Nepal Visa from Dubai: Complete Tourist & Visit Visa Guide 2026

Nepal has one of the most open visa policies in the world. Citizens of almost every country can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. The major exception is Indian nationals, who enjoy visa-free entry to Nepal under a bilateral agreement between India and Nepal.

Nepal offers tourist visas in three duration categories, all available on arrival. You choose the duration based on how long you plan to stay. All visas are multiple-entry within their validity period.

For most Dubai residents visiting Nepal for a holiday or trek, the 30-day visa is the most popular choice. It provides enough time for popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp (10-14 days) or Everest Base Camp (12-16 days) plus time to explore Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The visa on arrival process at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is straightforward. Nepal has installed automated kiosks to speed up the process, though manual counters are also available.

1. 1Before arriving: Fill out the Nepal visa form online at nepaliimmigration.gov.np (optional but recommended — saves 15-20 minutes at the airport).
2. 2On arrival at Kathmandu airport: Follow signs to the visa area. Use the automated visa kiosks or proceed to the manual counter.
3. 3At the kiosk: Scan your passport, take your photo (kiosk has a camera), select your visa duration, and print the receipt.
4. 4At the payment counter: Pay the visa fee in USD cash (exact change preferred), other major currencies, or by Visa/MasterCard credit card.
5. 5At the immigration counter: Present your passport, kiosk receipt (or completed manual form), payment receipt, and one passport photo (if using manual counter).
6. 6Receive your visa sticker: The officer will affix the visa sticker to your passport and stamp your entry.
7. 7Proceed to baggage claim and customs.

The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the number of arrivals. Pre-filling the form online significantly reduces wait time. OraVisa recommends having the exact USD amount ready to avoid exchange-rate issues at the counter.

Nepal allows visitors to complete their visa application online before arrival at nepaliimmigration.gov.np. This is not a full e-visa — you still pay and receive the visa stamp at the airport — but it significantly speeds up the arrival process.

1. 1Visit nepaliimmigration.gov.np and click "Tourist Visa" then "Apply Online".
2. 2Complete the form with your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
3. 3Upload a passport-style photo (JPEG, under 5 MB).
4. 4Submit the form and note your confirmation number.
5. 5Print the confirmation page or save it on your phone.
6. 6At Kathmandu airport, go directly to the payment counter (skip the kiosk step).
7. 7Present your confirmation, pay the fee, and proceed to immigration.

The online form can be submitted up to 15 days before arrival. It is valid for the specific dates you enter, so ensure your travel dates are accurate.

• Carry USD in cash for the visa fee — while cards are accepted, USD cash is fastest and avoids exchange rate surcharges.
• Fill out the visa form online before arrival at nepaliimmigration.gov.np to save 15-20 minutes at the airport.
• If trekking, arrange your TIMS card and conservation area permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek.
• The best trekking seasons are March-May (spring) and September-November (autumn). Avoid the monsoon (June-August) and deep winter (December-February) for high-altitude treks.
• flydubai and Air Arabia operate direct flights from Dubai to Kathmandu (approximately 4.5 hours).
• Nepal is UTC+5:45 (one of the few countries with a 45-minute offset). It is 1 hour 45 minutes ahead of Dubai.
• Travel insurance with emergency helicopter evacuation coverage is essential if trekking in the Himalayas.
• The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the local currency. Exchange rates in Kathmandu are competitive — bring USD from Dubai.