Note: The following information are updated on April 2026. Visa fees, permit costs, and entry regulations are set by the Government of Nepal and may change without prior notice. Always verify the latest requirements before booking. Contact our team or visit immigration.gov.np for current information.
Nepal Visa and Entry Permits Guide 2026
Every traveler entering Nepal needs a visa. Every trekker entering a national park or conservation area needs a permit. This guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive, from visa fees and eligibility to every permit required for every major trekking region in Nepal.
Bookmark this page. It is updated regularly from official government sources.
Nepal Tourist Visa
Who Needs a Visa?
Almost all foreign nationals need a visa to enter Nepal. The only exceptions are Indian citizens, who can enter Nepal without a visa using a valid Indian passport or government-issued photo ID.
Visa on Arrival
Nepal offers Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Bhairahawa Airport, and Biratnagar Airport. Most nationalities are eligible. Check the current eligibility list at immigration.gov.np before traveling.
Visa Fees (2026)
Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
15 days | USD 30 |
30 days | USD 50 |
90 days | USD 125 |
Fees must be paid in USD cash. Bills must be clean, undamaged, and from Series 2013 or newer. Torn or old bills are sometimes rejected at the counter.
Documents Required at Immigration
Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
One recent passport-sized photo (digital kiosk available at TIA)
Visa fee in USD cash
Return or onward flight ticket (may be asked)
Hotel booking confirmation (may be asked)
Yellow Fever Certificate
If you are arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (including most African countries), you must carry an original International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). Without it, you may be denied entry. This applies regardless of your nationality if your recent travel history includes a Yellow Fever risk country.
Visa Extension
Tourist visas can be extended inside Nepal at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Extensions cost USD 3 per day for the first 30 days, and USD 5 per day beyond that. Maximum stay per visa year is 150 days.
Trekking Permits: What You Need and Where
Nepal's trekking areas are managed by different authorities. The permits you need depend entirely on where you are trekking. Here is the complete breakdown by region.
Annapurna Region
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
Required for all trekking routes in the Annapurna Conservation Area, including Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Tilicho Lake, Khopra Ridge, and Mustang (lower section up to Kagbeni).
Nationality | Fee |
|---|---|
Foreign nationals | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) |
SAARC nationals | NPR 1,000 |
Children under 10 | Free |
Available at Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) and Pokhara (Damside). Also available through a registered trekking agency.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
Required for most trekking routes in Nepal including the Annapurna region.
Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Group trekker | NPR 1,000 |
Independent trekker | NPR 2,000 |
Available at Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and at TAAN (Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal) offices.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
Required for travel beyond Kagbeni into Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang and beyond).
Fee | Details |
|---|---|
USD 50 per person per day | Calculated from the day you cross the Kagbeni checkpoint |
A licensed guide is mandatory for Upper Mustang. The permit must be arranged through a registered trekking agency. As of March 2026, solo trekkers can obtain this permit with a licensed guide (the previous two-person minimum has been removed).
Everest Region
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Required for all trekking routes in the Everest region, including Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes, Three Passes Trek, and Everest View Trek.
Nationality | Fee |
|---|---|
Foreign nationals | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) |
SAARC nationals | NPR 1,500 |
Children under 10 | Free |
Available at the park entrance in Monjo (on the trek) or at Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. If flying to Lukla, you can get the permit in Kathmandu before departure.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Fee
A local government fee charged to all trekkers entering the Khumbu region.
Nationality | Fee |
|---|---|
Foreign nationals | NPR 2,000 (~USD 17) |
Collected at checkpoints in the Khumbu area. Carry cash.
TIMS Card
Required for the Everest region as well. Same fees as above (NPR 1,000 group / NPR 2,000 independent).
Langtang Region
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Required for Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda Trek, and Helambu Trek.
Nationality | Fee |
|---|---|
Foreign nationals | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) |
SAARC nationals | NPR 1,500 |
Children under 10 | Free |
Available at Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or at the park entrance checkpoint.
TIMS Card
Required for Langtang region treks. Same fees apply.
Manaslu Region
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Nationality | Fee |
|---|---|
Foreign nationals | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) |
SAARC nationals | NPR 1,500 |
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
The Manaslu Circuit upper section (Lho to Samagaon and beyond) is a restricted area. A licensed guide is mandatory.
Season | Fee |
|---|---|
September to November | USD 100 per week (first 3 weeks), USD 15/day thereafter |
December to August | USD 75 per week (first 3 weeks), USD 10/day thereafter |
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Also required for the lower section of the Manaslu Circuit that crosses into the Annapurna Conservation Area. NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals.
Kanchenjunga Region
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
Required for all trekking in the Kanchenjunga region.
Nationality | Fee |
|---|---|
Foreign nationals | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) |
SAARC nationals | NPR 1,500 |
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
Kanchenjunga is a restricted area. A licensed guide is mandatory.
Season | Fee |
|---|---|
September to November | USD 100 per week (first 3 weeks), USD 15/day thereafter |
December to August | USD 75 per week (first 3 weeks), USD 10/day thereafter |
Dolpo Region
Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit
Required for Lower Dolpo treks.
Nationality | Fee |
|---|---|
Foreign nationals | NPR 3,000 per week |
SAARC nationals | NPR 1,000 per week |
Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
Upper Dolpo is a restricted area. A licensed guide is mandatory.
Fee | Details |
|---|---|
USD 500 per person for 10 days | USD 50/day thereafter |
Mustang (Upper)
Already covered under Annapurna Region above. See Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit section.
Api Saipal Region (Far West Nepal)
Api Nampa Conservation Area Permit
Required for trekking in the Api Saipal region in far western Nepal.
Nationality | Fee |
|---|---|
Foreign nationals | NPR 3,000 |
SAARC nationals | NPR 1,500 |
This is one of Nepal's least-visited trekking regions with minimal tourist infrastructure. Advance preparation is essential.
The Licensed Guide Rule
Since 2023, Nepal's government requires all foreign trekkers on major trekking routes to be accompanied by a licensed guide. Trekking without a licensed guide is not permitted and can result in fines or being turned back at checkpoints.
This rule applies to all major trekking routes including Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, and restricted areas.
A licensed guide can be booked through any registered trekking agency (TAAN-registered). When you book a package with UncoverNepal, your licensed guide is included.
Where to Get Your Permits
In Kathmandu
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu Open: Sunday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
TAAN (Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal) Maligaon, Kathmandu
Department of Immigration (Visa Extension) Maitighar, Kathmandu
In Pokhara
Nepal Tourism Board (Pokhara) Damside, Lakeside, Pokhara Open: Sunday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
At Checkpoints
ACAP, Sagarmatha National Park, and Langtang National Park permits can also be obtained at entry checkpoints on the trail, but it is strongly recommended to get them in Kathmandu or Pokhara before departure to avoid delays.
Documents to Carry on the Trek
Original passport (not a photocopy)
Nepal tourist visa
All relevant permits (ACAP, TIMS, National Park, Restricted Area)
Travel and medical insurance documents
Emergency contact information
Licensed guide's contact number
Permits are checked at multiple checkpoints along every major trekking route. Carry all documents in a waterproof pouch.
Official Sources
Always verify current permit fees and rules directly from government sources before traveling. Fees change periodically.
Nepal Immigration: immigration.gov.np
Nepal Tourism Board: https://ntb.gov.np/
Department of National Parks: dnpwc.gov.np
Nepal Rastra Bank (Exchange Rate): nrb.org.np/forex
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa if I am Indian? No. Indian citizens can enter Nepal without a visa using a valid Indian passport or government-issued photo ID.
Can I get permits on the trail? For most regions, yes. However, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, and Upper Dolpo restricted area permits must be arranged through a registered agency before the trek. Getting ACAP and TIMS permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara before departure is strongly recommended.
Do children need permits? Children under 10 years of age are exempt from national park and conservation area permit fees in most regions.
Is travel insurance mandatory? Travel insurance is not a government requirement, but it is mandatory for all UncoverNepal packages. Ensure your policy covers helicopter evacuation and the maximum altitude of your trek.
Can I trek solo without a guide? Solo trekking is not permitted for foreign nationals on major routes since 2023. A licensed guide must accompany you. For restricted areas, solo permits were allowed from March 2026 with a licensed guide (previous two-person minimum removed).
What currency do I need for permits? ACAP, TIMS, and national park permits are paid in Nepali Rupees (NPR). Upper Mustang and other restricted area permits are quoted in USD but paid in NPR at the prevailing exchange rate. Carry sufficient NPR cash.
How long does it take to get permits? ACAP and TIMS can be obtained within 30 minutes at Nepal Tourism Board offices. Restricted area permits take 1 to 2 working days if arranged through an agency. Plan accordingly.
What happens if I trek without a permit? You will be turned back at checkpoints. In restricted areas, fines may be imposed. There is no exception.
Does UncoverNepal handle permits for me? Yes. For all UncoverNepal packages, we arrange every required permit on your behalf. Permits are included in the package price unless specifically listed as excluded.
Where can I check the latest visa and permit rules? Always check immigration.gov.np for visa rules and welcomenepal.com for trekking permit updates. UncoverNepal also updates this page regularly from official sources.
This guide is maintained by the UncoverNepal team based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Information is verified from official government sources and updated regularly. For questions about permits for your specific trek, contact our team at contact@uncovernepal.com.
