Updated July 2026: U.S. citizens can normally obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Nepal. At Tribhuvan International Airport, the process is: complete the arrival and tourist-visa form, pay for a 15-, 30-, or 90-day visa, then present your passport, application receipt and payment receipt at immigration. Check the official rules again shortly before travel because immigration procedures can change.
| Tourist visa | Official fee | Entry type |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | USD 30 | Multiple entry |
| 30 days | USD 50 | Multiple entry |
| 90 days | USD 125 | Multiple entry |
These are the fees currently published by Nepal’s Department of Immigration. They are visa charges, not trekking permits. There is no separate USD 20 multiple-entry upgrade for these standard tourist visas in the current official fee table.
Can U.S. citizens get a Nepal visa on arrival?
Yes. The Nepal Department of Immigration lists visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and eligible land entry points. The United States is not on Nepal’s list of nationalities that must obtain a visa before arrival.
A visa on arrival is convenient, but it is not the only option. Travelers can also apply through a Nepalese embassy or mission before departure. If your travel circumstances are unusual—such as using an emergency passport, entering for work or study, or transiting through another country—check the requirements that apply to that situation before booking.
What should you bring?
- U.S. passport: the U.S. Department of State says it should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have at least one blank page for a stamp.
- Visa application details: you will need your passport information and an address or hotel in Nepal.
- Application receipt: if you submit the online form before travel, save or print the receipt with its barcode. Nepal Immigration says it is valid for 15 days.
- Payment: carry enough U.S. dollars as a reliable backup. Nepal Immigration advises carrying cash even though several payment methods may be available at the airport.
- Travel details: keep your first-night accommodation and onward itinerary accessible in case an officer asks for them.
The current official procedure asks applicants to upload a profile photo and passport image when using the online system. It does not list two printed passport photos as a standard airport requirement. Carrying one spare photo can still be a practical backup, but it should not be described as a confirmed requirement.
How the airport process works
1. Complete the form
You can use the official Nepali Port online services before departure or complete the form at an airport kiosk after landing. If applying online, review every passport number and date carefully and retain the barcode receipt.
2. Pay for the visa duration you need
Choose 15, 30 or 90 days and pay at the designated counter. Keep the payment receipt. Airport card or electronic payment systems may be available, but carrying suitable cash avoids relying on a machine or network connection.
3. Go to the immigration desk
Present your passport, application receipt and payment receipt. The immigration officer makes the entry decision and issues the visa. Check the visa stamp before leaving the counter, including the permitted duration and dates.
Which visa duration should a trekker choose?
Choose based on your entire time in Nepal, not only the advertised trek length. Include the day you arrive, time in Kathmandu, the trek itself and a buffer for weather or transport delays. Lukla flights in the Everest region and mountain roads elsewhere can be disrupted, so a visa that ends on the same day as your international departure leaves little room for changes.
- 15 days: may suit a short tour or a compact itinerary, but it can be tight for longer Himalayan routes.
- 30 days: gives many trekkers room for arrival, a standard itinerary and several buffer days.
- 90 days: is intended for longer stays, multiple routes or extended travel within Nepal.
To compare likely trip lengths, see our Nepal trekking overview, Everest Base Camp itinerary and Annapurna Base Camp itinerary.
What changes if you enter Nepal by land?
Use an official immigration crossing and make sure you receive both the visa and entry stamp. The U.S. Department of State’s Nepal travel information says U.S. citizens entering by land should carry U.S. cash for visa fees; cards and other currencies may not be accepted there. It also warns that travelers who enter without proper immigration processing can have problems when leaving Nepal.
Can you extend a Nepal tourist visa?
Tourist visas can be extended through Nepal’s Department of Immigration, subject to the current fee and maximum-stay rules. The current official information states that tourist stays can total no more than 150 days in a calendar year. Apply before your visa expires; Tribhuvan International Airport is not the place to arrange an overdue extension when you are trying to depart.
Practical arrival checklist
- Check passport validity and blank pages before booking.
- Confirm the latest fee and eligibility on the Nepal Immigration website.
- Submit the online form no more than 15 days before arrival if you want to use it.
- Save the barcode receipt offline and carry a printed copy.
- Carry clean U.S. dollar bills as backup.
- Keep your Nepal address and travel details available.
- Allow extra time when several international flights arrive together.
- Choose a visa duration with realistic weather and transport buffer days.
Check these official sources before departure
- Nepal Department of Immigration: tourist visa and visa-on-arrival information
- Nepali Port: official online immigration services
- U.S. Department of State: Nepal entry, exit and passport guidance
Visa rules are government requirements and can change independently of a trekking itinerary. If you want help choosing enough arrival, trek and buffer days, contact Exotic Mountains before finalizing your schedule.
