Planning a trip to Nepal? You’ll need a visa to enter, and if you’re trekking, you’ll need permits for the national park or conservation area you’re visiting. This guide covers everything you need to know — from visa-on-arrival to trekking permits.
Nepal Visa — Overview
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Nepal. There are two main ways to get one:
- Visa on arrival: Available at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and most land border crossings.
- Visa in advance: Apply at a Nepal embassy or consulate in your home country.
Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities — you don’t need to apply in advance. Exception: citizens of a few countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Palestine, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Liberia, Ethiopia) must apply in advance.
Visa on Arrival — How It Works
Where: Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), Pokhara International Airport, Gautam Buddha Airport (Bhairahawa), and most land border crossings with India.
Cost:
| Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 15 days | $30 |
| 30 days | $50 |
| 90 days | $125 |
Extension: Extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (or Pokhara). Cost: $3/day. Maximum total stay: 150 days per calendar year.
How to apply:
- Fill out the online form at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/onlinevisa/
- Print the confirmation (or save to phone).
- Pay the fee at the airport (USD cash, or use the payment kiosk with a credit card).
- Present your passport (valid 6+ months) and confirmation to the visa officer.
- Get your visa sticker and stamp.
Processing time: 15–45 minutes at the airport.
Visa Requirements
Documents needed:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Passport photo (2 copies, though often not required at the airport).
- Visa fee in USD cash (or by card at the airport).
- Return ticket (proof of onward travel).
- Hotel booking (sometimes asked).
- Trekking permits (if trekking) — see below.
For specific nationalities:
- SAARC nationals (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives): no visa required (for Indian nationals) or reduced-fee visas.
- Chinese nationals: Free visa (30 days).
- US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, Korean: Visa on arrival.
Trekking Permits — Overview
If you’re trekking, you’ll need permits for the area you’re entering. The two most common are:
- TIMS Card — Trekkers’ Information Management System
- Area-specific permits — ACAP for Annapurna, Sagarmatha National Park for Everest, etc.
TIMS Card
What it is: A registration card for all trekkers in Nepal — helps with safety and rescue coordination.
Cost:
| Trekker Type | Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Individual trekker (no guide) | 2,000 |
| Group trekker (with guide) | 1,000 |
Where: Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, or in Pokhara.
Documents needed: Passport copy, photo, trekking itinerary, insurance.
Note: TIMS is not required for Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit if you have the relevant national park/conservation area permit.
Area-Specific Permits
Sagarmatha National Park (Everest Region)
Cost: NPR 3,000 (foreigners), NPR 1,000 (SAARC).
Where: Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu) or Monjo checkpoint (on the trail).
Trek: Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Three Passes.
Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality Permit (Everest Region)
Cost: NPR 2,000.
Where: Lukla or Monjo.
Note: This permit is required in addition to Sagarmatha National Park permit.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) (Annapurna Region)
Cost: NPR 3,000 (foreigners), NPR 1,000 (SAARC).
Where: Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu), or ACAP entry checkpoints in Besisahar, Pokhara, or Jomsom.
Trek: Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal.
Langtang National Park Permit (Langtang Region)
Cost: NPR 3,000 (foreigners), NPR 1,500 (SAARC).
Where: Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu) or Dhunche.
Trek: Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, Helambu.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (Manaslu Region)
Cost: NPR 3,000.
Where: Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu).
Trek: Manaslu Circuit.
Note: Manaslu is a restricted area — you must trek with a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers.
Upper Mustang Permit
Cost: $500 for 10 days (foreigners), $50/day after.
Where: Department of Immigration (Kathmandu).
Note: Upper Mustang is a restricted area — you must trek with a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers.
Upper Dolpo Permit
Cost: $500 for 10 days (foreigners), $50/day after.
Note: Upper Dolpo is a restricted area — you must trek with a licensed guide.
Total Permit Cost for Major Treks
| Trek | Total Permits | Cost (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp | Sagarmatha NP + Khumbu | 5,000 |
| Annapurna Circuit | ACAP + TIMS | 5,000 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | ACAP + TIMS | 5,000 |
| Langtang Valley | Langtang NP + TIMS | 5,000 |
| Manaslu Circuit | Manaslu + TIMS + Restricted Area | 5,000–10,000 |
| Upper Mustang | Upper Mustang + ACAP | 65,000+ |
How to Get Permits
Option 1 — Get them yourself:
- Go to the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) or Pokhara.
- Bring: passport, passport photo, itinerary, TIMS application.
- Pay in cash (NPR).
- Get your permits the same day.
Option 2 — Let your trekking agency handle it:
- Most trekking agencies include permits in their package price.
- They’ll get them for you before you arrive.
Option 3 — Get them at the trailhead:
- Some permits (ACAP, Sagarmatha NP, Khumbu) can be obtained at the trailhead checkpoints.
- TIMS is not available at trailheads.
Visa Extension
If you’re staying longer than your visa allows:
- Where: Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu (or Pokhara).
- Cost: $3/day (minimum $30).
- Documents needed: Passport, photo, application form.
- Processing: Same day.
Note: Maximum total stay in Nepal per calendar year is 150 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Most foreign nationals need a visa. Visa on arrival is available at Tribhuvan International Airport and land borders. Cost: $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days.
How much does a Nepal visa cost?
$30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days (USD). Visa extensions cost $3/day.
Do I need a TIMS card?
TIMS is required for most treks, but not for Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit if you have the relevant national park/conservation area permit.
What is the total cost of trekking permits in Nepal?
For most treks (EBC, Annapurna, Langtang), total permit cost is NPR 5,000 (about $38). For restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo), it’s much higher ($500+).
Read next: Trekking in Nepal: Complete Guide — Compare all major treks, from easy to extreme, and choose the right one for you.
Related districts: Kathmandu, Kaski, Solukhumbu, Manang, Mustang
