Eco Holiday Asia arranges all permits for our clients as part of your trek package.
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Required for most trekking routes. The TIMS card registers your route and emergency contact details. Two types exist:
- Individual TIMS: Available if trekking independently
- Group TIMS: Lower cost; issued to trekking agency clients
National Park and Conservation Area Permits
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: Required for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake treks
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for all Annapurna-region treks including Poon Hill
- Langtang National Park Permit: For Langtang Valley, Helambu, and Gosaikunda
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit: For the Manaslu Circuit
Restricted Area Permits
Some of Nepal’s most dramatic landscapes lie inside restricted zones that require special government permits, issued through a registered trekking agency only:
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: Required for Lo Manthang and the upper kingdom
- Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit: For Shey Phoksundo and Dolpo circuit
- Nar Phu Valley Permit: Dramatic Annapurna region detour
- Tsum Valley Special Permit: Remote Tibetan-influenced valley north of Manaslu
Tibet Permits for Kailash and Lhasa
If your journey includes Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra or travel through Tibet, additional Chinese government permits are required. These cannot be obtained individually and must be arranged through a licensed Tibet travel agency. Rules may change — Eco Holiday Asia verifies the latest requirements before confirming your trip.
- Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) — the primary Chinese visa for Tibet
- Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) — for travel beyond Lhasa
- Mount Kailash Restricted Area Permit — for the parikrama (kora) around the mountain
Practical Notes
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date
- Photos: Bring 2 passport-size photos (some counters still request physical photos alongside digital)
- Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from a yellow fever–endemic country
Let Us Handle Your Permits
Our Nepal specialists create personalised itineraries built around your dates, fitness level, and interests. All logistics handled end-to-end.
