Nepal offers visa on arrival for most nationalities with stays up to 150 days per calendar year. This Himalayan nation is a favorite among trekkers, spiritual seekers, and budget travelers. A proposed digital nomad visa program is expected to launch in 2025-2026, making Nepal increasingly attractive for remote workers seeking mountain views and affordable living.
6
Visa Types
10
Nationalities visa-free
๐ชชYour Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
๐ซ Available Visa Types
โญRecommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Tourist Visa (30 Days)
The most popular tourist visa option for Nepal. Ideal for trekking, cultural exploration, and extended visits. Available on arrival.
30 days
Duration
$50
โ fee
+$25 additional
โ Key Benefits
โMost popular visa option for tourists
โSufficient time for major treks (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit)
โAvailable on arrival at all entry points
โMultiple re-entry facility included
โCan be extended up to 150 days total
๐ Requirements (5)
โขValid passport with at least 6 months validity
โขOne passport-sized photograph
โขCompleted arrival card
โขProof of accommodation (hotel booking)
โขVisa fee in cash (USD recommended)
๐ Application Process
โ Online Applicationโฑ Immediate on arrival (30-60 minutes during peak season)
1Fill out online visa form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before arrival (valid for 15 days) or use kiosk machines at the airport
2Print the submission receipt with barcode
3Complete the arrival card on the plane or at the airport
4Proceed to the visa fee payment counter and pay USD 50
5Take your payment receipt to the immigration desk
6Present passport, photo, receipts to immigration officer
Process: Extensions must be done at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Immigration Office in Pokhara. Apply online first, then visit in person. Minimum extension is 15 days at USD 45, then USD 3 per additional day.
Renewal: Total stay cannot exceed 150 days per calendar year (January to December).
๐ก Pro Tips
โขBest value for most travelers
โขApply online before arrival to save time
โขBring new USD bills (post-2003) in good condition
โขOctober-November is peak season with longer queues
โญRecommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Tourist Visa (90 Days)
Extended tourist visa for long-term travelers, comprehensive trekking expeditions, or those wanting to experience Nepal in depth.
90 days
Duration
$125
โ fee
+$150 additional
โ Key Benefits
โBest value for long-term stays
โIncludes multiple re-entry facility
โTime for multiple treks and cultural immersion
โCan extend additional 60 days if needed
โIdeal for digital nomads (currently in gray area)
๐ Requirements (5)
โขValid passport with at least 6 months validity
โขOne passport-sized photograph
โขCompleted arrival card
โขProof of accommodation
โขVisa fee USD 125 in cash
๐ Application Process
โ Online Applicationโฑ Immediate on arrival
1Fill out online visa form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before arrival
Not yet, but Nepal announced plans in May 2025 to introduce a digital nomad visa program within the year. The proposed visa would offer a 5-year multiple-entry option for remote workers earning at least $1,500/month or with $20,000 in savings, plus $100,000 health insurance coverage. Currently, digital nomads typically use the 90-day tourist visa (extendable to 150 days) while working remotely for foreign clients, though this exists in a legal gray area.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while staying in Nepal on a tourist visa?
This is a legal gray area. Technically, tourist visas do not authorize any form of work. However, many digital nomads do work remotely for foreign clients while on tourist visas. The key distinction is that you cannot work for Nepali companies or earn income within Nepal without a work permit. The upcoming digital nomad visa program is expected to formally address this by allowing remote work with a 5% income tax.
What is the maximum stay allowed in Nepal per year?
Foreign nationals can stay a maximum of 150 days per calendar year (January to December) on tourist visas. This is cumulative - whether you get one 90-day visa and extend it, or multiple shorter visas, the total cannot exceed 150 days. After reaching this limit, you must leave Nepal and cannot return until the next calendar year.
How do visa extensions work in Nepal?
Visa extensions are done at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. You must first apply online at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np, then visit in person before your current visa expires. The minimum extension is 15 days at USD 45, with additional days costing USD 3 each. There is also a USD 25 fee for multiple re-entry facility. Overstaying incurs a USD 5 per day fine.
Which countries cannot get visa on arrival in Nepal?
Citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa from a Nepali embassy before travel and cannot get visa on arrival: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Swaziland (Eswatini), and Zimbabwe. These are sometimes called referral countries and require prior approval from Nepal authorities.
Do I need to register my address with police in Nepal?
No, Nepal does not require tourists to register their address with police or immigration authorities. Hotels may collect your passport information for their records, but there is no formal registration system like in some other Asian countries. Simply ensure your visa remains valid throughout your stay.
Can I do visa runs from Nepal?
Yes, visa runs are possible and common. The easiest option is crossing to India, which requires no visa for most nationalities and has multiple border crossings open 24/7 (Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj). You can exit to India and re-enter Nepal the same day for a fresh visa. The Tibet border at Kodari/Rasuwagadhi requires special permits and organized tours.
What currencies are accepted for Nepal visa payment?
Visa fees can be paid in USD (recommended), Euro, British Pound, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Swiss Franc, or Japanese Yen. Indian Rupees and Nepali Rupees are NOT accepted. For land border entries, only USD cash is accepted, and bills must be new (post-2003) and in good condition.
Are children exempt from Nepal visa fees?
Children under 10 years old are exempt from visa fees EXCEPT for US passport holders. American children must pay the full visa fee regardless of age. All other nationalities with children under 10 receive free visas, though the children still need a visa stamp in their passport.
Can I open a bank account in Nepal as a tourist?
Generally no. Opening a bank account on a tourist visa is extremely difficult or impossible in Nepal. You would need a work visa, business visa, or long-term residential visa. Foreigners with proper visas can open accounts in foreign currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) at banks like Standard Chartered, Nepal Investment Bank, or Everest Bank. The Nepali Rupee is not freely convertible, making international transfers complicated.
โ ๏ธ
Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025