Nepal entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at land border crossings. You fill out a form, pay the fee in cash, and receive your visa at immigration. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land border crossings. Pay the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR) — 15 days costs $30, 30 days costs $50, 90 days costs $125. Have two passport-size photos ready, though they often take your photo at the counter.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Nepal strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Kathmandu airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket out of Nepal. If you're overlanding to India, a letter explaining your exit plan helps. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have handy | Immigration rarely asks for hotel bookings, but having a printed confirmation for your first few nights speeds things up. If you're trekking, a copy of your trekking permit or TIMS card serves as proof of your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have handy | Officers rarely request proof of funds, but carrying $200–$300 in cash (USD or EUR) covers the visa fee and a few days of expenses. ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but unreliable in remote trekking areas. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival counter does not accept credit cards. Bring USD, EUR, or NPR in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
Visa validity starts on entry
Your 15, 30, or 90-day visa starts counting from the day you enter Nepal, not from when you apply. Plan your stay accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the airport, grab a 'Tourist Visa on Arrival' form. Fill in your details — passport number, flight, hotel address. Keep it simple.
2
Queue at the visa counter
At Tribhuvan International Airport, go to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter (not the regular immigration line). Hand over your form, passport, and fee. The officer will process and stamp your visa.
3
Pay the fee
Fees as of 2026: 15 days = $30 USD, 30 days = $50 USD, 90 days = $125 USD. Pay in USD, EUR, or NPR. Have exact change if possible.
4
Collect your visa and proceed
Once stamped, you'll get a small sticker in your passport. Keep it safe — you'll need it when leaving. Then head to baggage claim.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance; extensions possible up to 150 days total.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400)
Allows multiple entries; extensions possible up to 150 days total per stay.
Long-stay visa (non-tourist)
Max stayVaries (e.g., 1 year)
Validity1 year
CostVaries (e.g., $100–$500 USD)
For work, study, or volunteering; requires sponsorship and approval from Department of Immigration.
work visa
Work Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable
~$100–$500 USD (depending on category)
For foreign nationals employed by a Nepali company or organization. Requires a work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–$100 USD (plus tuition)
For those enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Nepal. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
volunteer visa
Volunteer Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100–$200 USD
For individuals volunteering with registered NGOs or projects. Requires sponsorship letter and project approval. Allows longer stays for humanitarian work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (15 days)For stays up to 15 days, single entry. | $25 USD (approx. NPR 3,300) |
| Visa on arrival (30 days)For stays up to 30 days, single entry. | $40 USD (approx. NPR 5,300) |
| Visa on arrival (90 days)For stays up to 90 days, single entry. | $100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200) |
| Visa extension (per month)Extensions are possible up to 150 days total stay, subject to approval. | $45 USD (approx. NPR 6,000) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | $5 USD (approx. NPR 660) per day |
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
France passport holders transiting through Nepal's international airports (e.g., Kathmandu) 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
- Transit visa required if leaving the airport or staying overnight.
- Holders of valid visas for Nepal may enter without transit visa.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in high-altitude trekking areas; acclimatize properly and consider medication.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesModerate risk
Dengue and malaria present in lowland areas; use repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present 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, Nepal
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Pokhara
Immigration Office, Pokhara
Lakeside, Pokhara, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers; handles extensions and permits.
Practical information for FR 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
Getting to Nepal
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Nepal — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
As of 2026: 15 days = $30 USD, 30 days = $50 USD, 90 days = $125 USD. Pay in USD, EUR, or NPR. Credit cards are not accepted at the counter.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to visit the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (or a regional office). Extensions cost around $30–$50 USD per 15 days, depending on duration. Overstaying incurs fines.
If you're staying airside and not passing immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need a visa on arrival.
Same process — visa on arrival is available at major land borders like Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, and Sunauli. The fee and validity are the same. Have cash ready.
No, Nepal does not offer an e-visa for French citizens. The visa on arrival is the standard method.
You'll be fined $5 USD per day for the first 30 days of overstay, then $2 USD per day after that. Pay at immigration before departure. Overstaying more than 30 days may require a visit to the immigration office.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Otherwise, no. No other vaccines are mandatory for entry.
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.