United States entry requirements for Nepal passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Nepali passport holders must obtain a visa to enter the United States. No visa waiver or visa-on-arrival is available. Plan ahead: the standard B1/B2 visitor visa requires an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, and processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a visa to enter the US from Nepal. Start your application at the US Department of State visa portal. Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Kathmandu — wait times can be several weeks.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at US ports of entry routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your US host. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you don't have a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Bring bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. US immigration doesn't set a fixed amount, but having $500–$1,000 USD available is a safe baseline. | Recommended |
Visa required even for transit
If your flight connects through the US (e.g., Kathmandu to New York via Los Angeles), you still need a US visa. There is no transit exemption for Nepali passport holders.
Interview wait times vary
Check the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu appointment calendar before booking flights. Wait times can spike during peak seasons (summer, holidays). Book your interview slot first, then buy tickets.
Visa-free alternative: ESTA not available
Nepali passport holders are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program or ESTA. The only option is a full visa application. Plan accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Complete DS-160 form online
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the DS-160. Upload a 2x2 inch photo. Print the confirmation page with the barcode.
2
Pay visa fee
Pay the $185 fee online or at a designated bank in Nepal (e.g., Nepal Bank Limited, Himalayan Bank). Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, select the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, and pick a date. Wait times can be 2-8 weeks depending on season.
4
Attend interview
Arrive at the embassy at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. Bring passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. Expect a short interview — answer honestly.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing takes 3-10 business days. You'll receive a pickup notification or courier delivery.
6
Arrive in the US
At the US port of entry (airport), present your passport with visa. A CBP officer will ask about your trip. They may take fingerprints and a photo. Keep your return ticket and hotel address handy.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Visitor Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx NPR 21,000)
For tourism or business; must show strong ties to Nepal.
B1/B2 Visitor Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx NPR 21,000)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$160 USD (approx NPR 21,000) + SEVIS fee
For full-time academic study; requires I-20 from US school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years
Validity3 years initially, extendable
Cost$460 USD (approx NPR 61,000) + other fees
For specialty occupations; employer must sponsor.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$160 USD application fee + SEVIS fee (~$350 USD)
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Requires I-20 from school and proof of funds. Allows part-time on-campus work.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees (employer pays)
For professionals in specialty fields (e.g., IT, engineering). Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection. Dual intent allowed.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in TEA)
For investors creating at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency. High capital requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for B1/B2 visa. | $160 USD (approx NPR 21,000) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Nepali citizens. | $160 USD (approx NPR 21,000) |
| Stay extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx NPR 49,000) |
| Overstay fineOverstay can lead to bans; avoid at all costs. | Varies; no fixed per-day rate |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Nepali passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or ESTA-eligible nationals (Nepal not eligible).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit under certain conditions (check with airline).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use repellent and check for ticks.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Rare but present in summer; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food safety is high; risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; appointments required.
Practical information for NP travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you need a valid US visa (usually a B1/B2 or transit C-1 visa). There is no transit waiver for Nepali passport holders.
From start to finish, expect 4-12 weeks. The DS-160 takes about an hour. Interview wait times at the Kathmandu embassy vary — check the current calendar on the U.S. visa appointment site. After approval, passport return takes 3-10 business days.
The non-refundable fee is $185 (as of 2026). This covers application processing and the interview. You pay before scheduling the interview.
Yes, but you must apply to USCIS for an extension before your authorized stay expires. File Form I-539. Approval is not guaranteed, and overstaying can lead to bans. It's best to plan your trip within the initial period.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and any supporting documents: bank statements (last 3-6 months), employment letter, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and return flight reservation. The officer may not ask for everything, but it's better to have them.
The officer will give you a refusal notice (usually under Section 214(b) for insufficient ties to Nepal). You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reason for denial. There is no appeal process. Wait at least a few months before reapplying.
Yes. There is no visa-free entry for Nepali passport holders, even for a few days. You must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa before traveling.
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.