Nepal Visa Extension Process: Complete Guide for Trekkers (2026)

Treks in Nepal have a tendency to run longer than planned. Weather delays, flight cancellations from Lukla, an irresistible side trek to a hidden lake, or simply falling in love with the pace of mountain life -- these are all common reasons trekkers find themselves needing more time than their initial visa allows. The good news is that extending your Nepal tourist visa is a straightforward process, provided you know where to go, what to bring, and how the system works.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the Nepal visa extension process, from understanding your initial visa options to navigating the Immigration Office bureaucracy, calculating costs, and avoiding the steep penalties that come with overstaying.

Understanding Your Initial Nepal Tourist Visa

Before diving into the extension process, it is important to understand the visa you arrive with. Nepal offers three tourist visa options on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and all official land border crossings.

Visa Options on Arrival

| Duration | Cost (USD) | Per Day Cost | Best For | |----------|-----------|--------------|----------| | 15 days | $30 | $2.00 | Short treks like Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, or Ghorepani | | 30 days | $50 | $1.67 | Standard treks like EBC, ABC, or Langtang | | 90 days | $125 | $1.39 | Extended trips, multiple treks, or long circuit treks |

All tourist visas are multiple entry, meaning you can leave and re-enter Nepal within the validity period without purchasing a new visa. This is useful if you plan a side trip to India or Tibet during your stay.

Children and Special Cases

Children under 10 years of age receive free tourist visas regardless of duration. SAARC country nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) also receive free 30-day visas. Indian citizens do not need a visa at all and can stay indefinitely.

When You Might Need an Extension

Common scenarios that lead trekkers to need a visa extension include:

• Flight cancellations: Lukla flights are delayed or cancelled 50-70% of days during peak season, which can add 2-5 days to your trip
• Weather delays on trek: Snow, rain, or landslides closing passes can halt progress for days
• Altitude acclimatization needs: Some trekkers need more acclimatization days than planned
• Side trek additions: Deciding to add Gokyo Lakes to your EBC trek, or Tilicho Lake to your Annapurna Circuit
• Injury or illness recovery: Needing extra rest days for minor ailments
• Simply loving Nepal: Many trekkers extend because they want more time to explore

The Visa Extension Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Determine Where to Apply

There are two main Immigration Offices in Nepal where you can extend your visa:

Kathmandu Immigration Office (Main Office)

• Location: New Baneshwor, Kathmandu (opposite Everest Hotel)
• Hours: Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (submissions close at 1:00 PM)
• Closed: Saturdays and public holidays
• Best for: Most trekkers, as you will likely pass through Kathmandu before or after your trek

Pokhara Immigration Office

• Location: Lakeside, Pokhara (near Dam Side)
• Hours: Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Closed: Saturdays and public holidays
• Best for: Trekkers doing Annapurna region treks who are based in Pokhara

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Before visiting the office, you must fill out the visa extension application online:

1. Go to the Department of Immigration website: immigrationnepal.gov.np
2. Click on "Online Application" or "Visa Extension"
3. Fill in your personal details, passport information, current visa details, and requested extension duration
4. Upload a recent passport photo (digital copy)
5. Submit the form and print the confirmation page -- you will need this at the office
6. Note the application reference number

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Bring the following to the Immigration Office:

| Document | Details | |----------|---------| | Passport (original) | Must have at least 6 months validity remaining | | Passport photocopy | Main page with photo and current Nepal visa page | | Printed online application | The confirmation page from Step 2 | | Passport-sized photo | One recent photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm), though digital upload may suffice | | Extension fee | Cash in USD, EUR, GBP, or Nepali Rupees | | Current visa | Must still be valid or within the grace period |

Step 4: Visit the Immigration Office

Arriving early is critical. The office officially opens at 10:00 AM, but queues form by 9:00 AM during peak season (October-November and March-April). Here is the process once inside:

1. Enter and take a token number at the reception desk
2. Submit your documents at the appropriate window when your number is called
3. Pay the extension fee at the payment counter
4. Wait for processing -- typically 1-3 hours for same-day processing
5. Collect your passport with the extension stamp from the collection window

Step 5: Pay the Extension Fee

The visa extension fee is straightforward:

| Extension Duration | Cost | Notes | |-------------------|------|-------| | 15 days | $45 | Minimum extension period | | 30 days | $90 | Most common for trekkers | | 60 days | $180 | For extended stays | | 90 days | $270 | Maximum single extension | | Custom (per day) | $3/day | Must be in 15-day increments or more |

Payment methods accepted:

• US Dollars (cash) -- preferred
• Nepali Rupees (at the current exchange rate)
• Euros, British Pounds, and other major currencies
• Credit cards are NOT accepted -- cash only

Processing Times and What to Expect

Standard Processing

• Off-peak season: Same day, usually within 1-2 hours
• Peak season (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr): Same day to next business day
• During festivals or holidays: 2-3 business days

Factors That Affect Processing Time

• Day of the week: Sundays and Mondays tend to be busiest after the Saturday closure
• Time of year: Peak trekking season means more extension requests
• Completeness of application: Missing documents cause delays
• Office workload: Government staffing levels vary

Maximum Stay and Calendar Year Rules

The 150-Day Rule

Nepal allows a maximum stay of 150 days per calendar year (January 1 to December 31) on a tourist visa. This is the cumulative total of all visits within the same calendar year, not per single visit.

How the 150-day limit works:

• You arrive on March 1 with a 90-day visa (valid until May 29)
• You extend for 60 days (valid until July 28)
• You have used 150 days and cannot extend further in the same calendar year
• You can return in the next calendar year with a fresh 150-day allocation

What If You Need More Than 150 Days?

If you need to stay beyond 150 days in a single calendar year, your options are limited:

1. Leave and return next calendar year: Cross into India or another country and return after January 1
2. Apply for a special visa: Research visas, study visas, or business visas have different limits but require sponsorship
3. Volunteer visa: Some organizations can sponsor longer stays, though regulations have tightened

Overstay Penalties: What Happens If Your Visa Expires

Overstaying your Nepal visa is illegal and carries significant penalties. The system is enforced at the airport during departure -- you will not be allowed to leave without settling fines.

Penalty Structure

| Overstay Duration | Fine Per Day | Additional Consequences | |------------------|-------------|----------------------| | 1-30 days | $5/day | Fine only | | 31-90 days | $8/day | Fine plus potential blacklisting | | 91-150 days | $12/day | Fine, blacklisting, possible deportation | | Over 150 days | Determined by Immigration | Arrest, detention, deportation, ban |

How Overstay Fines Are Collected

• Fines are calculated and collected at the airport immigration counter during departure
• You must pay the full fine before you are allowed to exit the country
• Payment is in cash only (USD preferred)
• A receipt is issued for the fine payment
• For overstays beyond 30 days, you may be required to visit the Immigration Office before going to the airport

Tips for a Smooth Extension Process

Before You Go to the Office

1. Complete the online form the night before -- the website can be slow during business hours
2. Make photocopies at your hotel -- most Thamel hotels offer copying services for NPR 10-20 per page
3. Withdraw enough USD -- ATMs in Kathmandu dispense Nepali Rupees; exchange at a bank or money changer for USD if needed
4. Dress appropriately -- the Immigration Office is a government building, and while there is no strict dress code, shorts and tank tops may attract unnecessary attention

At the Office

1. Arrive by 9:30 AM to get in the early queue
2. Be patient -- the process can feel slow, but it works
3. Bring a book or phone charger -- waiting times during peak season can exceed 2 hours
4. Be polite to staff -- immigration officers deal with hundreds of applicants; courtesy goes a long way
5. Double-check your extension dates before leaving the counter to ensure accuracy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the last day: Apply at least 2-3 days before your visa expires to account for processing delays
• Not having cash: Credit cards are not accepted, and there are no ATMs inside the Immigration Office
• Forgetting the online form: You will be turned away without it
• Applying on Saturday: The office is closed on Saturdays
• Requesting more than 150 days cumulative: The system will not allow it

Extension While on Trek

A common concern among trekkers is: what happens if my visa expires while I am on a trek?

The Reality

• There is no way to extend your visa while on a remote trek -- you must visit an Immigration Office
• If your visa expires mid-trek, you will technically be in overstay status
• You will need to pay overstay fines upon returning to Kathmandu and departing Nepal
• Immigration officials understand that trekkers in remote areas cannot easily access offices

How to Handle It

1. Prevention is best: Calculate your total trip duration (including buffer days) before purchasing your initial visa
2. Extend before your trek: If you are cutting it close, extend your visa in Kathmandu or Pokhara before heading to the trailhead
3. If caught on trek: Keep documentation of your trek (permits, lodging receipts) to explain the situation
4. Upon return: Visit the Immigration Office immediately, explain the circumstances, and pay any applicable fines
5. At the airport: Be honest with immigration officials and have cash ready for fines

Visa Extension at Land Border Crossings

While the primary extension offices are in Kathmandu and Pokhara, some land border crossings offer limited visa services:

| Border Crossing | Connects To | Extension Available | Notes | |----------------|-------------|-------------------|-------| | Birgunj/Raxaul | India (Bihar) | Limited | May only handle short extensions | | Bhairahawa/Sunauli | India (UP) | Limited | Basic extension services | | Kakarbhitta | India (West Bengal) | No | Must go to Kathmandu | | Nepalgunj | India (UP) | No | Must go to Kathmandu | | Kodari/Tatopani | Tibet/China | Closed | Border may be closed | | Rasuwagadhi | Tibet/China | No | Must go to Kathmandu |

The "Visa Run" Strategy

Some long-term visitors use a strategy called a "visa run" to reset their stay in Nepal:

How It Works

1. Before reaching the 150-day limit, cross into India at a land border
2. Spend a day or two in India (or even just a few hours)
3. Re-enter Nepal and receive a fresh visa on arrival

Important Caveats

• Nepal has cracked down on visa runs in recent years
• Immigration officials may question frequent border crossings
• The 150-day-per-calendar-year rule applies to cumulative days, not consecutive days
• Simply crossing the border and returning does not reset the 150-day counter within the same calendar year
• This strategy only works if you are planning your visits across different calendar years

Cost Comparison: Planning Your Visa Duration

| Scenario | Initial Visa | Extensions | Total Cost | Total Days | |----------|-------------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | Short trek (14 days) | $30 (15-day) | None | $30 | 15 | | Standard trek (21 days) | $50 (30-day) | None | $50 | 30 | | Two treks (45 days) | $125 (90-day) | None | $125 | 90 | | Extended stay (120 days) | $125 (90-day) | 30 days ($90) | $215 | 120 | | Maximum stay (150 days) | $125 (90-day) | 60 days ($180) | $305 | 150 | | Poor planning (45 days) | $30 (15-day) | 30 days ($90) | $120 | 45 |

The table makes it clear: buying a longer initial visa is always cheaper than extending. The 90-day visa at $125 costs $1.39/day, while extensions cost $3/day. A trekker who buys a 15-day visa and then extends by 30 days pays $120 for 45 days ($2.67/day), whereas a 90-day visa covers the same period for only $125 ($2.78/day) but with 45 additional days of flexibility.

Related Guides

For more information on planning your Nepal trip logistics, check these guides:

• Complete Nepal Visa Guide -- Everything about obtaining your initial visa
• Kathmandu Arrival Guide for Trekkers -- What to do when you land
• ATMs, Cash, and Money in Nepal -- Managing finances during your trip
• Travel Insurance for Nepal Trekking -- Protecting yourself financially

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my Nepal visa online without visiting the Immigration Office?

No. While the initial application form must be completed online, the actual extension requires an in-person visit to the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You must submit your passport, pay the fee in cash, and receive a physical extension stamp. There is no fully online extension process as of 2026.

How much does it cost to extend a Nepal visa?

Visa extensions cost $3 USD per day. The minimum extension is 15 days ($45). So a 15-day extension costs $45, a 30-day extension costs $90, and so on. Payment must be made in cash -- credit and debit cards are not accepted at the Immigration Office.

What is the maximum number of days I can stay in Nepal on a tourist visa?

The maximum stay on a tourist visa is 150 days per calendar year (January 1 to December 31). This includes your initial visa duration plus any extensions. The limit is cumulative across all visits within the same calendar year.

Can I extend my visa at the airport before departing?

No. Visa extensions cannot be processed at the airport. If your visa has expired, you will be required to pay overstay fines at the airport immigration counter during departure. The extension process must be completed at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

What happens if my visa expires while I am trekking in a remote area?

You will technically be in overstay status and will need to pay the overstay fine ($5/day for the first 30 days) when you return to Kathmandu and depart Nepal. Immigration officials are generally understanding of this situation, especially for trekkers affected by flight cancellations or weather delays, but fines still apply. Keep documentation of your trek and any delays.

Is the Pokhara Immigration Office less crowded than Kathmandu?

Yes, significantly. The Pokhara office handles a fraction of the volume of the Kathmandu office. During peak season, what takes a full day in Kathmandu can often be completed in 1-2 hours in Pokhara. If you are trekking in the Annapurna region, extending in Pokhara is highly recommended.

Can I get a visa extension for fewer than 15 days?

No. The minimum extension period is 15 days. Even if you only need 3 extra days, you must apply for (and pay for) a 15-day extension at $45. This is another reason to buy a longer initial visa -- the minimum extension cost can be avoided entirely.

Do I need to extend my visa before it expires, or can I do it after?

You should extend before your visa expires. However, if your visa has recently expired (within a few days), you can still visit the Immigration Office to extend. You will need to pay overstay fines for any days past expiration in addition to the extension fee. The office handles these cases regularly, but it adds to the cost and paperwork.

Can someone else extend my visa on my behalf?

Yes. Travel agencies and visa service agents can handle the extension process for you. They will need your passport (original), completed online form, and the extension fee plus their service charge (typically NPR 500-1,000). This is a legitimate and common practice, especially for trekkers who are short on time.

What documents do I need for a Nepal visa extension?

You need your original passport (with at least 6 months validity), a photocopy of your passport main page and current visa page, the printed online application confirmation from the Immigration Department website, one passport-sized photo, and the extension fee in cash. Having all documents ready before arriving at the office significantly speeds up the process.

Is the 150-day limit per visit or per calendar year?

The 150-day limit is per calendar year, not per visit. All days spent in Nepal between January 1 and December 31 count toward this limit, regardless of how many separate visits you make. If you used 90 days in March-May and return in October, you have only 60 days remaining for that calendar year.

Can I convert my tourist visa to a different type of visa while in Nepal?

In most cases, no. Tourist visas cannot be converted to work visas, student visas, or other visa types while in Nepal. You would generally need to leave the country and apply at a Nepal embassy abroad for a different visa category. Some exceptions exist for research visas and certain institutional sponsorships, but these require extensive documentation and government approval.