Travel To Nepal: What Americans Need To Know

Americans can travel to Nepal, but they must have a visa and a passport that is valid for at least six months and has at least two blank visa pages. They can either obtain a visa in advance at an embassy or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at some land border points of entry. However, it is important to note that there is a Level 2 travel advisory for Nepal, which means that Americans should exercise increased caution due to the potential for isolated political violence.

Visa requirements

Entry Requirements

To enter Nepal, you must have:

• A passport with six months or more validity remaining at the time of entry.
• At least one blank visa page available in your passport for the visa (not the endorsements page).
• A visa appropriate for the purpose of your travel.

Tourist Visa

You can obtain a tourist visa:

• On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
• Before travelling, from a Nepalese embassy or consulate.
• Online, through the Nepalese Department of Immigration.

If you are arriving by air, you can either apply for a tourist visa before travelling or purchase one on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Obtaining a visa on arrival may take several hours.

If you are arriving by land, you are responsible for obtaining a visa and going through the necessary immigration formalities. U.S. citizens may not be stopped by border officials to process immigration and visa documentation.

When crossing by land into Nepal, you should carry U.S. dollar bills to pay the Nepali visa fee. The fee must be paid in cash and credit cards or other currencies will not be accepted. All bills must be new (no older than 2003) and in good condition (no tears, excessive wear, creases, visible repairs, etc.).

U.S. citizens can purchase an on-arrival tourist visa at the following land border points of entry:

• Kakarvitta, Jhapa District (Eastern Nepal, arrival and departure)
• Biratnagar, Morang District (Southeastern Nepal, arrival and departure)
• Birgunj, Parsa District (Central Nepal, arrival and departure)
• Belahiya, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi District (Southern Nepal, arrival and departure)
• Timure, Rasuwa District (Northern Border; arrival and departure)
• Kodari, Sindhupalchowk District (Northeast Border – for group tourists only; arrival and departure)

Tourists obtaining visas on arrival can stay no more than 150 days in any given calendar year. Visas will only be given in 15, 30, or 90-day increments but may be extended at the Department of Immigration office in Kathmandu.

Tourists may request the following visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and checkpoints:

• 15 days multiple-entry tourist visa (approx. $30 USD)
• 30 days multiple-entry tourist visa (approx. $50 USD)
• 90 days multiple-entry tourist visa (approx. $125 USD)

Visa fees are payable in U.S. dollars. While money-changing and ATM services are available at the airport, credit card payment is not a reliable option, and ATM machines occasionally malfunction.

Other Visa Categories

As of January 2023, all foreign travellers must arrive in Nepal on a tourist visa and can only convert their visa to a different category after arrival. Check with the Department of Immigration for visa details and the online application for various types of visas, including student and work visas. Your purpose of travel will dictate what category of visa you will need to obtain. If you intend to apply for a study or work visa from Nepal, it is strongly advised to start the visa conversion process with the institution/employer and the concerned government authorities at least two months before your tourist visa expires. Non-tourist visa issuance can take months to process and stays beyond 150 days on a tourist visa will lead to deportation with overstay fines and penalties.

Extending Your Visa

The Department of Immigration headquarters in the Kalikasthan neighbourhood of Kathmandu is the only office that can extend all category visas. The Immigration Offices in Pokhara, Kakarvitta, Birgunj and Belahiya can extend tourist, relationship (marriage) and Non-Residential Nepali (NRN) visas.

Visitors should apply to extend their visas before the expiration date; failure to do so will result in penalty and late fees. Long overstays beyond the expiration date can result in heavy fines, arrest, and detention pending formal deportation proceedings, followed by a ban on re-entry.

Payment at the Department of Immigration can be made only in cash via Nepali rupees or U.S. dollars.

Requirements for Exit

You must have a valid visa in a valid passport before you will be allowed to depart Nepal. If your visa has expired, you must extend your visa before you will be allowed to depart.

The Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport is not authorised to extend visas. Travellers who have tried to extend their visa at the airport will be sent to the Immigration Office in Kathmandu to pay the extension fee and, as a result, many travellers have missed their flights.

If you renew or replace your passport at the Embassy in Kathmandu, you must go to the Department of Immigration to transfer your Nepali visa by pasting a new visa into the new passport. Transferring a visa from one passport into another on your own is a serious crime in Nepal, with punishments of up to 9 years in prison and significant fines.

Travel advisories

As of 2025, the US Department of State advises US citizens travelling to Nepal to exercise increased caution due to the potential for isolated political violence. Political demonstrations intended to be peaceful can sometimes escalate into violence and may be met with force by Nepali authorities.

If you decide to travel to Nepal, it is recommended that you avoid demonstrations and crowds, and monitor local media for breaking events. It is also advised that you do not trek or climb alone. The Government of Nepal requires solo or foreign independent trekkers to use a local guide or porter while trekking in Nepal’s official national parks and protected areas.

The Department of State also recommends that US citizens enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. You should also follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter, and review the Country Security Report for Nepal.

In addition to these security considerations, there are several other important factors that US citizens should be aware of when travelling to Nepal. Here is a list of key travel advisories:

• Visa requirements: US citizens need a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at some land border points of entry, or in advance from a Nepali embassy or consulate. The visa fee for US citizens is $30 for a 15-day visa, $50 for a 30-day visa, and $125 for a 90-day visa.
• Passport validity: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining at the time of entry and at least one blank visa page.
• Health considerations: Nepal has lifted all COVID-19-related entry requirements, including proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test. However, it is recommended that you review the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
• Currency restrictions: You cannot enter or exit Nepal with more than $5000 in currency. There are also restrictions on the amount of gold, silver, and jewellery you can bring into the country.
• Customs regulations: Customs regulations in Nepal are strict and complex. Do not carry valuable metals, archaeological or religious artefacts, wildlife or related items, drugs, or weapons and ammunition. Drones are also strictly regulated and require special permission from the Home Ministry and other government authorities.
• Natural disaster risks: Trekking in Nepal carries the risk of natural disasters such as avalanches, landslides, and falling rocks. Even when trails are clear, these risks may be present due to the destabilization caused by the 2015 earthquake.
• Altitude risks: Trekking at high altitudes can lead to acute mountain sickness, which can be deadly. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor or medical professionals in Kathmandu for specific recommendations.
• Medical care: Medical care in Nepal may not meet Western standards, especially outside of the Kathmandu valley. In case of a medical emergency, you may need to be evacuated to a neighbouring country. It is strongly recommended that you obtain emergency medical evacuation insurance before visiting Nepal.
• Road safety: Roads in Nepal are in poor condition and lack basic safety features, resulting in a high number of accidents and fatalities. Driving at night outside of urban areas is prohibited for US Embassy personnel due to insufficient street lighting and hazardous road conditions.
• Scams: Be aware of scams involving helicopter evacuation for altitude sickness and medical treatment.

Currency restrictions

The Government of Nepal requires travellers to declare the import or export of currency that exceeds US$5,000 in value by filling out a customs declaration form. It is important to keep a copy of the declaration form after customs officials have endorsed and stamped it to prevent any problems upon departure.

When entering Nepal, there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country. However, when exiting Nepal, you can only take out a maximum of US$5,000.

Nepal's national currency, the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), is not allowed to be taken outside of the country. Therefore, any surplus local money must be exchanged at one of the exchange offices at the airport in Kathmandu before departure. You can only exchange back up to 15% of the amount you originally exchanged for local currency when entering the country, so be sure to obtain a receipt when exchanging money.

It is important to note that currency exchange is not available at land border crossings, and any leftover local money may be confiscated.

In addition to currency restrictions, there are also rules regarding the import and export of certain items. For example, pure/raw/unworked gold and silver, as well as gold and silver jewellery above a certain weight, are prohibited. Carrying Indian currency in denominations greater than 100-rupee notes is also not allowed.

Transportation safety

Road Safety:

Nepal's road infrastructure is underdeveloped, with only about 60% of roads being hard-surfaced, mainly in the Kathmandu Valley. The roads in other regions, particularly the highlands, are often gravel-covered and poorly maintained. Landslides are common, especially during the monsoon season, which can block or wash away roads. The local driving style can be adrenaline-pumping for foreigners, with road rules rarely obeyed and horns used to signal right-of-way. Driving at night is not recommended due to a lack of street lighting in many areas.

Public Transport:

Public transport in Nepal is common and generally reliable. Local buses are cheap and crowded, connecting major destinations. Be prepared for a unique experience, as you may find yourself sharing space with goats, boxes, sacks, and even domestic animals. These buses make frequent stops and can be very time-consuming.

Long-distance buses follow a predefined schedule and usually start early in the morning. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

Mini-vans or micro-buses are a faster and more comfortable option, though more expensive.

Tourist buses offer a more comfortable experience with reserved seats and sometimes air-conditioning. These buses operate between major tourist destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Lumbini.

Public jeeps are also available for travel in the mountain regions and can be crowded.

Taxis and Private Transport:

Taxis, private vans, and private jeeps are negotiable and can take you anywhere in Nepal. For example, a trip from Kathmandu airport to Thamel might cost between 400 and 1,500 rupees.

You can easily arrange private transport to the starting point of your trek through your hotel or a tourist agency. For instance, a private minivan from Pokhara to Nayapul in the Annapurna region can cost between 4,000 and 10,000 rupees.

Aviation Safety:

Domestic air safety is a concern due to frequent fatal plane crashes, especially in mountain airports like Lukla and Jomsom. Since 2013, the European Union has banned all Nepali airlines from flying into or within EU countries due to safety concerns.

Trekking Safety:

Trekking in Nepal comes with various risks, including natural disasters like avalanches, landslides, and falling rocks. It is crucial to research and follow safety precautions, such as checking weather conditions and avoiding trekking during the monsoon season.

It is highly recommended to hire a guide, especially if you are new to trekking. They can provide valuable expertise and assistance in navigating challenging terrain.

Other Considerations:

• Motorbike accidents are common in Nepal, and it is advised to avoid riding with strangers.
• Avoid nighttime road travel outside the Kathmandu Valley due to insufficient street lighting and hazardous conditions.
• Be cautious of scams, such as overly friendly locals seeking tips or women and children asking you to buy food for their siblings or babies.
• Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor's prescription.

Volunteering regulations

Nepal's Department of Immigration considers volunteering as work, and therefore requires volunteers to obtain a work visa. Volunteering on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in detention, fines, expulsion from the country, and lengthy bans on re-entry.

Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) is a non-profit, secular, non-government organisation (NGO) established in 2005 and based in Kathmandu. It empowers marginalised and disadvantaged communities in Nepal and offers six community empowerment programs that match a wide range of interests. These include women's empowerment, youth empowerment, child development, public health, environmental conservation, and disaster risk reduction.

Volunteers Initiative Nepal provides a comprehensive two-to-three-day induction that covers basic Nepali language and culture, health and safety, and specific project information. Volunteers are accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel during the induction and then placed with a local host family for the remainder of their stay.

The minimum age requirement to volunteer with VIN is 18 years, although 16 and 17-year-olds can volunteer with parental consent. Volunteers are expected to work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day, with a minimum time commitment of two weeks. VIN provides 24-hour emergency support and offers a clear support system, including constant communication and regular check-ins with a volunteer coordinator.

Other volunteering organisations in Nepal include International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), which offers programs in childcare, teaching, medical, construction, women's education, NGO support, and sustainable agriculture.

Frequently asked questions