The number of American tourists visiting Nepal has seen a notable increase, even as the government of Nepal offers a free visa to children under the age of 10 from all countries—except the United States. In February 2025 alone, a total of 10,348 tourists from the United States visited Nepal, marking a 10.7% rise compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on Sunday.
Among the total number of foreign tourists arriving in Nepal, American visitors ranked second in February. Indian tourists took the top spot, while Chinese tourists ranked third.
The government of Nepal does not offer a free visa to children under the age of 10 only for U.S. citizens. Any child under 10 years old, except for U.S. citizens, can receive this gratis visa for up to 90 days from Nepali embassies, consulates, and ports of entry.
One of the key reasons behind this policy is Nepal’s practice of reciprocal visa arrangements with the United States. The U.S. does not currently offer similar visa exemptions for Nepali citizens, including children. However, many other countries around the world also do not provide free visas for Nepali children under the age of 10. This rule was introduced as part of Nepal’s agreement to grant five-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens. However, Nepal has since stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens.
According to the website of Nepal’s Department of Immigration, Nepal has reciprocated the tourist visa policy with the U.S. as per the decision of the Government of Nepal. This policy has been in effect since January 1, 2019. Under this policy, U.S. citizens were eligible for a multiple-entry, five-year tourist visa. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal stopped issuing five-year tourist visas for U.S. citizens. As of now, Nepal has not resumed issuing these visas, as confirmed by the Nepali Consulate in New York. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to issue five-year multiple-entry tourist visas for Nepali citizens.
Nepali embassies and consulates around the world have also stopped issuing visitor visa stamps or stickers, except for the free visa category. Instead, they have transitioned to issuing Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for travelers. However, certain groups of individuals are still eligible for Nepal’s gratis (free) visa.
Children under the age of 10 from all countries, except the United States, are eligible for a free tourist visa. Additionally, foreign nationals of Nepali origin who hold NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) cards can also obtain a gratis visa. Citizens of the People’s Republic of China are included in this category as well.
For citizens of SAARC countries, Nepal provides a free tourist visa for up to 30 days if they are visiting for the first time in the current year. However, Afghan nationals are excluded from this provision. Afghan citizens can receive a gratis visa on arrival only if they have a recommendation from Nepal’s Department of Immigration. Any Nepali agency inviting an Afghan national must complete the necessary paperwork in coordination with the Department of Immigration before their arrival.
U.S. citizen children of Nepali citizens or Nepalese Americans are the most affected by the provision requiring U.S. citizens under 10 years old to pay a visa fee to enter Nepal. In order to travel to Nepal with their parents, they must obtain an ETA by paying a fee at the Nepali embassy or consulate or get an on-arrival visa by paying a fee at the port of entry. After arriving in Nepal, they can apply for a relationship visa, but this requires a monthly fee of $10.
An ETA can also be obtained in advance by paying the required amount through the NepaliPort website and applying at a U.S. embassy or consulate. After filling out the details and submitting the confirmation page through the NepaliPort system, the visa can be obtained by paying the fee at the port of entry or, if eligible, free of charge. Those who do not have an ETA or have not submitted their details online must complete the process at a self-service kiosk upon arrival at the port of entry, which may cause delays.
“An on-arrival visa can be issued to travelers holding passports from countries eligible for Nepal’s on-arrival visa, holders of diplomatic/official passports, UN Laissez-Passer holders and their family members, foreigners working at diplomatic missions, UN agencies, and INGOs in Nepal, foreign nationals of Nepali origin, and NRN cardholders,” reads the website of the Consulate General of Nepal in New York.
The required documents for an on-arrival visa include a valid passport with at least six months of validity at the time of entry to Nepal, a duly filled-in visa application form, two passport-size photographs, a pre-visa application approval printout, and the required visa fee ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, and $125 for 90 days). Additionally, a copy of approval is required if the traveler intends to engage in mountaineering, trekking, or other activities requiring prior authorization. The passport must have at least six months of validity at the time of entry, along with an approval letter or copy issued by the competent authorities of Nepal where applicable, such as for trekking, mountaineering, and other regulated activities, according to the website of the Consulate General of Nepal in New York.
Susan Shrestha
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