Nepal visa for US citizens online
US citizens wishing to visit Nepal need a visa to enter the country, which they can easily acquire either before departure or on arrival.
Nepal offers a tourist visa, which can be applied for online or at Kathmandu airport and several land checkpoints. Visas are available for 15, 30 or 90 days, at a cost of 30, 50 or 125 USD respectively. It is advisable to apply in advance to avoid delays or complications on arrival, especially during peak tourist periods. US citizens must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Nepal. If necessary, visas can also be extended up to a maximum of 150 days per calendar year.
Nepal visa application form for US citizens
- Visa requirement : Yes, all US citizens must obtain a visa to enter Nepal, whether for tourism or other reasons...
- e-Visa: Nepal does not currently offer a traditional eVisa. However, US citizens can fill out an official online application form before traveling, which helps speed up the visa-on-arrival process at the airport or land border checkpoints.
- Price: The cost varies according to the length of stay: USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days.
- Processing time: Visas are issued immediately on arrival, but the process can be lengthy, especially during busy periods.
- Period of validity: The tourist visa is valid for 15, 30 or 90 days. It can be extended up to a maximum of 150 days per calendar year by visiting the immigration offices in Nepal before the current visa expires.
US citizens can obtain a visa for Nepal on arrival, or prepare their application online to speed up the process. This pre-application option allows you to fill in the necessary information before traveling, reducing delays at Kathmandu airport or border crossings. Here are the steps to follow for US citizens wishing to obtain a tourist visa for Nepal.
To obtain a tourist visa on arrival or after applying online, US citizens must provide:
Fees for a tourist visa vary according to the length of stay:
Payment is made on arrival in Nepal, mainly in cash, although some terminals may accept credit cards.
As a general rule, the visa process for US citizens is relatively fast when using the online pre-application system. While this form does not result in advance approval, it helps speed up the issuance of the visa on arrival. Submitting the form at least one week before departure is recommended to avoid delays at the airport or land borders.
During peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn), processing at entry points may take longer due to higher volumes of travelers. Completing the online application in advance helps reduce waiting times and ensures a smoother entry into Nepal.
Several factors can impact the speed of visa processing:
If the processing time exceeds 72 hours, it is advisable to check the status of the application via the official website of the Nepalese government. In case of abnormal delay, it may be necessary to contact the Nepalese immigration department or the embassy.
If the American traveler has not completed the online visa application before departure, they can still obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at designated land border crossings. The procedure is straightforward, but waiting times can be longer, especially during peak seasons.
Although the visa is issued directly upon arrival, it is strongly recommended to complete the online application form one to two weeks in advance. This helps reduce processing time at the border and ensures a smoother and faster entry into Nepal.
The tourist visa for Nepal offers flexibility in terms of duration and entry conditions. US citizens can choose from several options depending on their planned stay, with the possibility of extending their visa if necessary.
Tourist visas for Nepal are typically issued as single-entry. Travelers who plan to leave and re-enter Nepal should request a multiple-entry visa at the time of application and may need to justify their travel itinerary.
The maximum length of stay depends on the visa selected. US citizens can obtain a tourist visa for 15, 30 or 90 days. The total duration authorized in a single visit is limited to 90 days, but you can extend this to a total of 150 days per year. This extension must be requested before the initial visa expires, or penalties will apply.
If you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a visa extension at the immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The cost is 45 USD for a 15-day extension, with an additional fee of 3 USD per day for each additional day beyond the 15 days. You must make this request before the end of the original visa's validity, otherwise fines will be imposed. Once your visa has been extended, you can stay in Nepal for up to 150 days per year.
The renewal process is relatively straightforward, but it is advisable to allow time for the procedure to avoid any expiry problems.
Although the majority of tourist visa applications for Nepal are approved without difficulty, there are certain situations where a visa application may be rejected. Visa refusals are rare, but first of all it's important to understand the possible reasons as well as the steps to take in the event of rejection.
Common reasons for rejection :
If a visa is rejected, it is possible to appeal, or to submit a new application after correcting the errors that led to the rejection. It is advisable to contact the Nepalese embassy or immigration office for specific details of the reasons for the refusal and the procedure for a new application.
In some cases, it may also be possible to obtain assistance from a specialized visa service to ensure that all requirements are met.
Nepal is generally considered a safe destination for US citizens, but like all travel, certain precautions must be taken. The country is known for its stunning scenery and mountain treks, particularly around Everest and the Annapurnas, but geographical conditions can bring specific challenges.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes, US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Nepal. This visa is available at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and at several land checkpoints. There are three options: a 15-day visa (USD 30), a 30-day visa (USD 50) or a 90-day visa (USD 125). Please note that payments must be made in cash (US dollars or other major currencies), as credit card terminals can sometimes malfunction. Although this process is generally straightforward, there can be long queues during busy tourist periods.
In addition to a visa, US citizens must present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Nepal. A recent passport-size photo is also required to process the visa application. Although the Nepalese authorities do not systematically require a return or onward ticket, it is advisable to have this type of proof to avoid any problems on arrival. Travel insurance is not required, but is highly recommended, especially for high-risk activities such as high-altitude treks.
Yes, every child—regardless of age—must obtain their own visa to enter Nepal. The application process is similar to that for adults. Each child must have an individual passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, along with a recent passport-sized photo. Visa fees for children are the same as for adults: 15 days: USD 30 - 30 days: USD 50 - 90 days: USD 125. However, children under 10 years old are exempt from visa fees, though they must still complete the full application process. If the child is traveling with only one parent or guardian, immigration officers may request a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent or legal guardian.