Travel.State.Gov >
International Travel > Learn About Your Destination > Nepal International Travel Information
Reissued after periodic review with updates to “if you decide to travel” section.
Exercise increased caution in Nepal due to the potential for isolated political violence.
Country Summary: Political demonstrations intended to be peaceful can sometimes escalate into violence and may be met with force by Nepali authorities.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Nepal.
If you decide to travel to Nepal:
Must have six months remaining validity or more at time of entry.
At least one blank visa page (not endorsements page) required for entry visa.
Yes
None
No more than $5,000 USD; gold and silver strictly regulated.
No more than $5,000 USD; gold and silver strictly regulated.
Maharajgunj
Kathmandu, Nepal
Telephone: +(977)(01) 423-4000
Emergency after-hours telephone: +(977)(01) 423-4000
Email: KathmanduACS@state.gov
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Nepal for information on U.S.-Nepal relations.
U.S. citizen travelers can receive visas on arrival at the port of entry.
Requirements for Entry:
Customs: Review Nepal’s customs policies prior to travel
Customs regulations in Nepal differ greatly from those in the United States. For customs queries, please visit the Department of Customs webpage for the Government of Nepal and submit your query.
Bringing in gold jewelry, coins, and ornaments of more than 50 grams by female travelers, more than 25 grams by male travelers, and silver jewelry of more than 100 grams is not allowed.
Pure, raw, unworked bars of gold and silver cannot be carried through ports of entry.
Regular Tourist Visas:
Tourists obtaining visas on-arrival may stay no more than 150 days in any given calendar year. Visas will only be given in 15-, 30-, or 90-day increments, but may be extended at the Department of Immigration offices.
The visa fees at the airport and checkpoints are:
Visa fees are payable in U.S. dollars. Money exchanges and ATM services are available at the airport. Credit cards may also be accepted at the airport.
Other Visa Categories: As of February 2025, foreign travelers must arrive in Nepal on a tourist visa and can only convert their visa to a different category after arrival. Check with the Department of Immigration for visa details and the online applications, including student and work visas. Your purpose of travel will dictate what category of visa you will need. If you intend to apply for a study or work visa from Nepal, you should start the visa conversion process with the institution/employer and the concerned government authorities at least two months prior to expiration of your tourist visa. Non-tourist visa issuance has been known to take months to process and stays beyond 150 days on a tourist visa will lead to deportation with overstay fines and penalties.
Extending Your Visa:
Requirements for Exit:
Travel across the Nepal-China Border: You must obtain a special permit for tourist travel to Tibet. Chinese authorities may require U.S. citizens and other foreign tourists to organize "group" tours through established travel agencies as a prerequisite for obtaining visas and entry permits into Tibet. For current regulations on entry into Tibet, please read the Department of State’s travel information for China.
Currency and Money Issues: Travelers must declare the import or export of currency that exceeds $5,000 USD via a customs declaration form. Travelers should keep a copy of the declaration form after customs officials have put the official endorsement and appropriate stamps on the form to prevent any problems upon departure. Please note that this requirement is subject to change and travelers should contact the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. for the latest information. Carrying Indian currency in denominations greater than 100 rupees notes is illegal/restricted in Nepal. Travelers coming to Nepal from India who hope to change Indian currency into Nepali Rupees are advised to bring 100 Indian Rupee notes or lower denominations only. Nepali Rupees cannot be exchanged outside of Nepal.
Customs: Nepal customs regulations are complex. Customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning importation (even temporarily) and exportation of certain items. Do not carry valuable metals, articles of archaeological or religious significance, wildlife or related items, drugs, or weapons and ammunition. Do extensive research before importing household pets (including cats and dogs), communications equipment, and other items that might be perceived as sensitive. Drones are strictly regulated throughout Nepal and require special permission from the Home Ministry and other government authorities.
Dual Nationality: Nepal does not recognize dual nationality. Accordingly, when a Nepali citizen naturalizes as a U.S. citizen, he/she loses his/her Nepali citizenship. Some travelers who have tried to maintain both U.S. and Nepali passports have faced difficulties entering or exiting Nepal. U.S. citizens of Nepali descent may be eligible for a special visa called a “Non-Resident Nepali” or “NRN” Identity Card. The NRN Identity Card allows a holder to open a local bank account, invest, and own certain types of property, subject to certain restrictions. For more information, contact the Nepali Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy of Nepal in the United States.
HIV Restrictions: The Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Nepal.
U.S. Military Personnel and DOD Contractors: DOD personnel must review the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) for travel to Nepal. Contact information for the Defense Attaché Office can be found in the FCG if you have additional questions.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Political-Related Violence: The potential for isolated political-related violence remains a risk in Nepal. Demonstrations have on occasion turned violent, although these activities generally have not been directed at U.S. citizens.
Crime: Crime is relatively low throughout the country. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching can happen at popular tourist spots. Store valuables, including passports and cash, in the hotel safety deposit box; do not carry them. The Nepal Tourist Police recommend that you carry a photocopy of your passport when going out.
Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Nepal. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, update all software (operating system and apps). If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S.-based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.
GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. The GPS app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime in Nepal are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for assistance.
Report crimes to the local police by dialing 100 as soon as the incident occurs. This number is equivalent to 911, and it is staffed 24/7 by the local police. When calling the emergency number, speak slowly and clearly so that your message gets across to the official without misunderstanding. Tourist Police, who can be reached by dialing 1144, +977-01-4247041, or +977-9851289444, speak English and are ready to assist in popular tourism areas. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
For other emergencies:
Dial 101 to report a fire.
Dial 102 for ambulance services.
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don’t know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. If you are arrested in Nepal, the authorities may keep you in detention for weeks or even longer during the investigation stage. See our webpage for further information.
Driving Under the Influence: Driving in Nepal after consuming any amount of alcohol could result in arrest.
Illicit Drugs: Purchasing, possessing, or consuming illegal drugs, including marijuana and hashish, could result in both fines and jail time.
Firearms and Ammunition: You may not bring any kind of firearm or ammunition into Nepal. Violators who bring in firearms or ammunition—even imitations or in jewelry form—may be prosecuted.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States.
See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
Faith-Based Travelers: Religious conversion and proselytization are illegal in Nepal. See the following webpages for details:
International Volunteers:
Nepal’s Department of Immigration considers volunteering as work and thus requires volunteers to obtain a work visa. Volunteering on a tourist visa is illegal, and can result in detention by immigration authorities, fines, expulsion from Nepal, and lengthy bans on returning to Nepal.
There has been occasional fraud associated with some charities in Nepal. If you are not certain about an organization, you may want to consider routing contributions through a reputable national or international charity to avoid the possibility that your time and money could unknowingly support the exploitation of children.
LGB Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in Nepal. Same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized, and LGB persons in Nepal actively and openly advocate for their rights. Nepal, however, remains a conservative and traditional society. Discrimination exists, and reports of non-violent harassment of LGB persons have been received. Accordingly, LGB travelers may wish to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection.
Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Nepal prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, but the law is not enforced. Expect accessibility to be limited throughout Nepal. Nepali law requires access to buildings, transportation, and other services, but poor infrastructure often makes it difficult for people with mobility issues to get around, even within the Kathmandu Valley. Apart from a few clinics and hospitals, Nepal generally lacks accessible and suitable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
See our Travelers with Disabilities page.
Students: See the Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See the travel tips for Women Travelers.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
TREKKING IN NEPAL
DO NOT TREK ALONE: The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly discourages U.S. citizens from hiking alone or even separating from larger traveling parties while on a trail. The safest option for trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable trekking company that provides an experienced guide and porters who communicate in both Nepali and English.
Requirements established by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and more than a dozen trekking organizations, with the support of Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, require solo or foreign independent trekkers to use a local licensed guide while trekking in Nepal’s official national parks and protected areas. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in considerable fines. Please review travel related information on the official websites of the Nepal Tourism Board and the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu prior to travel. Provide family or friends with a detailed itinerary prior to trekking and check in at all police checkpoints where trekking permits are logged. Register your itinerary with the U.S. Embassy through the STEP enrollment process.
Natural Disaster Risks: Trekkers should be alert to the possibility of avalanches, landslides, and falling rocks, even when trails are clear. Earthquakes can destabilize mountainous areas, causing severe landslides. Flooding during monsoon season also increases the risk of landslides.
Altitude Risks: Follow medical advice regarding high altitude mountain sickness. Everyone, regardless of age, experience, or fitness level, should exercise caution when trekking at high altitudes. Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. Only experienced mountain climbers should tackle the Himalayas. Acclimatization is best achieved by walking slowly, rather than hurrying, at high altitudes. Without acclimatization, trekkers can experience acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can be deadly. Speak with your doctor for specific recommendations. We strongly recommend supplemental travel and evacuation insurance.
Evacuation by Helicopter: Obtain emergency medical evacuation insurance before visiting Nepal. Many foreigners require or request evacuation by helicopter from Nepal’s rugged mountain terrain. Helicopter companies will generally require either specific evacuation insurance, pre-approval from your health insurance, or payment upfront by credit card to assist. Carry appropriate insurance and travel with credit card information. If you want your health insurance to cover large bills without pre-approval, be aware that the service provider might keep your passport until they receive payment. Beware of medevac scams, which can occur in Nepal. Trekkers should use only evacuation agencies registered with the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and find out the costs for evacuations beforehand.
Lodging and Travel: During peak trekking seasons make advance booking for hotel rooms and plan for possible flight/airport delays. Domestic air flight cancellations and delays occur frequently because of bad weather. Leave ample time to catch outbound international flights when connecting from domestic flights. Be aware that many hotels in Nepal do not meet international fire or earthquake safety standards.
TIMS Card and Trekking Permits: Foreign visitors on hiking trips in Nepal, including those not with organized hiking groups, are required to have a valid TIMS card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the Government of Nepal. In case of an emergency, this system helps authorities find trekkers.
Special Permits for Restricted Areas: Trekking in certain remote areas of Nepal and in national parks may require additional permits or fees. Travelers may consult with an experienced tour agency or review the website of the Nepali Department of Immigration for more information. Please be aware that restricted areas have special requirements for helicopter rescue flights, which may delay assistance even in the event of a medical emergency.
Natural Disasters: Nepal is at high risk for major earthquakes. The country lacks adequate emergency response vehicles, equipment, and medical facilities, and building codes are not strictly enforced. Nepal is also prone to flooding and landslides. The Government of Nepal may have limited ability to respond to natural disasters. For general information on disaster preparedness, visit the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
General: Medical care outside the Kathmandu valley may be limited and not up to U.S. standards. Medical facilities can lack resources. Similarly, mental health care outside of Kathmandu may be limited, and U.S. citizens with mental health problems are usually stabilized and transported to the United States or a regional center for care at their own expense. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu maintains a list of local medical facilities and practitioners.
For emergency services in Nepal, dial 102.
Ambulance services are:
See our Health Abroad page for more information.
The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
Serious medical issues and injuries suffered while hiking in remote areas may require evacuation by helicopter to Kathmandu. Those trekking in remote areas of Nepal should factor the high cost of a potential helicopter rescue into their financial considerations. Medical evacuations can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Payment will be expected in cash before the medevac can take place, if there is no insurance coverage. Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the U.S. government pays private medical bills overseas.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Nepal Public Health Foundation to ensure the medication is legal in Nepal.
Vaccinations: Stay up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy: Assisted Reproductive Technology services are widely available in Nepal and are generally safe. Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Nepal and is subject to complex local regulations. Individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution. For additional information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Nepal website.
Stray Animals: Stray animals are common on the streets of Kathmandu and at popular tourist sites. Stray animals may be infected with rabies. The CDC’s Preventing Dog Bites webpage recommends that if you are bitten by an animal, get to a safe place, immediately wash wounds with soap and water, and seek medical attention.
Pharmaceuticals: To avoid problems at port of entry, always carry prescribed medication in the original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Embassy of Nepal to ensure that the medication is legal in Nepal. Local authorities irregularly enforce restrictions on certain drugs regularly prescribed by doctors in the United States or other foreign countries.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules for bringing medication back to the United States. Medication bought abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back. The medication must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration for more information.
Water Quality & Food Safety: Outside of Kathmandu, intestinal tract diseases, including cholera, are present. Sanitary food handling practices may not be on par with practices in the United States, and precautions should be taken to prevent water and food-borne illnesses. Travelers should avoid raw, green, leafy vegetables during the monsoon season because of the risk of cyclospora.
In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe You should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
Air Quality: Visit AirNow for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates and ZephAir for additional locations.
Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Nepal. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. Consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
Travelers with asthma, allergies, heart disease, or environmental sensitivities are more likely to be affected and may want to bring their required medications.
Road Conditions and Safety: In Nepal, vehicles are driven on the left-hand side of the road. In general, roads in Nepal are in poor condition and lack basic safety features, resulting in significant numbers of accidents and fatalities. Traffic is poorly regulated, and traffic jams are common on major streets. Many drivers are neither properly licensed nor trained, vehicles are poorly maintained, and public vehicles are often overloaded.
Nepali law requires that you have a valid Nepali license to legally operate a motor vehicle in Nepal. If you drive without a valid local license, you will expose yourself to greater legal liability. The Nepal Department of Transportation does not convert U.S. driver’s license into a Nepali license. Foreign nationals must either pass the driving test in Nepal or obtain an online International Driving Permit.
Traffic Laws: U.S. citizens involved in an accident in Nepal should call 103, the traffic hotline. Police will investigate if necessary to determine the guilty party in an accident with injury or vehicle damage. In cases of severe injury or death you may want to hire a local attorney as charges may be filed. Drivers should either have an international license or Nepali license on them when driving. All vehicles must be insured. To make an insurance claim you will need a police report. If stopped by civil police, they may request to see travel documents, such as a passport.
Monsoon Impact on Trekker Safety: Many monsoon-related deaths and injuries are reported each year in Nepal. Monsoon Season generally begins in June and ends in September. Monsoons destabilize mountainsides and cause flooding. Landslides and mudslides caused by monsoons frequently damage trails and roads, injuring or killing passengers in vehicles, and causing road blockages that may take considerable time to repair, stranding travelers. Remote airports in mountainous areas are sometimes closed for multiple days (or even weeks) during inclement weather, which can force travelers to choose between lengthy delays or hazardous roads or trails. Monsoon rains may also complicate efforts to locate U.S. citizens and arrange medical evacuations.
Nighttime Travel: Avoid nighttime road travel outside major cities because of insufficient street lighting and hazardous road conditions. Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling at night outside urban areas in Nepal.
Motorcycle Travel: Deaths from motorcycle accidents have risen dramatically in recent years, including in Kathmandu. Always wear a helmet, particularly on highways.
Buses: Long-distance buses often drive recklessly, and bus accidents involving fatalities are not uncommon. It is dangerous to travel on the roofs of buses as live electrical and other communications wires hang low in many places. Traffic police also impose fines and detain individuals for riding on the roofs of buses.
Taxis: Taxis are a safer and more convenient alternative to buses. Almost all taxi drivers in Nepal insist on negotiating the price of the trip in advance, even if the taxi has a meter installed. Online apps for taxis, such as Pathao, are widely used.
Pedestrian Travel: Sidewalks are nonexistent in many areas, and drivers generally do not yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Pedestrians account for a considerable portion of traffic fatalities in Nepal.
See our Road Safety page for more information.
Visit the website of Nepal’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
Aviation Safety Oversight:
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.
Domestic air safety is a concern. In recent years, there have been several fatal plane crashes on domestic routes in Nepal, including some crashes in which U.S. citizens have been killed. Nepal’s mountain airports, including Lukla and Jomsom, are notoriously dangerous due to challenging weather and terrain. As a result of Nepal’s poor aviation safety record, since 2013 the European Union (EU) has banned all Nepali airlines from flying into or within EU countries. Although Nepali domestic flights are insured, payments to the families of victims of a plane crash are minimal. Domestic air travelers may want to consider flight insurance that will cover domestic flights in Nepal before leaving home. Check Nepal’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Nepal. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.
Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.
Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.
You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.
You are about to visit: