Planning to visit Pokhara or anywhere in Nepal? Great! Here’s all you need to know about Nepal’s visa and immigration process, including how to get a tourist visa, extend your stay, and immigration procedures at airports and land borders.
Tourist Visa on Arrival in Nepal
Most international travelers visiting Nepal — whether by air or land — can obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival. You can get it either at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or at designated land border crossings if you’re entering from India or China.
Tourist visas are available for:
- 15 Days – USD 30
- 30 Days – USD 50
- 90 Days – USD 125
Note: The maximum allowed stay in Nepal for tourists is 150 days per calendar year. The visa is valid for six months from the date of issue.
Visa Extension and Conversion
If you fall in love with Nepal and want to stay longer, don’t worry! You can extend your tourist visa at:
- Department of Immigration, Kathmandu
- Immigration Office, Pokhara (Tourist visa extensions only)
To extend or change the category of your visa (e.g., student, business), you must contact the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Non-tourist visa extensions can only be done there and, if eligible, can be extended for up to one year (except business visas).
Tourist Visa Extension Fees
- Minimum 15 Days: USD 45
- Additional Days: USD 3/day
- Late Fee (if within 150 days): USD 5/day
Visa on Arrival: Step-by-Step Process
If you haven’t obtained a visa in advance, follow these simple steps at the airport:
Step 1 – Arrival Documentation
- Fill out the Arrival Card
- Complete the Online Tourist Visa Form:
Visit: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01
✅ Print the submission receipt with barcode (valid for 15 days).
Step 2 – Payment at the Visa Fee Counter
- Pay the visa fee (15/30/90 days)
- Keep your payment receipt
Step 3 – Immigration Desk
- Present your passport, payment receipt, and barcode form
- Visa will be issued upon verification
💡 Tip: Bring cash (USD) for convenience, although card payment is sometimes accepted.
Border Entry Immigration
If you’re arriving via a land border, you’ll need to:
- Fill out an application form at the immigration desk
- Provide:
- Valid passport
- Two passport-sized photos
- Accommodation address in Nepal
- Visa fee in cash (USD preferred)
- Valid passport
Visa Exemptions: Indian Nationals
Citizens of India do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry valid government-issued photo identification, such as:
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Minors: Birth certificate or school ID
Some Nationalities Need a Pre-Approved Visa
Certain nationalities are not eligible for a Visa on Arrival. If this applies to you, visit the nearest Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your country before traveling.
🔗 Helpful Links for More Information
- Nepal Immigration Official Website:
https://www.immigration.gov.np/ - Tourist Visa Information:
https://www.immigration.gov.np/en/page/tourist-visa - Online Visa Form (On Arrival):
https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01 - Pokhara Immigration Office (Tourist Visa):
https://pokhara.immigration.gov.np/en/page/tourist-visa-2 - Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Nepal:
https://www.nepaltrekkingplanner.com/foreign-embassies-and-consulates
⚠️ Note: The official Nepal government site https://nepal.gov.np may currently have issues loading.
✈️ Planning to Stay Longer in Pokhara?
Pokhara is not just a tourist paradise — many visitors extend their stay to explore its beauty, engage in trekking, or even work remotely as digital nomads. You can always find the latest visa updates on the links above or in our [Tech & IT Events Blog Section].
