Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
US citizens are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. This is the most common method used by US travelers to Nepal.
Visa Durations & Fees
• 15 days: $30 USD
• 30 days: $50 USD
• 90 days: $125 USD
Fees must be paid in exact USD cash (or other major currencies at the airport). Credit cards are also accepted at some counters.
Documents Required
• Valid US passport (6+ months validity beyond travel dates)
• Completed visa application form (at airport)
• 2 passport-size photos (or use the airport photo machine)
• Exact visa fee in USD cash
• Onward/return flight ticket (may be requested)
Processing Time
Visa on arrival typically takes 30–90 minutes depending on airport congestion. October–November (peak season) queues can be long. Consider arriving with a pre-approved online visa to use the faster lane.
Apply for your Nepal visa online before departure at immigration.gov.np. Pre-approval lets you use the dedicated "pre-approved" lane at TIA — much faster than the visa-on-arrival queue during peak season.
Online Visa Application
Nepal's Department of Immigration offers an online visa pre-approval system. You fill out the form and upload a photo online, then pay and collect your visa on arrival using the fast-track lane.
Online Application Steps
- Visit immigration.gov.np and complete the online form
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph (digital)
- Print or save your approval reference number
- At TIA: present your approval reference at the dedicated counter
- Pay the visa fee and collect your visa sticker
Visa Extension in Nepal
If you wish to stay longer than your initial visa allows, extensions are available at the Department of Immigration in Maitighar, Kathmandu. Extensions cost $3/day for the first 150 days, and $5/day thereafter. US citizens can stay a maximum of 150 days per calendar year on a tourist visa.
Other Entry Requirements
Health Requirements
No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Nepal from the US. However, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are strongly recommended. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country.
Proof of Funds
Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. The general guideline is $50/day. Having a credit card, bank statement printout, or reasonable cash is sufficient.