Kathmandu Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Nepal's visa policy is relatively accessible compared to many countries in the region. The country offers visa-on-arrival facilities at Tribhuvan International Airport and at several land border crossings. However, the specific terms, including permitted length of stay and any associated fees, vary by nationality. Travelers should verify their eligibility and the current fee schedule on the official website of Nepal's Department of Immigration before traveling.
A limited number of nationalities may enter Nepal without obtaining a visa in advance. Whether your passport qualifies for visa-free entry, and for how long, depends on bilateral agreements between Nepal and your home country. This category is relatively narrow, so most travelers will fall into the visa-on-arrival or visa-required categories instead.
Even where visa-free entry applies, travelers should confirm that this arrangement remains in effect before departure. Conditions can change, and arriving without the correct documentation may result in delays or refusal of entry.
Nepal has explored electronic pre-arrival systems in recent years. Whether an online application portal, electronic travel authorization, or e-visa system is currently operational for your nationality is something travelers should confirm directly with the official government immigration website before booking.
Cost: Fees, if applicable, depend on the visa category and duration selected. Confirm current rates through official channels.
If an electronic system is not available or not required for your nationality, Nepal's visa-on-arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport remains the primary entry route for most visitors.
Travelers whose nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival may need to apply for a visa in advance through a Nepali embassy or consulate. The application process typically involves submitting your passport, completed forms, passport-sized photographs, and supporting documentation.
Some nationalities face additional requirements or restrictions. If you are uncertain whether you need a pre-arranged visa or qualify for visa-on-arrival, contacting the Nepali embassy in your country is the most reliable way to confirm.
Arrival Process
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is a manageable process, though it helps to know what to expect. The terminal is compact, and signage has improved over the years. But things can get crowded during high season. Having your paperwork sorted before you join a queue makes a real difference.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Nepal's customs regulations at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport are broadly in line with what you would expect in the region, though there are some Nepal-specific restrictions worth knowing about, around cultural artifacts and certain goods. As with entry requirements, the specifics can change. Checking the latest customs guidance from Nepal's Department of Customs before you travel is a sensible precaution.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances are prohibited, with strict penalties for possession or trafficking.
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Pornographic material
- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives are prohibited without prior authorization from Nepali authorities.
- Meat and meat products may face restrictions depending on current animal health regulations.
Restricted Items
- Antiques and cultural artifacts require an export permit from the Department of Archaeology if you plan to take them out of Nepal. This is strictly enforced. Items resembling antiques may be inspected even if they are reproductions.
- Wildlife products, including items made from endangered species, are controlled under CITES and Nepali wildlife protection laws. Shahtoosh shawls, ivory, and certain animal skins are specifically prohibited.
- Certain medications, controlled substances, may require a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining your medical need. Carry medications in their original packaging.
- Drones require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and potentially additional permits depending on where you plan to fly them.
- Gold and precious metals above personal jewelry quantities must be declared and may be subject to duties.
Health Requirements
Nepal does not impose an extensive list of mandatory health requirements for most travelers. But there are a few points that are important to get right, around yellow fever documentation and recommended vaccinations for the region.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or have transited through a country where yellow fever is endemic. This is enforced at immigration. Travelers without the certificate may be refused entry or required to be vaccinated on arrival.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis An and B are commonly recommended for travelers to Nepal
- Typhoid. Get it. You will eat outside hotels in Kathmandu.
- Tetanus-diphtheria booster if not up to date
- Japanese encephalitis. Consider it. Depends on season. Depends on time in Terai lowlands.
- Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis. Discuss it. Talk to a travel health professional. Trek remote areas. Medical care there is limited.
- Altitude sickness prevention. Relevant for Kathmandu to higher elevations. Ask a travel health provider about prophylactic medication.
Health Insurance
Nepal does not mandate travel health insurance for entry. Carry it anyway. Medical facilities in Kathmandu fall short of Western standards. Serious conditions need evacuation to Bangkok or Delhi. Trekking? Check for helicopter evacuation coverage. This is how rescues happen in the Himalayas. Some permit offices want proof of insurance.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Kathmandu Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Traveling with a minor? Different surname? One parent only? Carry a notarized consent letter. Nepal may not ask. Other countries might. Officers anywhere may question you. Documentation helps. Children need their own passport. Their own visa. Same as adults.
Pets need planning. You need a veterinary health certificate. You need rabies vaccination proof. You need an import permit from Nepal's Department of Livestock Services. Quarantine may apply. Contact the Nepali embassy early. Paperwork takes time. Not all airlines accept pets on Kathmandu routes. Confirm with your carrier.
Stay longer? Apply for extensions at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Tourist visas extend up to a yearly maximum. Limits and fees change with regulations. Longer stays need other categories. Student visas. Work visas. Non-tourist visas for volunteers or researchers. Processing times vary. Apply before expiry. Avoid overstay penalties.
Trekking outside Kathmandu? You need permits. TIMS card. Conservation area permits. Restricted area permits. Get these in Kathmandu first. Use a registered agency. Or go directly to permit offices. Fees vary by region. Some restricted areas require a licensed guide. Check requirements for your route before you leave.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Kathmandu Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Kathmandu?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.