The sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, Nepal, has secured the 9th spot on the New York Times’ list of “52 Places to Visit in 2025.” This recognition makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking profound experiences.
Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi District of Lumbini Province in Nepal. According to the sacred texts of the Buddhist Commentaries, Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini around 624 BCE. Siddhartha Gautama later achieved Enlightenment and became Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Lumbini is one of the four most sacred pilgrimage sites pivotal to the life of the Buddha.
Lumbini features several ancient temples, including the Mayadevi Temple, along with many newer temples funded by Buddhist organizations from various countries. While most temples have been completed, some are still under construction. The area also includes numerous monuments, monasteries, stupas, a museum, and the Lumbini International Research Institute. The Holy Pond is believed to be the site where Mayadevi, the Buddha’s mother, took a ritual bath before his birth and where the Buddha had his first bath. Nearby, other significant sites are associated with earlier Buddhas, marking their births, Enlightenments, and final departures from the earthly realm. Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
For U.S. citizens planning to visit, obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is recommended before traveling. The ETA simplifies entry procedures, ensuring a smoother and more hassle-free experience upon arrival in Nepal.

Nepal recently began issuing Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) documents. Upon approval, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport. It serves as proof of authorization to enter the country and may need to be presented to immigration officials upon arrival. The ETA typically has a validity period and may allow multiple entries within that period, depending on Nepal’s immigration regulations, according to FAQs published by Nepali embassies and consulates abroad.
For citizens of countries eligible for a visa on arrival, having an ETA is not mandatory. However, if a traveler possesses an ETA, the visa issuance process at the immigration desk will be expedited, providing much-needed convenience, according to Nepali diplomatic missions. This process is significantly easier than what visitors have faced in the past.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs warns that obtaining a visa on arrival may take several hours. Travelers arriving by land are responsible for obtaining a visa and completing necessary immigration formalities. U.S. citizens may not always be stopped by border officials in either direction to process immigration and visa documentation. However, non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and large fines, the Bureau of Consular Affairs warns.
The ETA is not a visa. It is an Electronic Travel Authorization that will be converted into a visa upon arrival at any airport or land port. Upon arrival, the traveler must present the ETA at an immigration desk. The ETA will be scanned into a computer system, which will verify it against its database. Once recognized, the ETA will be converted into a corresponding visa, and the printed visa will be affixed to the passport, according to Nepal Immigration.
Travelers also have the option to submit an electronic copy of the ETA at the immigration desk or present the passport used for the ETA application. The validity of an ETA is up to six months from the date of approval. If the ETA expires before arrival, travelers must apply for a new one before entering Nepal.
When crossing into Nepal by land, U.S. citizens should carry U.S. dollar bills to pay the Nepali visa fee. U.S. citizens traveling by land from India to Nepal should be aware that Nepali visa fees must be paid in cash in U.S. dollars. Credit cards or other currencies are not accepted. All U.S. bills must be new (no older than 2003) and in good condition (no tears, excessive wear, creases, visible repairs, etc.). Individuals crossing the border on foot are provided with 24-hour service.