Nepal entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all major land border crossings with India. As of 2026, the process is straightforward: fill out a form, pay the fee in cash, and receive a 15, 30, or 90-day visa depending on your plans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport | South Korean passport holders get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The visa costs $30 USD for 15 days, $50 USD for 30 days, or $125 USD for 90 days. Pay in cash (USD, EUR, or NPR) — there's an ATM but it sometimes runs out of cash.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Nepal. Airlines at Incheon and Kathmandu check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Kathmandu airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — showing it on your phone works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or trekking permit | Immigration rarely asks for a hotel booking, but having one speeds things up. If you're trekking, you'll need a TIMS card and a trekking permit anyway — those serve as proof of your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least $50 USD per day | The official rule says you need $50 USD per day for your stay, but immigration almost never checks this for South Korean passport holders. Still, carry a credit card or some cash just in case. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR. No cards accepted. Bring the exact amount if possible. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall, but they may charge high fees.
Visa on arrival also at land borders
You can get a visa on arrival at all major land border crossings from India. The process is the same as at the airport. If you're entering overland, make sure you have cash and photos ready.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the visa application form
After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, head to the visa on arrival counters. Grab a form, fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. There are sample forms on the wall if you're unsure.
2
Pay the visa fee
Take the completed form to the payment counter. Pay in USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR cash. You'll get a receipt. Keep it safe.
3
Get your visa sticker
Hand the form and receipt to the immigration officer. They'll take your photo, stamp your passport, and hand it back with the visa sticker. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs check unless you're carrying restricted items. Then you're free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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, 15 days)
Max stay15 days
Validity15 days from issue
CostUSD 25
Non-extendable, non-convertible.
Tourist Visa (Single Entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days
Validity30 days from issue
CostUSD 50
Extendable for up to 120 days total.
Tourist Visa (Single Entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostUSD 100
Extendable for up to 150 days total.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
Max stayUp to 150 days per year
Validity1 year
CostUSD 200 (approx.)
Available for frequent travellers; apply at Nepali embassy abroad.
work visa
Work Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable
USD 100–200 (approx.)
For those with a job offer from a Nepali employer. Requires company sponsorship and approval from Department of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
USD 50–100 (approx.)
For enrolled students at recognized Nepali institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Non-Tourist Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
USD 100–200 (approx.)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires annual renewal and no local employment.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
USD 500–1,000 (approx.)
For those investing at least USD 100,000 in Nepal. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (15/30/90 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) or by card at Tribhuvan International Airport. | USD 25 / USD 50 / USD 100 |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, 15 days)Available on arrival or in advance. | USD 25 |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, 30 days)Standard option for most tourists. | USD 50 |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, 90 days)For longer stays. | USD 100 |
| Visa Extension (per 15 days)Apply at Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. | USD 45 (approx. NPR 6,000) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of USD 100 (approx. NPR 13,000). | USD 5 (approx. NPR 650) |
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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for Nepal if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land transit or exiting the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsTribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
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 regions; ascend gradually and consider medication.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-Borne DiseasesModerate risk
Dengue, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis present in lowland areas; use repellent and nets.
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
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00 (except holidays)
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Pokhara
Immigration Office Pokhara
Pardi, Pokhara, Nepal
Sun–Thu 10:00–17:00
Convenient for trekkers; handles extensions and trekking permits.
Practical information for KR 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
Yes. The same visa on arrival process is available at all major land border crossings, including Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, and others. The procedure is similar — fill out a form, pay in cash, and get your visa. Note that some smaller crossings may not have the facility, so stick to the main ones.
You can choose 15, 30, or 90 days. The fee is $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, and $125 for 90 days. You can extend your stay once you're in Nepal at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
Yes. Visit the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (near the airport). Extensions are granted for up to 15 days at a time, costing about $45 per extension. You can extend multiple times, but total stay cannot exceed 150 days in a calendar year.
Technically yes — immigration can ask for proof of onward travel. If you're entering by land and plan to leave by land, a bus ticket or a written itinerary showing your exit plan may suffice. A flight booking is the safest option.
There are photo booths at Tribhuvan International Airport near the visa on arrival counters. They cost around NPR 200–300 (about $2–3). But bringing your own saves time and hassle.
No. Only cash is accepted — USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR. No credit or debit cards. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but it's better to bring the exact amount in USD to avoid exchange rate issues.
Not for the visa itself, but it's strongly recommended. Nepal's healthcare system is basic, and emergency evacuation or hospital treatment can be very expensive. Many trekking permits also require proof of insurance.
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.