Nepal has fully implemented a new visa application system that allows foreigners to pay for their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) directly online using international credit and bank cards. This change significantly simplifies the process, eliminating the need to visit a Nepali embassy or consulate just to pay the fee.
For the first time, the “Nepali Port” online portal now accepts a wide range of international payment methods, including major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as other options like UnionPay and Alipay. This is a major breakthrough, as the previous lack of international card acceptance was a significant barrier for tourists applying for an ETA.
This new feature enables people to apply and pay for their Nepali ETA from anywhere in the world. According to the Department of Immigration, the system processed over $42,000 in transactions during a brief trial period. This change is expected to increase foreign currency inflow and streamline the country’s revenue management.
While an online application system for ETAs has existed for some time, many applications went uncompleted due to the lack of a simple payment solution. For instance, from its launch until February 2025, the Department of Immigration received 29,796 ETA applications but directly approved only 1,865. Nepali embassies and missions abroad processed a much higher number, totaling 12,069 approvals, which travelers use to enter Nepal. Unlike in the past, embassies no longer issue physical visa stickers, relying entirely on the ETA system.
The Nepali Port Immigration Management and Border Regulation System, launched nearly six years ago to combat visa misuse and revenue leakage, collects biometric data, fingerprints, and photos of foreign visitors. The recent addition of this direct payment feature is a significant step, making travel to Nepal more accessible and user-friendly for tourists.
An ETA is valid for six months from its date of issuance. To apply, your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity from your planned arrival date in Nepal. There are no fees for holders of non-resident Nepali cards or for children under the age of 10.
For U.S. citizens planning a visit, obtaining an ETA before travel is highly recommended. It simplifies entry and ensures a smoother experience upon arrival, as it is electronically linked to your passport upon approval. The ETA, which serves as proof of authorization, may need to be presented to officials and typically allows for multiple entries within its six-month validity period.
Although an ETA is not mandatory for travelers from visa-on-arrival-eligible countries like the U.S., it significantly expedites the process at immigration desks, saving time and offering convenience. The U.S. Department of State notes that obtaining a visa on arrival can take hours, with land travelers responsible for all their own documentation.
The ETA itself is not a visa but transforms into one upon arrival. Travelers present it—either digitally or by showing their passport—at immigration, where it is scanned, verified, and converted into a printed visa affixed to the passport. If your ETA expires before you travel, you must obtain a new one.
For U.S. citizens crossing by land, it’s important to carry new U.S. dollar bills (post-2003, in good condition) to pay visa fees, as credit cards and other currencies are not accepted at land borders. While 24-hour service is available for those on foot, travelers from India should be prepared for cash-only payments.
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D. Dhungana
View More PostsDipendra Dhungana is a journalist based in Kathmandu with over a decade of experience in photojournalism. His work has been featured in numerous national and international outlets, showcasing the stories and resilience of the Nepali people. He is also a contributing journalist for NepYork.
