Nepal Fully Implements Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System
- Editorial Team
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 49 minutes ago
KATHMANDU, September 3, 2026 — Nepal has fully implemented its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system as of August 17, 2026, streamlining the visa process for millions of visitors and marking a significant step in the country's digital transformation of immigration services.
The ETA system, first introduced in February 2024, allows eligible travelers to apply for travel authorization online before their journey, reducing wait times at Tribhuvan International Airport and other entry points. The ETA is converted into a visa upon arrival, facilitating and speeding up the issuance process.
How the ETA System Works
The ETA is a pre-approved electronic travel authorization that is verified upon arrival and converted into a tourist visa. It is available to nationals eligible for a visa on arrival and is not mandatory — travelers may still choose to obtain a visa on arrival without prior ETA approval.
Aspect | Details |
Full Implementation Date | August 17, 2026 |
Introduction | February 2024 (pilot) |
Application Portal | |
Processing | Online, direct by Department of Immigration |
Visa Conversion | ETA converted to visa upon arrival at port of entry |
Validity | 15, 30, or 90 days |
Note: The ETA is not a visa itself, but rather a pre-authorization that speeds up visa issuance at the border. Travelers must still undergo immigration clearance upon arrival.
Application Process
Step 1: Visit the ETA PortalGo to nepaliport-new.immigration.gov.np and click "New Application".
Step 2: Complete the Application FormEnter personal details, passport information (valid for at least 6 months), travel dates, and purpose of visit.
Step 3: Upload Required DocumentsUpload a scanned passport copy and a recent passport photo with a white background.
Step 4:Online PaymentUse a card to pay the visa fee through the portal:
15 days: USD 30
30 days: USD 50
90 days: USD 125
Step 5: Receive Visa by EmailApproved visa is emailed to the applicant. Travelers should print and carry the document when traveling to Nepal.
Tourist Visa Fees (2026)
Duration | Fee (USD) | Details |
15 Days | $30 | Multiple entry |
30 Days | $50 | Multiple entry |
90 Days | $125 | Multiple entry |
Visa extensions are available for a minimum of 15 days at $3 per day, with a maximum total stay of 150 days per visa year (January–December).
Free Visa Categories
Category | Details |
Children Under 10 | Free visa for up to 30 days (except US citizens) |
SAARC Citizens | Free 30-day visa once per calendar year (Jan–Dec) |
Chinese Nationals | Free tourist visa for up to 150 days (~5 months) per visa year |
NRN Card Holders | Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship or card holders |
No Visa on Arrival for 12 Countries
Citizens of the following 12 countries are not eligible for a visa on arrival and must obtain a visa in advance from a Nepalese diplomatic mission:
Afghanistan
Cameroon
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Ghana
Iraq
Liberia
Nigeria
Palestine
Somalia
Syria
Zimbabwe
Read Also
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
System Name | Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) |
Full Implementation | August 17, 2026 |
Application Portal | |
Mandatory? | No — visa on arrival remains available |
Visa Types | 15, 30, or 90-day tourist visas |
Fees | $30 / $50 / $125 |
Processing | Online, direct by Department of Immigration |
Visa on Arrival | Still available (except 12 countries) |
Free Visa | Children under 10, SAARC citizens, Chinese nationals, NRN holders |
Official Resources
Department of Immigration (DoI) – ETA / eVisa Portal: nepaliport-new.immigration.gov.np
DoI – ETA / eVisa Information Page: immigration.gov.np/eta-visa-nepal
DoI – Visa Fee and Documents: immigration.gov.np/en/post/visa-fee-and-documents-1
Tribhuvan International Airport – Visa on Arrival Information: tia.immigration.gov.np
For the latest immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/news
VisasUpdate.com – The world's most trusted visa intelligence hub.Unlock 2026 immigration breakthroughs, digital nomad policies, and real-time fee alerts—all in one place.
Bookmark us now: visasupdate.com/news – Stay ahead.
Comments