Ultimate Guide to Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Nepal has always been a beacon for trekkers, spiritual seekers, and nature lovers. As we move into 2026, the Department of Immigration has introduced several digital updates to streamline the entry process. If you are wondering about the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements, you’ve come to the right place. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serene trails of the Annapurna Circuit, having your paperwork in order is the first step toward a successful journey.

In this guide, we will break down the complex legalities into simple steps, ensuring you spend less time at the immigration desk and more time enjoying the best places to visit in Nepal.

Understanding the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 Requirements

The Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements are designed to be tourist-friendly, yet they now include a stronger emphasis on digital registration. Whether you are coming for a short Nagarkot sunrise tour or a long-term mountaineering expedition, the fundamental visa structure remains categorized by duration.

1. The Core Document Checklist

To satisfy the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements, every traveler must possess:

• A Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry.

• Blank Visa Pages: Ensure there is at least one (preferably two) blank page for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps.

• Digital/Physical Photos: While digital uploads are preferred for the online form, carrying two physical passport-sized photos is a wise backup.

• Visa Fee in Cash: Even though digital payments are growing, the Department of Immigration still strongly recommends carrying USD cash for the visa fee.

2. The New FNMIS Digital Registration

Starting January 1, 2026, a major shift in the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements is the mandatory registration in the Foreign Nationals Management Information System (FNMIS). This system is designed to enhance visitor safety. Travelers must now:

• Register their details on the official FNMIS portal or mobile app.

• Obtain a QR code that will be used for digital identification at hotels and checkpoints.

• This QR code helps the government track tourists in remote areas, which is a vital safety feature for those trekking in Nepal.

Types of Tourist Visas and Fee Structure for 2026

The cost of your adventure starts with the visa. For the current year, the government has maintained a tiered pricing model based on the length of stay. Meeting the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements regarding fees is straightforward:

Note: For the latest official updates, you can always check the Nepal Department of Immigration website.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Meeting the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements involves a three-step process: applying online, paying the fee, and getting the stamp.

Step 1: Online Application (Pre-Arrival)

Within 15 days of your flight, visit the NepaliPort website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and your address in Nepal (your first hotel). Once submitted, you will receive a Submission Receipt with a barcode. Print this out! This is a critical part of the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements if you want to skip the long lines at the airport kiosks.

Step 2: Payment at the Port of Entry

When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) or arrive at a land border like Sunauli, head straight to the bank counter. Present your barcode receipt and pay the fee. In 2026, while credit card machines are available, “network issues” are common. Having crisp US Dollars will save you from a headache.

Step 3: Immigration Clearance

Proceed to the “Visa on Arrival” desk. Hand over your:

1. Passport

2. Payment Receipt

3. Online Submission ReceiptThe officer will then stick the visa into your passport. Congratulations, you have successfully met the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements!

Detailed Breakdown of the FNMIS and Digital Integration

One of the most significant changes under the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements is the full integration of the Foreign Nationals Management Information System (FNMIS). This platform is no longer optional. It serves as a centralized database that links your visa, your accommodation, and your movement within the country.

Why was FNMIS introduced?

The Nepalese government introduced this to:

• Improve Security: Real-time tracking of foreign nationals helps in managing security protocols, especially in sensitive border areas.

• Emergency Response: In the event of an earthquake or natural disaster, the government can immediately identify where tourists are staying through hotel logs integrated into the system.

• Modernization: Moving away from manual logbooks in guesthouses reduces errors and speeds up the check-in process for travelers.

Under the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements, you may be asked to show your FNMIS-generated QR code when checking into hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Visa on Arrival vs. Embassy Visa

While most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA), certain countries are required to apply through a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate prior to travel. As per the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements, citizens from the following countries cannot get a visa on arrival:

• Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Liberia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, and Syria.

If you belong to one of these nations, you must coordinate with your nearest Nepalese Mission abroad to secure your entry permit. The Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements for these applicants often include a letter of invitation or a police clearance certificate from their home country.

Entering via Land Borders: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are traveling from India or Tibet, the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements remain largely the same, but the logistics of obtaining the visa differ from the airport experience.

Popular Entry Points

1. Belahiya (Sunauli): The busiest crossing for those coming from Delhi or Varanasi. It’s often chaotic, so having your Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements documents ready in a folder is essential.

2. Kakarbhitta: The gateway for those coming from Darjeeling or Sikkim.

3. Rasuwagadhi: The primary entry point from Tibet, China. Note that the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements for entering from China may involve additional health screenings or group permit checks.

Pro-Tips for Land Crossings:

• The “Small Bill” Strategy: At land borders, officials often lack change. Carry exact amounts for the visa fees.

• Operating Hours: Unlike the airport, land borders have specific opening and closing times (usually 6 AM to 6 PM). Plan your arrival accordingly to meet the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements during office hours.

Visa Extensions: Staying Longer in the Himalayas

Nepal has a way of making people stay longer than planned. If you decide to extend your stay, the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements allow you to stay for a maximum of 150 days per calendar year.

How to Extend:

1. Visit the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.

2. Bring your passport and the extension fee.

3. Fill out the extension form online via the Immigration Portal.

Extension Fees for 2026:

• Minimum Extension (15 days): $45 USD.

• Daily Rate thereafter: $3 USD per day.

• Late Fine: If you miss your visa expiry, you will be fined $5 USD per day plus the extension fee.

Staying within the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements is crucial, as overstaying can lead to heavy fines, detention, or even a ban from re-entering the country. For those staying long-term, exploring the festivals of Nepal during different seasons is a great way to use your 150-day allowance.

Special Considerations for Specific Nationalities

The Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements vary slightly depending on your passport:

Indian Citizens

Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, to meet the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements for entry via air, they must carry a valid Passport or a Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission. Note that the Aadhar card is not recognized as a travel document for flights.

Chinese Citizens

In 2026, Chinese nationals are often eligible for a Gratis Visa (free of charge) for a certain number of days as part of bilateral agreements. However, they must still fill out all forms and meet the standard Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements for documentation.

SAARC Citizens (Except Afghanistan)

Citizens from SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) receive a Gratis Visa for 30 days once per calendar year. Subsequent visits in the same year will require paying the standard fees.

Essential Travel Insurance and Health Protocols

While the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements do not explicitly mandate travel insurance for the issuance of a tourist visa, the Department of Immigration and the Tourism Board strongly advise it.

Why Insurance is Critical in 2026:

• High Altitude Rescue: If you are visiting Everest Base Camp, helicopter evacuations cost upwards of $5,000 USD.

• Medical Facilities: Private hospitals in Kathmandu are excellent but expensive.

• Permit Integration: Some restricted area permits now ask for proof of insurance as part of the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements for remote trekking.

Special Permits for Trekkers

It is vital to understand that a tourist visa is NOT a trekking permit. While the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements grant you entry to the country, you still need separate authorization for the mountains.

1. TIMS Card: Required for most trekking regions.

2. National Park Permits: For Sagarmatha, Langtang, and Bardia.

3. Restricted Area Permits (RAP): Required for Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, and Manaslu. These are much more expensive and must be processed by a registered trekking agency in Nepal.

Failing to have these permits along with your valid visa is a violation of the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements and can result in immediate removal from the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I pay for my Nepal visa in Indian Rupees?

Generally, no. Immigration officially accepts USD, EUR, GBP, and other major currencies. At the airport, USD is the safest bet to meet Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements.

2. Is there a “Multiple Entry” option?

Yes, all tourist visas issued under the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements include multiple-entry facilities. This allows you to visit neighboring India or Bhutan and return to Nepal without paying for a new visa, provided your original visa is still valid.

3. What happens if I lose my passport in Nepal?

You must first file a police report and then contact your embassy. To stay legal under the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements, you will need to get a “Visa Transfer” stamp on your new emergency travel document at the Department of Immigration.

4. Can children get a free visa?

Under the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements, children under the age of 10 (except for US citizens) are eligible for a Gratis Visa.

5. Can I work on a tourist visa in 2026?

Strictly no. The Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements specify that you cannot engage in any paid or volunteer work. If you wish to work, you must apply for a Non-Tourist (Work) Visa.

Meeting the Nepal Tourist Visa 2026 requirements is simpler than it seems if you prepare in advance. The shift toward digital systems like FNMIS and the NepaliPort portal is designed to make your travel safer and more organized.

Before you fly, double-check your passport validity, print your online submission forms, and set aside some USD cash. Whether you are coming to see the cultural heritage of Kathmandu or to challenge yourself on the high mountain passes, having your visa sorted is the first victory of your trip.