Nepal visa options for Australia passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Nepal

Rules are written for general foreign nationals (non-Indian): Indian citizens need no visa, Chinese nationals and SAARC citizens (except Afghanistan, first visit, up to 30 days) get gratis (fee-waived) visas, and a defined list of nationalities (currently Afghanistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, plus refugees with travel documents) cannot use visa-on-arrival and must obtain a visa from a Nepali mission in advance.

• Most nomadsTourist

  Tourist Visa (on arrival / e-visa)

  15, 30 or 90 days multiple-entry; extendable up to a maximum of 150 days per visa year (Jan-Dec).

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot required by immigration, but strongly recommended - trekking/altitude medical cover and helicopter evacuation insurance is essential for the Himalayas.

  Good for

  Travellers visiting for tourism, trekking, leisure or short visits; most nationalities get it on arrival at Kathmandu (TIA), Pokhara and Lumbini airports and major land borders, or via the online e-visa.

  Requirement

  Passport valid 6+ months, one passport photo and visa fee (US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days); extensions cost about US$45 for 15 days plus ~US$3/day thereafter. Indian citizens need no visa; SAARC (first visit, 30 days), Chinese nationals and under-10s are gratis; a defined list of nationalities must obtain the visa from a Nepali mission in advance.

• Business

  Business Visa

  Issued for 1 month up to 5 years; commonly first granted for 1 year and renewed annually.

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot required by immigration; private health insurance recommended.

  Good for

  Approved foreign investors in Nepali industry or export trade and their authorised representatives and family members, where there is approved foreign investment.

  Requirement

  Recommendation/registration via the Department of Industry (or relevant line agency) evidencing the approved investment; fees vary by investment size (for the lower-investment tier approx US$30/month, US$300/year, or US$1,000 for 5 years multiple-entry; verify current rates).

• Work

  Work Visa (Non-Tourist / Employment)

  Granted for up to 1 year at a time, renewable; duration tied to the work agreement.

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot stated as a visa condition; employer-provided or private health cover recommended.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals taking up employment with a Nepal-based employer or organisation.

  Requirement

  Issued by the Department of Immigration (Non-Tourist section) only on a recommendation from the concerned line ministry, plus a Labour Permit from the Department of Labour and a work agreement (with limited exceptions).

• Study

  Study Visa (Student)

  Issued for the course period, typically up to 1 year at a time and renewable.

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot stated as a visa condition; private student health insurance recommended.

  Good for

  Foreign students and researchers enrolled at a recognised Nepali institution, and foreign teachers working in Nepal.

  Requirement

  Admission to a recognised institution plus a recommendation from the Ministry of Education (or relevant government agency); applicants generally show proof of funds (about US$3,000 per year). Fees vary - verify with the institution/Immigration Department.

• Residence

  Residential Visa (Investor / Retiree)

  Long-stay, renewable annually; tied to maintaining the qualifying investment or income.

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot stated as a legal requirement; comprehensive private health insurance strongly recommended for long-term residents.

  Good for

  Foreigners wanting long-term residence without local employment - large-scale investors and self-funded retirees / independent-income individuals (also persons of international repute).

  Requirement

  Either invest at least US$100,000 (or equivalent convertible currency) at once in a Nepali industrial enterprise, or (for retirees/non-business residents) show certified income of about US$20,000 per year to be spent in Nepal; plus ministry recommendation. Verify current thresholds.

• Residence

  Marriage Visa (Non-Tourist - Spouse of Nepali Citizen)

  Maximum 6 months for first-time applicants, then extendable up to 1 year at a time.

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot required by immigration; private health cover recommended.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals legally married to a Nepali citizen who wish to reside in Nepal (issued under the Non-Tourist visa category).

  Requirement

  Marriage Registration Certificate from a District Administration Office or District Court, the Nepali spouse's citizenship and presence at the application, plus supporting documents; fee approx US$15 per month (verify).

• Transit

  Transit Visa

  Maximum 24 hours (one night); cannot be extended.

  Insurance

  OptionalNot required.

  Good for

  Travellers transiting through Nepal (issued at Tribhuvan International Airport) with a confirmed onward international flight.

  Requirement

  Proof of onward travel (confirmed air ticket) and the transit visa fee of US$5.

Visa rules, fees and thresholds change frequently and vary by nationality; figures here are indicative and several fees/thresholds should be reconfirmed with the Nepal Department of Immigration (immigration.gov.np) or a Nepali diplomatic mission before travel. Insurance statements describe immigration requirements only and are not legal advice. Last checked: 2026-06

Last verified June 2026

Australia → Nepal: frequently asked

Do Australia passport holders need a visa to visit Nepal?

Visa on arrival. Get the visa at the border on entry. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

Can a Australia passport holder live or work long-term in Nepal?

Yes, via a long-stay visa. Nepal has 7 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.

Do I need travel insurance for Nepal?

Entry to Nepal never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended.