Nepal entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Nepal. The process is straightforward at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and at land border crossings. As of 2026, you'll need a valid passport, a recent photo, and the visa fee in cash (USD or NPR).
Apply for Nepal eVisaTourist visa. Also available on arrival at Kathmandu airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Sri Lankan passport holders get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at land borders (Sunuali, Birgunj, Kakarbhitta). Pay the fee in USD cash: $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Have two passport-size photos ready — the immigration officer will staple one to the visa sticker.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Nepal | Nepal immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline or turned away at the visa counter. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page — some trekking permit offices ask for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Kathmandu airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel before issuing the visa. A printed flight itinerary or a booking confirmation showing your departure from Nepal within the visa validity works. Airlines also check this at check-in — without it, you won't board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or trekking permit confirmation | Immigration rarely asks for a hotel booking at the visa counter, but the airline might. Have a printed confirmation for your first few nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you're trekking, carry the TIMS card or ACAP permit receipt — that counts as proof of stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay | Nepal doesn't have a fixed minimum amount, but carrying $200–$300 in cash (USD or Nepali rupees) covers the visa fee and a few days of expenses. ATMs in Kathmandu dispense NPR, but bring some USD for the visa fee — the counter takes only cash. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or NPR. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Bring crisp USD bills (no tears or marks) or enough NPR. ATMs are available only after you clear immigration.
Photo required
You need one passport-size photo for the arrival card. If you forget, there are photo booths at the airport, but they cost extra and add time. Bring your own.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Sri Lankans have been getting visas on arrival in Nepal for years. The process at Kathmandu airport takes about 15–30 minutes. No prior application needed.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival card
On the plane or at the airport, grab an arrival card. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and intended length of stay. Attach your passport photo.
2
Queue at the 'Visa on Arrival' counter
At Tribhuvan International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim. There are separate counters for different nationalities. Sri Lankans use the general counter.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and photo. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or NPR). The officer will process and return your passport with the visa sticker.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa, join the immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa. The officer stamps you in. That's it.
Download Nepal Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 date
Cost$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200)
Apply at Nepalese embassy or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Long-Stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400) plus processing
Requires sponsorship from a Nepalese company.
work visa
Work Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a Nepalese company. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Nepalese institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Tourist)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400) per year
For retirees aged 60+ 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, 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 available up to 120 days total stay. | $45 USD (approx. NPR 6,000) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200). | $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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Nepal's international airports do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in high-altitude trekking areas; acclimatize properly.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Moderate risk
Present in lowland areas; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas below 1,200m, especially in Terai region. 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 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Pokhara
Immigration Office Pokhara
Lakeside, Pokhara, Nepal
Sun–Thu 09:00–17:00
Convenient for travellers in the Annapurna region.
Practical information for LK travellers
Country basics
CapitalKathmandu
LanguageNepali
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyNepalese Rupee (NPR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 152.62 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. Major land crossings like Kakarbhitta (from India), Birgunj, and Belahiya offer visa on arrival for Sri Lankans. The process is the same as at the airport — same fees, same documents. Cash only.
There are photo booths at Tribhuvan International Airport near the visa on arrival counters. They cost about NPR 200–300. But it's easier to bring your own.
Yes, you can extend a tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (near the airport). Extensions cost NPR 3,000 for 15 days and NPR 6,000 for 30 days. You can extend up to 150 days total per year.
Immigration may still ask for proof of onward travel. If you're leaving by land, a bus ticket or a written itinerary can work. A return flight booking is the safest option.
Overstays are fined NPR 5 per day for the first 30 days, then NPR 2 per day after that. You pay at immigration when you leave. Serious overstays (months) can lead to a ban.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it before traveling.
No, it's not required for the visa. But it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from trekking areas can cost thousands. A basic policy covering medical and evacuation is cheap insurance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.