Planning a trip to Nepal is exciting: snow-capped peaks, ancient temples, and steaming plates of momos waiting at every corner. But before you lace up your trekking boots, there’s one practical step you need to get right—sorting out your visa.
Many first-time visitors wonder: Can I pay for my Nepal visa online? How does the process work at the airport? What if I don’t have cash on me? Let’s clear up the confusion so you know exactly what to expect.
Can You Pay Nepal Visa Fees Online?
Not yet. Nepal does have an online visa application portal where you can pre-fill your details before you arrive. It’s a great time-saver after a long-haul flight.
But here’s the catch: you cannot pay online in advance. Even if you complete the form, you’ll need to pay your visa fee when you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at one of Nepal’s official land entry points.
Think of the online form as a “fast pass” for paperwork—not a payment solution.
Apply online here – Official Nepal Visa Application Portal
Visa on Arrival Process: Step by Step
Whether you fly into Kathmandu or arrive overland, here’s how it works:
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Fill the form online (optional but recommended). You’ll get a receipt with a barcode.
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Arrive in Nepal. Follow the signs for “Visa on Arrival.”
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Pay your visa fee at the payment counter.
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Submit your documents (passport, receipt if you applied online, and payment slip).
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Get your visa sticker and head for the mountains.
Nepal Tourist Visa Fees (2025)
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15 Days – USD 30
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30 Days – USD 50
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90 Days – USD 125
✅ All tourist visas are multiple-entry, meaning you can leave Nepal and return during the validity period.
Payment Options: Cash or Card?
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Cash is the safest bet. US Dollars are best, but Euros, Pounds, Swiss Francs, Yen, and major Asian currencies are usually accepted.
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Cards are unreliable. Sometimes the machines work, sometimes they don’t—especially during peak trekking seasons.
Pro Tip: Bring enough cash to cover your visa fee and your first taxi or hotel. It makes your arrival hassle-free.
Who Gets a Free Visa?
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SAARC nationals (India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan) get a 30-day visa free once per calendar year.
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Children under 10 (except US citizens) also get free visas.
Extending Your Visa
If your trek runs longer than 30 days or you decide to linger in Pokhara’s lakeside cafes:
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Where to extend: Department of Immigration (Kathmandu) or Immigration Office (Pokhara).
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Cost: USD 2 per day, with a minimum of 15 days (USD 30).
Common Traveler Questions
Can I use services like iVisa?
Yes, but they’re third-party agencies. They’ll charge you extra for convenience. Always double-check that you’re not on a fake site.
What if I don’t bring cash?
There are ATMs inside Kathmandu Airport, but they sometimes run out of money or have strict withdrawal limits. Always safer to carry USD from home.
Will pre-filling the form save me from queues?
Yes, it saves some time. But during busy trekking months (spring and autumn), expect some waiting regardless.
Final Thoughts
Nepal makes it refreshingly simple for travelers. The visa-on-arrival system is one of the most welcoming in the world, and as long as you come prepared with cash and a filled-out form, you’ll breeze through.
Quick Checklist:
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Fill out the online form before you fly (optional but smart).
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Bring enough cash (USD preferred) for your visa and first expenses.
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Keep a passport-size photo handy (not always required if you applied online).
Once the visa is sorted, you’re free to focus on what matters most: trekking the Everest Base Camp trail, exploring ancient temples, and eating momos you’ll dream about long after you’re back home.
