Landing in Kathmandu for your Himalayan trek is an exciting milestone. To make your entry smooth, Himalayan Namobuddha Travel & Treks has put together this simple, step-by-step guide on how to secure your On-Arrival Tourist Visa at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), complete with online pre-fill tips and payment procedures.
Step 1: Pre-Fill the Online Form (Before You Fly)
While you can fill out your tourist visa application at the airport touch-screen kiosk machines, doing it on your phone or laptop before departure saves you 30+ minutes of queuing.
- Where to go: Visit the official portal at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
on-arrival/IO01 (select Tribhuvan International Airport / TIA). - Form Filling Tips:
- Nationality & Passport: Enter your exact passport details (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date).
- Contact in Nepal: Have the name and address of your hotel or trekking agency handy (e.g., Himalayan Namobuddha Travel & Treks, Thamel, Kathmandu).
- Duration Selection: Choose your intended stay length based on your Nepal trip itinerary:
- 15 Days: USD $30
- 30 Days: USD $50
- 90 Days: USD $125
- Save Your Receipt: Submit the form and print or screenshot the submission receipt with the barcode. Note that the barcode is valid for 15 days from submission.
Step 2: Land at Kathmandu Airport & Head to the Immigration Hall
As you step off the plane at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), follow the overhead signs directing all international passengers toward the Immigration / Visa on Arrival hall. Keep your passport and your printed/digital online barcode receipt ready.
Step 3: Pay Your Visa Fee at the Bank Counter
Before going to the immigration desk, you must pay your visa fee at the designated bank counter inside the arrival hall.
- Fee Structure (All Multi-Entry):
- 15 Days = USD $30
- 30 Days = USD $50
- 90 Days = USD $125
- Note: Children under 10 years old receive a free visa (except US citizens, who follow regular fee guidelines).
- Payment Methods: TIA’s bank counter accepts major international credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) as well as local QR digital payments. However, carrying some cash USD is strongly advised as a reliable backup.
- Get Your Receipt: Pay the fee and collect your official bank payment receipt.
Step 4: Clear the Immigration Desk
Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Present the following three items to the immigration officer:
- Your Valid Passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
- Your Online Form Barcode Receipt (from Step 1)
- Your Bank Payment Receipt (from Step 3)
The officer will scan your passport, take a quick digital photo and fingerprints at the desk, and stamp your official tourist visa sticker into your passport.
Step 5: Baggage Claim & Meet Our Representative
Proceed past immigration to the baggage carousel to collect your duffel bags and gear. Once you exit into the arrival arrivals lobby, look for your Himalayan Namobuddha Travel & Treks representative holding a welcome sign with your name.
From there, we will transfer you smoothly to your hotel in Thamel so you can rest up, double-check your gear, and get ready for your Himalayan adventure!
Note : As of September 2026, travelers who are eligible for Nepal’s Visa on Arrival can now pay the Visa on Arrival fee online before arriving in Nepal. This is a relatively new government service. We recommend using only the official website Government of Nepal Immigration and keeping your payment confirmation with your travel documents.
What Should You Keep in Your Hand Luggage?
We recommend keeping these items easily accessible:
- Valid passport
- Visa/payment confirmation, if completed online
- Flight details
- Hotel or first-night accommodation details
- Travel insurance information
- Himalayan Namobuddha Travel & Treks emergency/contact information
- A small amount of cash or a suitable payment card
- Your phone with roaming/eSIM or local connectivity if available
A Helpful Tip
Don’t put your passport, travel documents or essential medication in your checked luggage. Keep them with you during the flight.
Please feel free to contact our team at Himalayan Namobuddha Travel & Treks for any further questions you may have. We are here to make sure you feel welcomed, comfortable and cared for throughout your Nepal journey.
