Visitors to Nepal must have a valid passport and visa. Nepal visas are available in advance, on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and at certain land border crossings. The following point of entry have visas for purchase: Kakarvitta in the Jhapa District, Birgunj in the Parsa District, Kodari in the Sindhupalchowk District (Northern District - for tourists traveling in groups), Belahia and Bhairahawa in the Rupandehi District, Jamunaha and Nepalgunj in the Banke District, Mohana and Dhangadhi in the Kailali District, Gadda Chauki and Mahendranagar in the Kanchanpur District.
Travelers may choose between three different types of visa for their visit to Nepal. U.S. citizens may apply for a 5-year multiple-entry visa in advance of travel. This visa costs USD $160 and allows the bearer to stay in Nepal for 180 days per calendar year. Other visas are 15-day multiple entry for USD $30, 30-day multiple entry visas (USD $50), and 90-day multiple entry visas (USD $125). Fees must be paid for in U.S. dollars that have no significant damage on them.
Tourists are permitted no more than 180 days in Nepal during a calendar year, and all visits are cumulative. Travelers who need to extend their tourist visa must apply to the Immigration Office in Pokhara or the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Visas cannot be extended at the airport. Fines or even jail time may result from overstaying your Nepali visa. New passports must have the Nepali visa transferred from the old passport by the Department of Immigrations before travelers may leave the country.
Country clearance requests are necessary for active duty military or contractors with the U.S. Department of Defense who engage in official or unofficial travel to Nepal. The parent unit for any such travelers must send this request to the Defense Attachê's Office at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu.
The border between Nepal and the People's Republic of China may present problems to some travelers. Chinese authorities may detain or deport travelers who are in possession of items that they consider to be "anti-Chinese". Visas or permits for Tibet usually require travelers to join group tours organized by established tour companies. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nepal is the best resource for travelers who plan to visit Tibet. For additional information, contact the Embassy of Nepal at 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 667-4550 or the Consulate General in New York at (212) 370-3988.
In a hurry? Apply online for expedited visa service
