Last Updated: May 12, 2026 · Source: Nepal Department of Immigration and U.S. Department of State
TL;DR: US citizens need a visa to enter Nepal but can get it on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at major land border crossings. There is no US-Nepal visa-free agreement. Visa fees are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. All tourist visas are multiple-entry. You can also apply online in advance at immigration.gov.np (the receipt is valid for 15 days). Maximum stay is 150 days per calendar year. You can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. The approval rate for US tourists is nearly 100%. As of February 2025, all foreign visitors must enter on a tourist visa and convert to other visa categories after arrival.
Nepal is one of the most straightforward visa-on-arrival destinations in Asia for American travelers. The process is fast, the fees are fixed, and the Department of Immigration operates 24 hours at all official entry points. But there are specific rules around bill conditions, online pre-registration, annual maximum stay, and how to convert to other visa categories that every US citizen should understand before traveling. This guide covers everything you need to know about Nepal visa requirements for US citizens in 2026, from the airport process to extension rules. If you are a Nepali citizen looking to visit the US instead, see our US visa from Nepal guide.
Do US citizens need a visa for Nepal?
Yes. US citizens require a tourist visa to enter Nepal. Nepal does not offer visa-free access to American passport holders. However, the visa is available on arrival at the airport and major land border crossings, making it one of the easiest visas in the world to obtain. According to the U.S. Department of State’s Nepal travel page, US citizens can receive their visa on arrival at the port of entry, or apply online in advance through the Nepal Department of Immigration’s official website.
Nepal tourist visa fees for US citizens in 2026
The Nepal tourist visa fees are set by the Nepal Department of Immigration and have remained unchanged in 2026. All fees are in US dollars. All tourist visas are multiple-entry.
| Visa duration | Fee (USD) | Multiple entry | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 days | USD 30 | Yes | Short trips, transit, weekend treks |
| 30 days | USD 50 | Yes | Most tourists, standard trekking trips |
| 90 days | USD 125 | Yes | Long-term travelers, Everest Base Camp, extended trekking |
Note: A multiple-entry visa upgrade costs an additional USD 25. This allows you to enter and exit Nepal multiple times within the visa validity period, which is useful if you plan side trips to India or Bhutan. The 30-day visa is the best default choice for most travelers. Choosing the 15-day visa to save USD 20 frequently backfires due to weather delays, altitude acclimatisation time, or simply wanting to stay longer.
How to get a Nepal visa on arrival for US citizens
The visa on arrival process at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is straightforward. Here are the steps in order:
- Fill out the online form before your flight (recommended). Go to immigration.gov.np and complete the tourist visa application online. Print the confirmation page with the barcode. This form is valid for 15 days. Alternatively, use the kiosk machines at TIA upon arrival.
- Proceed to the payment counter. Hand over your confirmation receipt (or fill out a paper form at the kiosk). Pay the visa fee in USD. The airport accepts cash, and credit/debit cards are increasingly accepted but treat them as backup due to occasional network errors.
- Hand your documents to the immigration officer. Submit your passport, the filled form, and the payment receipt. The officer issues your visa stamp. The entire airport process takes 20 to 40 minutes on a quiet day and up to 90 minutes when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously.
- Proceed to baggage claim and customs. Your Nepal visa is now active. Maximum permitted cash import/export without declaration is USD 5,000.
What documents do US citizens need for a Nepal visa?
The document requirements for a Nepal tourist visa for US citizens are minimal. You need:
- Valid US passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Nepal, and at least one blank visa page
- Completed tourist visa application form (from the kiosk at TIA or submitted online in advance)
- One recent passport-size photograph (kiosks at TIA can take your photo digitally, so physical photos are no longer strictly required at the airport)
- Visa fee in USD cash (or card as backup)
- Onward ticket or proof of onward travel
Critical rule on US dollar bills
This is the most common problem American travelers encounter at the Nepal immigration counter: Nepalese bank counters are strict about the condition of US dollar notes. All USD bills must be printed in 2003 or later. They must be in excellent condition, with no tears, excessive wear, heavy creasing, or writing on them. Old or damaged bills will be rejected at both the airport and land border crossings. Land border crossings accept only cash (no cards). Before traveling, get crisp, new USD bills from your bank specifically for Nepal. The airport also accepts EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, and other major currencies at posted exchange rates, but USD is the most predictable option.
Nepal visa on arrival vs online pre-registration: which is better?
Both options give you the same visa at the same cost. The difference is convenience at the airport. Online pre-registration at immigration.gov.np means you skip the kiosk queue and go directly to the payment counter, which saves 15 to 30 minutes during peak season (March to May and September to November when multiple trekking groups arrive simultaneously). The online form is valid for 15 days from submission, so do not fill it out more than two weeks before your flight. If your form expires, you simply use the airport kiosk instead. The U.S. Department of State notes that obtaining a visa on arrival may take several hours on busy days, making pre-arrival registration worth considering for peak season arrivals.
How long can US citizens stay in Nepal?
The maximum stay for any tourist in Nepal is 150 days in a single calendar year (January 1 to December 31). This limit applies regardless of how many separate visas and extensions you obtain. Visas are issued in 15, 30, or 90-day increments only. If you want to stay beyond your initial visa, you must extend at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. Extension fee as of 2026 is USD 3 per day for a minimum 15-day extension. Overstay penalties are USD 3 to USD 5 per day depending on duration. If you have a history of overstaying, you must pay outstanding fines before re-entering Nepal.
Nepal land border entry for US citizens
US citizens can obtain a visa at the following designated land border crossings, according to the U.S. State Department:
- Sunauli/Belahiya (Bhairahawa, via India): the most popular crossing from Varanasi
- Birgunj/Raxaul (Central Nepal, via India): closest to Patna
- Kakarbhitta (Eastern Nepal, via India): closest to Darjeeling and Sikkim
- Mahendranagar/Gadda Chauki (Western Nepal, via India)
- Timure, Rasuwa District (Northern border, via China/Tibet): seasonal, check current status
Immigration offices at all official land crossings are open 24 hours. You must carry exact USD cash for land border crossings. Cards and currencies other than USD are typically not accepted. Nepali immigration authorities do not stop all foreign citizens at land crossings, so make sure you receive a proper entry stamp from an immigration officer. Without an entry stamp, you will not be allowed to depart Nepal and may face penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens get free visa on arrival in Nepal?
No. US citizens pay a fee for their Nepal tourist visa on arrival: USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days. The visa is easy to obtain on arrival, but it is not free. SAARC citizens (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, etc.) receive free visas or discounted rates. US citizens pay the standard international fee.
Can US citizens work in Nepal on a tourist visa?
No. Working in Nepal, including volunteering and paid employment, requires a separate work permit or business visa. US citizens on a tourist visa are permitted only to travel, trek, climb mountains, visit family and friends, and engage in cultural activities. As of February 2025, Nepal requires all foreign nationals to enter on a tourist visa and convert to another category after arrival at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
What trekking permits do US citizens need in Nepal?
The tourist visa does not cover trekking permits. Depending on your trekking route, you need additional permits. The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is required for most routes (USD 10 to USD 20). Restricted areas such as Upper Mustang, Manaslu, and Dolpo require a special Restricted Area Permit (USD 50 to USD 100 per day). The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is required for Annapurna-area treks (USD 20). Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is required for Everest Base Camp treks (NPR 3,000).
Can US citizens extend their Nepal tourist visa?
Yes. Tourist visa extensions are processed at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan, Dillibazar) or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. The extension fee is USD 3 per additional day, with a minimum extension of 15 days (USD 45). You must apply before your current visa expires to avoid late penalties. The maximum cumulative stay for any tourist is 150 days per calendar year.
Are there any US citizens who cannot get a Nepal visa?
Very few. The approval rate for American tourists applying for Nepal tourist visas is approximately 99%. Refusal is rare and typically occurs due to invalid or damaged passports, criminal record issues, or a prior history of serious visa violations in Nepal. The Department of Immigration can deny entry to any individual at their discretion. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and is in good condition before traveling.
Official sources used in this article: