# Arriving at Kathmandu Airport: Visa on Arrival, SIM Cards and Getting to Thamel

_Published 18 August 2025_

Landing in Kathmandu is exciting. On a clear day, the Himalaya appears out of the window as you descend into the valley. The arrival process at **Tribhuvan International Airport** is straightforward but can be slow when several flights land together. Here is what to expect, step by step, so you can get through quickly and start your trip relaxed.

**Quick answer:** most nationalities can get a **tourist visa on arrival**. Fill in the arrival form online before you fly or at the airport kiosks, pay the fee (**US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days** at the time of writing), then pass immigration with your passport (valid for at least six months). After baggage, buy a **SIM card** at the NTC or Ncell counter, then take a **prepaid taxi** or your **hotel or trekking company pick-up** to Thamel, about 6 km away.

## Step by step

### 1. Before you fly

- Check your passport is valid for at least **six months** and has a blank page.
- Check whether your nationality can get a visa on arrival; a few must apply in advance at a Nepali embassy.
- Fill in the **online arrival form** on the Department of Immigration website within the allowed period before arrival, and print or save the submission receipt with its barcode.
- Bring the visa fee in cash, ideally US dollars in clean notes. Card payment is sometimes available but not guaranteed.

### 2. Arrival and visa

After you leave the plane, follow the signs for **Visa on Arrival**. If you haven't filled in the form online, use one of the self-service kiosks, which scan your passport and take your photo. Then go to the **payment counter**, pay the visa fee and keep the receipt.

Tourist visaFee (at the time of writing)15 daysUS$3030 daysUS$5090 daysUS$125Most trekkers choose the 30-day visa. Visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

### 3. Immigration

Queue at the immigration desk with your passport, form receipt and payment receipt. The officer will stamp your visa. Queues can take anything from ten minutes to over an hour at busy times.

### 4. Baggage and customs

Collect your bags downstairs. Carts are available. Pass through customs; most tourists simply walk through the green channel.

### 5. SIM card and money

In the arrivals area you'll find counters for **Nepal Telecom (NTC)** and **Ncell**, where you can buy a SIM with data using your passport. There are also money exchange counters and ATMs, though rates are often better in town. See our [SIM card guide](/blog/sim-card-and-internet-in-nepal) and [money guide](/blog/money-in-nepal-guide).

### 6. Getting to your hotel

- **Pick-up**: if you are trekking with us, we meet you outside the arrivals hall with a sign and drive you to your hotel.
- **Prepaid taxi**: buy a fixed-price ticket at the taxi counter inside the arrivals hall.
- **Ride-hailing**: apps like Pathao and inDrive work in Kathmandu, though pick-up rules at the airport change; check before you rely on them.

Thamel is about 6 km from the airport, typically 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.

## Departing from Kathmandu

- Arrive at least **three hours** before an international flight; security and check-in queues can be long.
- Keep some cash for snacks and souvenirs at the airport.
- Domestic flights (Pokhara, Lukla and others) leave from the separate **domestic terminal**, a short walk away. In peak season, many Lukla flights use **Ramechhap** instead.

## Tips for a smooth arrival

- Fill in the online form before you fly to save time.
- Carry clean, recent US dollar notes for the visa fee.
- Keep a pen, your hotel address and a printed itinerary handy.
- Don't accept help with bags from strangers outside the terminal unless you want to tip.
- Don't plan anything important on your arrival day; flights are often late.

Our [Nepal visa guide](/blog/nepal-visa-guide) has full details on visas, extensions and entry rules, and our [first-time visitor's guide](/blog/nepal-travel-guide-first-time-visitors) covers the rest. [Contact us](/contact-us) to arrange an airport pick-up.

## Frequently asked questions
### Can I get a visa on arrival in Nepal?
Yes, most nationalities can, at Kathmandu airport and main land borders.

### How much is the Nepal visa?
At the time of writing, **US$30** for 15 days, **US$50** for 30 days and **US$125** for 90 days.

### Can I pay the visa fee by card?
Sometimes, but bring cash in US dollars in case.

### Do I need to fill in a form?
Yes, online before you fly or at the airport kiosks.

### How far is Thamel from the airport?
About **6 km**, or 20–40 minutes by car.

### Can I buy a SIM card at the airport?
Yes, at the NTC and Ncell counters in the arrivals area.

### How long does immigration take?
From about ten minutes to over an hour, depending on queues.

### How early should I arrive for my departure flight?
At least **three hours** before an international flight.

### Where do domestic flights leave from?
The separate **domestic terminal** next to the international one.

### Do you provide airport pick-up?
Yes, for all our trekkers and tour guests.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/kathmandu-airport-arrival-guide