Nepal Volunteer Visa Requirements: What You Need
Nepal offers tourist visa-on-arrival for most nationalities and is one of South Asia's most flexible visa regimes. Always confirm with the Nepal Department of Immigration before booking.
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The short answer
- Most volunteer trips (under 90 days): Tourist visa-on-arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or e-Visa.
- 3-5 months: Tourist visa with extension at Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
- Maximum: 150 days per calendar year on tourist visa.
Verify before booking
Always check the Nepal Department of Immigration site (immigration.gov.np) and your nearest Nepali embassy/consulate. This page is editorial guidance, not immigration advice.
Tourist visa-on-arrival
Available at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and major land borders. 15-day visa: USD 30. 30-day: USD 50. 90-day: USD 125. Pay in USD cash. Bring one passport photo.
e-Visa (online pre-application)
Apply at the Department of Immigration's online portal to speed up arrival. Pay on arrival. Saves you queue time but doesn't reduce the fee.
Visa extension in Nepal
Extend at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. USD 3/day plus a USD 45 admin fee for the first extension up to 30 days. Standard practice for longer placements.
Common mistakes
- Overstaying — fines accumulate quickly and can lead to detention.
- Exceeding 150 days in a calendar year on tourist visa.
- Forgetting the passport photo for visa-on-arrival.
- Not having USD cash on arrival.
Documents to have ready
- Passport valid 6+ months from entry with one blank page.
- Onward / return ticket (often checked at airline check-in).
- One passport photo for visa-on-arrival.
- USD cash for visa fee.
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Written by
Volunteer World Guide editorial team
Ethical-volunteering research desk
This Nepal visa requirements page is editorial guidance. Always verify visa, safety and pricing details with the official source before booking.
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