Nepal Trekking Permits & Visa Process
A Sample copy of Nepal Trekking Permit & Visa
Visiting Nepal's mountains and landscapes is a different kind of trip. It brings out great change in us. As home to the highest mountains, peaceful walking trails, and beautiful Himalayan views, Nepal attracts many tourists.
Also, before you hit the roads in Nepal, you should know that immediate travel there is not an option.
For a stress-free and safe trek in Nepal, it is required to follow what the Government of Nepal has put in place and to also obtain a Nepal Trekking Visa and Permit.
If you are going to the Everest region, the Annapurna trails or very remote areas like Upper Mustang or Manaslu, we suggest that you get familiar with the Nepal Trekking visa and permit processes at the start of your trip.
Do you need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, you need a visa for your visit to Nepal. Also, it is a simple and friendly process. You will also have a visa on arrival. It is easy, which in turn helps travellers to plan their trip without issue.
Indian citizens do not require a visa to visit Nepal as per the 1950 Indo-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty.
Indian people with just a passport or a voter ID card may visit Nepal.
If you are from abroad, you may get a Visa on Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at some of the land border posts.
The Visa fees will depend on how much you pay; options of 15, 30, or 90 days are available.
Also, at the outset, check the present visa rules for your country.
How to get a Nepal tourist visa?
In 2025, getting a tourist visa for Nepal is an easy process. They have made it simple and organized for travellers at the same time, also ensuring the safety of the travellers.
So, whether you plan to do some trekking, visit temples, or just go and relax, here's the step-by-step process that will guide you.
Option 1: Visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
Step-by-Step Process: Here is what to do:
Fill out the arrival card at the airport.
Fill out the visa application form: Use the on-site or do it online in advance at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np.
Pay at the visa payment counter. Charges that apply will depend on the length of your stay.
Submit your forms at the immigration counter. Also, bring your passport and payment receipt.
Get your visa entry card.
Option 2: Apply Online (Before your trip)
Applying online:
Within 15 days of your trip, fill out the online tourist visa application.
Bring your printout of the confirmation with you to Nepal.
Upon arrival, pay the visa fee and have it stamped.
Nepal Visa Fees for 2025
The visa cost for Nepal varies according to the length of your stay. They have three options, which are determined by what time you are planning to stay.
No. of Days | Visa Fees (USD) |
15 Days | $30 |
30 Days | $50 |
90 Days | $125 |
At the airport in Kathmandu or at land border entry points, you can pay the fee. Some locations accept cards, but we recommend you carry cash (preferably in USD) with you to stay safe.
Note: These are the same fees for both the arrival and online pre-application options.
Nepal Visa Extension and Documents Required
If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, you may do so at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Visa Extension Fees:
Minimum extension fee (15 days): USD 45
Each additional day beyond 15 days: USD 3 a day.
Overstay penalty: USD 5 daily extension fee.
Documents Required for Visa Extension:
Valid passport with original visa
Completed visa extension form
Passport-size photo
Visa extension charge (in cash or by card).
Online application confirmation (is free, but will speed up the process).
Can You Get a Visa on Arrival in Nepal?
Yes, most travellers will be able to see firsthand when on arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu.
Citizens of most countries may get a Visa on Arrival, like citizens from the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, EU nations, and many Asian countries.
Also, some nationalities like Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Iraq, Palestine, and a few others must get their visa in advance from a Nepali embassy or consulate.
Before you go, check out the official Nepal Immigration website for the latest info.
To get your Visa on Arrival, you will have to present a valid passport that has a validity of at a minimum of 6 months from the date of issue, also a passport-sized photo, and payment of the visa fee in cash (in USD).
Once you get to the airport, the process is easy. First, out with the arrival card and then go online to fill in the visa application, or before you leave home (we also have it online at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np).
Nepal has a very tourist-friendly entry, which means if you have the right documents and payment in order, you can get a visa on arrival very easily.
Types of Tourist Visas for Nepal
The length of your visit to Nepal determines what type of tourist visa you should apply for. There are plans for 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days.
All these visas are for multiple entry, so you can leave and come back to Nepal during the permitted time without getting another visa.
People who want to visit briefly usually select the Tourist Visa on Arrival, which is considered the top choice.
You should prefer sorting all the details out ahead of your trip. You may also get a tourist visa from the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
If you want to overstay your original visa period here in Nepal, there is a solution that will let you stay longer: you may extend your visa.
Running the process is the responsibility of the Department of Immigration, which has offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
We advise getting a tourism visa for trekking, looking at attractions, meeting family and friends, or going on a non-purpose trip.
Note: A tourism visa does not allow you to do a job, attend school, or set up a business in Nepal.
Permits for Trekking in Nepal
When going on a trek in Nepal, do not forget to obtain the necessary permits. The kind of trekking permit you need in Nepal depends on where you plan to go.
The major ones are the TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System), National Parks as well as Restricted Areas. Each one is appropriate for a specific reason and can be found in different places.
Tourist permits are needed for handling tourism, maintaining safety, and taking care of the environment. Check what permits you must get for your chosen route before you leave for your trek.
Trekkers Information Management System
TIMS stands for the Trekkers Information Management System, and it helps us ensure the safety of the trekkers we track. Starting in 2025, every foreign tourist interested in trekking will have to get a TIMS card by registering with a famous trekking agency.
Different options are available for groups and others, but now, one of those must use licensed agencies such as Himalayan Trekkers.
TIMS helps with rescue missions in case of emergencies and records every trekker in this region.
National Parks and Conservation Area Permits
An entry permit is required when trekking in National Parks and Conservation Areas that are popular in Nepal.
Some more examples are Annapurna Conservation Area, Langtang National Park, Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Makalu-Barun, and Manaslu Conservation Area.
Such permits provide funding for protecting wildlife, forests, and communities living there. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, the Tourism Board offices provide them.
Another point to consider is that trekking permits are provided by reliable trekking agencies.
Regardless of having a guide, permits are required and must always be carried.
Restricted Area Trekking Permits (RAP)
To go trekking in Restricted and Remote areas of Nepal, you must have a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which sets out several rules.
You cannot trek in Nepal unless accompanied by a registered guide and trekkers agency. No individual treks are allowed in these parts of the mountain ranges.
Some popular locations are Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Upper Dolpo, Humla, and Nar-Phu Valley.
Costs and sometimes special approvals are higher for RAPs, though they allow you to see Nepal's most scenic places.
How can I obtain a Trekking Permit?
While in Nepal, you are welcome to visit the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu or Pokhara. At these places, you can buy TIMS cards and permits for visiting Conservation Areas and National Parks.
You can only get Restricted Area Permits (RAP) by booking through a licensed trekking agency, as individuals are not allowed to get them.
It is usually the job of the agency to secure the necessary permits, so you do not have to worry about them. Please give us the requested documents and cover the permit expenses.
Applying for your permits a few days prior to your hike will give you more time if something should go wrong.
Documents Needed for Trekking Permits
To obtain trekking permits in Nepal, you will need to present some basic documents. These include:
A passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
Two to four passport-sized photos.
A copy of the passport photo.
Travel insurance info for high-altitude treks.
Your travel plan, which includes the name of your guide and agency (for RAP areas).
Complete the form at the NTB office or from your agency.
Suppose you are working with an agency; they usually take care of the paperwork for you. Just see to it that your documents are current and printed very clearly.
Having everything in order beforehand will make the process go much more smoothly.
Permit Fees for Popular Treks
The fee you pay for trekking in Nepal depends on your chosen area.
Normally, trekkers must buy a TIMS card and a national park or conservation area permit for Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang, which are not too costly.
For example:
At Everest, you must purchase the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit for NPR 2,000 and the Sagarmatha National Park Permit for NPR 3,000.
Before travelling to the Annapurna Region, you need to buy the ACAP permit for NPR 3,000.
If you visit the Langtang National Park, you must have a permit (NPR 3,000) and a TIMS card.
Check out: Nepal Trekking Permit Fees
Can I get online trekking permits in Nepal?
Yes, from 2024, trekking permits can be obtained at the official sites or through registered agencies.
So far, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Department of Immigration have made a complete online system for individual trekking applications.
Even though you might not be able to handle this process online, an agency can help you out from a distance before your travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
Many travellers report that they make small yet costly errors when it comes to getting trekking permits and visas in Nepal. Here are some that you should try to avoid:
Expired passport: Always make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Wrong permit type: Failing to get the right permit or missing one that is required may result in payment of fines at checkpoints.
Missing insurance: Some treks may require proof of travel insurance for high-altitude or remote areas.
Not carrying extra photos: Carry at least four passport-sized photos with you.
Without a registered trekking agency and a licensed guide, you are not able to apply for Restricted Area Permits (RAP).
Delaying the permit process: Start on the early side to avoid delays and missing out on trekking dates.
Trekking Permits for SAARC and Non-SAARC Countries.
Nepal has different trekking permit rules and fees for SAARC and non-SAARC citizens. SAARC includes India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Afghanistan.
For SAARC nationals, we see lower permit fees. For example, the TIMS card for SAARC citizens is NPR 600, which is less than the NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC citizens. Also, in the case of conservation area permits, we see that there are reduced rates.
Also, in the case of Restricted Area Permits (RAP), what we see is that the fees put out are the same for SAARC and non-SAARC travellers.
These areas, which require a special permit, do not see a difference between nationalities, and you must also go through a registered trekking agency that has a licensed guide.
What happens if I trek without a permit?
Trekking in Nepal without getting the proper permits is illegal and, in turn, will see you through serious consequences.
At each point along popular trekking routes, you will be checked at official posts. You will be caught out without your permit; you may face the following:
Immediate removal from the trekking route
Possible charges may also result in you being banned from re-entering trekking areas.
Also, you are not included in the government's trekking database, which is a factor in emergency situations like natural disasters or rescue operations.
Final Thoughts: Trekking Legally and Worry-Free in Nepal
Travelling in Nepal is a trip of a lifetime; we start, however, with having the right visa and permits. With the 2025 rules, which have changed, it is important to inform yourself and plan.
Whether you are out for a short trek or a long adventure, by following legal procedures, you support the safety of local tourism and conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for an online Visa before arriving?
Yes, you may apply for a visa online prior to your trip, which you do via the Department of Immigration site. Also, upon your arrival at the airport, you will have to go to the immigration counter to get the visa stamp.
2. Do I need to obtain a visa before entering Nepal, or can I get one upon entry?
No, all foreign nationals (which includes except Indian citizens) must get a visa in advance. You may not enter Nepal legally without a valid visa.
3. What is the term of a tourist visa in Nepal?
A tourist visa is for 15, 30, or 90 days. Once you enter Nepal, the visa is valid, which means the clock starts from your entry date, not the issue date.
4. Do I have a tourist visa that I can use for business or volunteer work in Nepal?
No. A tourist visa is for vacation travel. For business, work, or volunteer services, you will need another visa type, for example, a business or work visa.
5. How many times may I renew my tourist visa in Nepal?
You may extend your tourist visa, which means the 150-day mark in a visa year (January to December) is what you cannot go over.
6. What will happen if I stay past my visa's expiration date in Nepal?
Overstay is a serious issue. We will charge a daily fine and may see to it that you are detained or deported according to the length of your overstay.
7. Do I need a visa for my transit in Nepal?
If within the airport you will be for just a few hours and do not exit immigration, you don't need a visa. If you, however, leave the airport for any reason at all, even for a short time, you will require a transit visa that is valid for 24 hours.
8. Do kids require separate visas for Nepal?
Yes, all age groups of children (except for Indian nationals) require a visa to enter Nepal. The visa fee is the same for all, but we recommend that you check the current rules for minors before you go.
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