Nepal entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Nepal. As of 2025, you simply show up at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport or any land border, pay the fee, and receive your visa on the spot. It's straightforward, but having the right documents ready makes the process much smoother.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at land borders. The visa is valid for 15, 30, or 90 days, costing $30, $50, or $125 USD respectively. Pay in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) — there are ATMs but they sometimes run out of cash.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Nepal. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Kathmandu airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may deny entry if you can't show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | Immigration rarely asks for hotel bookings, but having a printed confirmation for your first few nights helps if questioned. Trekking permits require a hotel booking anyway. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have on hand | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a credit card with available limit. Immigration doesn't always check, but you'll need cash for the visa fee and for trekking permits. | Recommended |
Visa fee cash only — no cards
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD preferred). ATMs at the airport can run out of cash, and cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Bring crisp, undamaged USD bills — old or torn notes may be refused.
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What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or land border
At Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim. At land borders (e.g., Kakarbhitta, Sunauli), look for the immigration office.
2
Fill out the arrival form
Use the self-service kiosks (airport) or a paper form (land borders). Enter your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep the receipt.
3
Pay the visa fee
Go to the payment counter. Pay in USD cash: $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Get a receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
Take your passport, receipt, and arrival form to the immigration officer. They'll stamp the visa sticker into your passport. Done.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 120 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Apply at Nepalese embassy before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable
Varies by employer; government fee ~$100 USD
For those with a job offer from a Nepalese company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD per year
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions in Nepal. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires annual renewal and no local employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (15 days)For stays up to 15 days. | $25 USD (approx. $25 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)For stays up to 30 days. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (90 days)For stays up to 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day over the visa validity. | $5 USD per day (approx. $5 USD) |
| Visa extension (per 15 days)Available at immigration offices for up to 120 days total stay. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Nepal
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Nepal's international airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsTribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu
Health & vaccines for Nepal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in high-altitude trekking areas; acclimatize properly.
Mosquito-borne diseasesModerate risk
Dengue and malaria present in lowland areas; use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Avoid tap water and street food; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in lowland areas (Terai) below 1,200m; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kathmandu
Department of Immigration
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Pokhara
Pokhara Immigration Office
Baidam, Pokhara, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers; limited services.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalKathmandu
LanguageNepali
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyNepalese Rupee (NPR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 154.2 NPR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h 45min (EST)
vs Los Angeles+13h 45min (PST)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water or purified water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Nepal — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
For a 15-day visa: $30 USD. For 30 days: $50 USD. For 90 days: $125 USD. You must pay in cash (USD, euros, or pounds accepted at some counters). No card payments.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (or Pokhara office). Extensions cost $3 per day for up to 15 days, then $5 per day for additional days. Maximum total stay is 150 days per calendar year.
No, the kiosks at the airport take your photo digitally. At land borders, you may need one passport-size photo, so bring a couple just in case.
Same process — visa on arrival available at all major land border crossings. You'll fill a paper form, pay in cash (USD or local currency sometimes accepted), and get the sticker. Allow 30-60 minutes.
Yes, absolutely. All Swiss passport holders arriving by air at Tribhuvan International Airport can get a visa on arrival. No prior application needed.
Overstays are fined $5 per day for the first 30 days, then $10 per day after that. You must pay at immigration before leaving. Serious overstays can lead to a ban, so don't push it.
Not for the visa, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from trekking areas can cost $5,000+. Some trekking permits (like for Everest) require proof of insurance covering high-altitude rescue.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.