Nepal Visa & Trekking Permits Made Easy (2025)

Visa on arrival: the simple version

For most nationalities, a Tourist Visa on Arrival is available at Kathmandu (TIA) and several land borders. On arrival, you either use a kiosk or present a pre‑filled online form, pay the fee, and the officer places the visa in your passport. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and have a blank page.

Common visa choices:

• 15 days – short city stays or quick treks.
• 30 days – popular for EBC/ABC and mixed plans.
• 90 days – long treks or slow travel.

Extensions: You can extend up to a total of 150 days per calendar year at Immigration offices (Kathmandu, Pokhara, and select border offices). Apply before your visa expires.

Pro tip: Pre‑fill the arrival form online (ETA) within 15 days of flying to speed up the airport line. Screenshot or print the confirmation.

Who doesn’t need a visa?

Indian nationals do not need a visa for Nepal. They should carry a valid passport or voter ID when flying or crossing major borders.

Trekking permits: what you’ll likely need

• TIMS card and a licensed trekking guide are mandatory on most trekking routes. A registered trekking agency will handle the process and checkpoints for you.
• National park/conservation permits are route‑specific: e.g., Sagarmatha National Park for the Everest region, ACAP for the Annapurna.
• Restricted areas (e.g., Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo) have special permits with fixed minimum guide/agency rules and higher fees.

Step‑by‑step (easy)

1. Choose your route and dates.
2. Contact a registered trekking agency to book a licensed guide.
3. The agency registers your trek, issues TIMS + park permits, and gives you receipts.
4. Keep your documents handy for checkpoints and lodge registers.

Money, fees & receipts

• Visa fees are usually paid in USD, EUR, GBP or NPR at the airport counter. Carry some clean bills just in case.
• Permit fees are paid through your agency—ask for digital copies and keep photos on your phone.
• Budget extra days if your trek uses weather‑sensitive flights (e.g., Lukla, Jomsom).

Quick FAQs

Can I trek without a guide? On most established routes, a licensed guide and TIMS are required for foreign trekkers.
Can I extend my tourist visa? Yes—visit Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara before your current visa expires.
Do I need travel insurance? Strongly recommended—make sure it covers high altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation.
Where do I buy permits? Through a registered agency (easiest). They’ll also register your guide and route.

Handy checklist to print

• Passport (6+ months), 2 photos
• Cash for visa fee and first days
• Trek route picked + agency booked
• TIMS + conservation permit arranged
• Insurance with altitude cover
• Buffer day in the plan
• Copies of documents on the phone