Electronic Tourist Visas for Nepal: How to Apply and What to Expect

What changed in Nepal's visa regime

Since mid‑August 2026 Nepal has officially launched an electronic service for tourist visas. You now submit the application on the Immigration Department’s website, upload a photo and pay the fee online. After processing – usually within a day – the approved document lands in your inbox. At Kathmandu you simply show it; no paper stamp is glued into your passport.

How to apply for an e‑Visa: step‑by‑step

1. Prepare your passport – it must be valid for at least six months beyond the submission date.
2. Take a digital photo – a standard portrait that meets the upload requirements.
3. Fill out the online form – enter personal details, purpose of travel and pick the visa type.
4. Pay the fee – credit or debit cards are accepted; prices stay the same (about USD 30 for a 15‑day visa, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for a 90‑day multiple‑entry visa).
5. Receive confirmation – within 24 hours an electronic document arrives by email; print it out or keep it on your phone.

Validity periods and usage conditions

The e‑Visa can be used for entry within six months of issuance. If you chose a multiple‑entry option (15, 30 or 90 days) you may come and go during that window, each stay limited to the number of days printed on the visa.

Visa on arrival is still an option

The new online service does not replace the traditional visa‑on‑arrival at Tribhuvan Airport and selected land border posts. Travelers can still fill out the form and pay in advance, then collect the stamp on site. That’s handy for anyone who prefers to sort things out “on the fly”.

Why the e‑Visa is a better fit for trekkers and groups

Himalayan trekking often requires route approvals and permits well before you set out. With an e‑Visa the visa question is settled before you even buy a ticket, saving precious time at the airport after a long flight. For organized groups it’s especially useful: every member gets the document ahead of time and the coordinator can verify everyone’s status from a single list.

How to avoid scams

Since the online service went live, a few fake sites have popped up promising “express processing” for an extra charge. The official portal lives only at the address listed on the Immigration Department’s website. When you fill out the form, double‑check the browser’s address bar for the correct domain and never enter your data on a third‑party page. Any request for a pre‑payment to speed things up is a red flag.

What to know about costs and payment

The fees for e‑Visas match those that applied to visas on arrival. Payment goes through a secure banking gateway, so the government does not add any hidden charges. Your card‑issuing bank may tack on a small surcharge – that’s normal.

Practical tips for travelers

• Check your passport’s expiry a few weeks before you apply; some consulates still ask for more than six months.
• Back up the e‑Visa in several places: print a hard copy and upload a digital version to the cloud. At the airport officials may ask to see it on a phone screen.
• Plan ahead: processing usually takes a day, but during peak season a short delay can happen.
• Mind the limits: the e‑Visa is not meant for long stays outside the tourist zone (work, study, etc.). Those purposes require a different visa category.

What changed for Russian citizens

Russians can use either the e‑Visa or the visa‑on‑arrival. The choice is personal: if you want to skip airport queues, apply for the e‑Visa beforehand; if you like handling everything upon arrival, the traditional route remains.

Bottom line: is the e‑Visa worth it?

Moving to an electronic format is a logical step given the rise in visitor numbers and the popularity of online services. It streamlines trip preparation, cuts the chance of mistakes on the application form and frees up time at the airport. At the same time, the option to get a visa on the spot stays, keeping the process flexible for all kinds of travelers.

How to get an e‑Visa in a nutshell

1. Go to the official website of Nepal’s Immigration Department.
2. Fill in the form, upload your photo, select the visa type.
3. Pay online.
4. Receive the document by email and print it.
5. Show the e‑Visa at the airport and breeze through control.

These simple steps let you focus on what matters – planning trekking routes, meeting the locals and soaking in the Himalayan scenery.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru, atorus.ru.