Nepal e-Visa Guide 2026: Complete Online Visa Application for Trekking & Travel

The Nepal e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to apply for a tourist visa online before traveling to Nepal. This digital system replaced the need to obtain visas through Nepali embassies abroad or wait in long visa-on-arrival queues at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. With the e-Visa, travelers can complete their application from anywhere in the world, receive approval electronically, and enjoy expedited entry upon arrival.

Nepal's e-Visa system reflects the country's commitment to encouraging tourism, which represents a vital part of the national economy. The electronic platform processes applications efficiently, typically within 24-72 hours, and provides a convenient alternative to traditional visa methods. Once approved, travelers receive an electronic visa that's linked to their passport number — they simply present their passport and a printed copy of the e-Visa approval at immigration.

The e-Visa is available for tourism purposes, which includes sightseeing, cultural visits, religious pilgrimages, trekking, mountaineering, and other leisure activities that define Nepal as a destination. Business visitors and those with other purposes may need to apply through different channels. The standard tourist e-Visa provides multiple validity options, allowing travelers to choose durations that match their planned itineraries in this captivating Himalayan nation.

The Nepal e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries worldwide. Nepal maintains a welcoming visa policy for tourists, with the e-Visa system designed to make entry as convenient as possible for the international visitors who fuel the country's important tourism sector. However, certain nationalities may have restrictions or need to apply through traditional embassy channels — checking your specific eligibility before beginning the application process is always advisable.

Citizens of India do not require visas for Nepal due to longstanding bilateral agreements between the two countries. Indian nationals can enter Nepal freely with valid identification documents. For virtually all other nationalities, the e-Visa system provides a streamlined alternative to embassy applications or the sometimes-lengthy visa-on-arrival process at Kathmandu airport.

Beyond nationality, standard eligibility requirements apply. Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, have a clean criminal record without deportations from Nepal, provide proof of accommodation arrangements, and demonstrate sufficient funds for their visit. The e-Visa is strictly for tourism purposes — those seeking employment, study, or extended residency must pursue appropriate visa categories through official channels.

Nepal offers multiple visa duration options to accommodate different travel plans, from short cultural visits to extended trekking expeditions. Understanding these options helps you select the appropriate visa for your intended activities and itinerary. All standard tourist visas allow multiple entries, providing flexibility for travelers planning side trips to neighboring countries.

The 30-day visa is most popular among trekkers heading to regions like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, as these treks typically require 12-20 days plus buffer time for acclimatization and city exploration. The 90-day option suits travelers planning multiple treks, extensive cultural immersion, or combining Nepal with side trips to Tibet or nearby regions. Visa extensions beyond the initial duration are possible at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

Gathering required documents before beginning your Nepal e-Visa application ensures a smooth, uninterrupted process. The document requirements are straightforward, focusing on identity verification, travel planning confirmation, and basic eligibility. Having all materials prepared in the correct digital formats allows you to complete the application efficiently without interruption.

The Nepal e-Visa application is completed entirely online through the official Department of Immigration portal. The process is designed to be user-friendly, but careful attention to detail prevents delays and rejections. Follow these steps to ensure a successful application for your Nepal adventure.

Nepal visa fees vary based on the duration selected. Understanding these costs helps you budget appropriately for your trip. Processing times are generally consistent, though applying well in advance is always recommended, especially during peak trekking seasons when application volumes increase.

These fees are current government rates and may change. The e-Visa fee is non-refundable once submitted, so ensure your travel plans are confirmed before applying. We recommend applying at least two weeks before departure to allow buffer time for any unexpected delays or if additional documentation is requested.

The Nepal e-Visa grants entry to the country, but trekking in many popular regions requires additional permits that are separate from your visa documentation. Understanding these comprehensive requirements is absolutely essential for anyone planning to explore Nepal's world-famous mountain trails through the Himalayas. Permits serve multiple important purposes: they support local communities through permit fees that fund essential services and infrastructure, they pay for ongoing trail maintenance and environmental protection, they ensure trekker safety through registration systems that track your whereabouts, and they help protect the fragile alpine and sub-alpine environments that make Nepal's mountains so spectacular and ecologically important.

The specific permits required depend entirely on your chosen trekking region and the routes you plan to follow. Most trekkers need at least one or two different permits, and some restricted areas along sensitive border zones with Tibet and other neighbors require special permits that take significantly longer to obtain and involve higher fees and mandatory guide requirements. Planning ahead thoroughly and arranging all necessary permits well before your departure date prevents frustrating delays once you're in Nepal and eager to hit the legendary mountain trails that draw adventurers from around the globe.

Traveling in Nepal offers extraordinary rewards but requires thoughtful preparation, flexibility, and respect for both the natural environment and local cultures. From the serious altitude challenges of Himalayan trekking at elevations where oxygen is scarce to the intricate cultural etiquette of ancient temple visits, understanding Nepal's many unique characteristics ensures you make the absolute most of your adventure while respecting local traditions and staying safe in sometimes challenging and remote environments far from medical facilities.

Nepal presents a remarkable combination of physical challenges and profound cultural experiences that together create journeys travelers remember for the rest of their lives. Whether you're ascending toward Everest Base Camp, exploring the medieval courtyards of Bhaktapur, or watching rhinos in Chitwan's jungles, preparation is key to enjoyment. These comprehensive tips cover the essentials for travelers of all types, from hardcore trekkers to cultural tourists seeking Nepal's spiritual heritage.

Nepal offers experiences that fundamentally change how travelers see the world and themselves — standing in awe before the highest mountains on Earth as dawn light illuminates their snow-covered peaks, experiencing profound spiritual traditions that have flourished here for thousands of years, challenging yourself on legendary trails that demand everything you have physically and mentally, and connecting with people whose genuine warmth and extraordinary hospitality are absolutely legendary among seasoned travelers. From the ancient temples and medieval courtyards of Kathmandu Valley to the roof of the world at Everest Base Camp, from the lakeside serenity and dramatic mountain views of Pokhara to the jungle wilderness and wildlife encounters of Chitwan, this small Himalayan nation packs more diversity, wonder, and transformative experiences than countries many times its size.

The Nepal e-Visa makes accessing these truly transformative experiences simpler and more convenient than ever before, allowing you to secure your entry authorization online from the comfort of home before embarking on the adventure of a lifetime across the Himalayan kingdom. Whether you're planning a challenging Everest Base Camp expedition, a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage through sacred Buddhist monasteries and ancient Hindu temples, a wildlife safari in the lowlands encountering rhinos and tigers, or a combination itinerary that captures Nepal's remarkable variety and natural beauty, understanding the visa and permit processes thoroughly is your essential first step toward this life-changing journey.

Apply for your e-Visa through the official portal, research your trekking permit requirements based on your chosen routes, and begin preparing physically and mentally for an experience that will stay with you forever as one of the most meaningful adventures of your life. The legendary land of the Himalayas awaits your arrival — where ancient traditions welcome modern travelers with open arms, where every trail leads to spectacular views that take your breath away, and where the spirit of adventure finds its ultimate and most powerful expression among the world's most magnificent mountains. Check your specific requirements using our visa checker and start planning your unforgettable Nepali adventure today.