All Foreigners should know the 15 guidelines, on Arrival and after, starting from Kathmandu International Airport.
Dream Himalayas provides all necessary and basic important information for all wide world travelers to Nepal. The things to know are quite basic and simple, and yet some travelers can be unaware of the necessary rules.
In this text we would like to express our views on 15 most important things.
Where all travelers should know and follow from first arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. As well as you step out from the Arrival entrance towards the main gate. Greeted with warm welcome by your local travel agents staff and representatives.
01: Things to know of the Arrival Procedures.
As you walk out after a smooth flight by respective airlines.The first step is to move towards Immigration and Arrival desk / counter.Where rules of Passports and Visa process are obtained, as per the protocol of Nepal Government Tourism Policy. Fill the visa form (if not obtained from your respective countries Nepal Embassies or Consulates.
After going through the procedure, the next stage is moving towards Baggage Lounge. Then claim your baggage/luggage, showing the baggage tags.
Walk on towards the custom counter, where your baggage goes through the X-Ray. After getting the green light head towards the Airport Terminal Exit door. Just before the exit gate, make sure to check the local currency and head for the official Money Change. As authorized and restarted to Nepal Rastraya National Bank.
The current rate is US $ 1 equals to Nepali Rupees approx. 153.63. (October 2026). The rate can differ sometimes, as per the rule and changes of Nepal Rastraya Bank.
02: Last minute to check before departure from one’s countries:
Make sure that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months, and please check the visa obtained. If not stamped can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport Immigration counter desk. Carry at least 4-6 PP size photos. Including US $ in cash or other convertible foreign currencies.
At present year 2026, the Tourist fees are in following manner:
15 days – USD 30.
30 days – USD 50.
90 days – USD 125.
Please note that for some nationalities, Arrival Visa will not be entitled, better to check and be prepared . Before booking the flights to Nepal, to avoid disappointments and hassle.
03: Compellation of the visa form:
As mentioned above, eligible countries foreign travelers can obtain the Nepali Visa on arrival for a certain period of time. The form can be completed at the airport immigration booth and kiosks for your convenience.
If the visa process is applied and paid online, please carry the submission receipt and present it to the immigration authority.
04: Best to carry few convertible cash money:
It is very handy and useful to carry some convertible cash money.Either in US$ or Nepalese Rupees. Although electronic gadgets for payment in cards are available. The rates and fees as mentioned above.
05: Best to keep the passports, PP sizes photos and documents handy:
The visa and passport procedure are important, on arrival and at final departures.Travelers have to present the visa, receipt of valuable artifacts and handicrafts.
As well as money exchange and hotel payment receipts. Including your travel details and destinations in Nepal. This will be more accessible on compilation of the form at immigration and customs desks.
06: Check and collect your baggage/luggage with care:
From the immigration, the next step is to claim your baggage/luggage with respective airlines tags and names. Before, leaving the baggage receiving lounge, make sure and check with care, that all your baggage is right and secure.
Not broken or damaged by the ground handler of the airlines.
07: Understanding the procedure of the customs channels:
At Nepal and in Kathmandu International Airport, it uses two channels for customs. The Red and Green, to verify and declare of the prohibited, restriction control or duty, taxable goods. Please, understand the goods that you have kept in the luggage and move to the Red Channel.
If you need to declare the custom official of the prohibited items. Likewise, the passengers with nothing important to declare still have to go through the Green Channel for inspections.
08: Do not make haste or rush on leaving the departure exit terminal:
Make sure that all your documents and baggage are secure.Then head towards the Arrival door or exit of the airport terminal.Outside the terminal, there will be large numbers of local and few foreigners, as well as friends. To welcome and receive their guests, clients, friends or family members.
Please observe the commotion, and look for your names or companies name on the sign board. Held by the agency’s staff or representative, that you booked with. The company will assign a driver with private vehicles as per the group size. After tracing your names or of the company, then introduce yourself.
The staff, driver will take care of the baggage. Walk to the parking lot, for a short drive to respective hotels that have been booked for you. From arrival to final departures.
09: If not booked with local agents, confirm your airport pickup:
Various sources for airport pickup and drop to and from your hotels in Kathmandu. If not booked with the local agencies, the hotel that you book with, certainly will be there to pick you. Confirm the name of the hotel and pick-up time also, as well as the name of staff, drivers or representatives of the hotels.
If booked with travel and trekking agencies, the pick-up will be confirmed and it will be at your disposal. Having contact numbers of the hotels, companies or private transportation will be the best advantages. So, that you will be at ease, there will be someone to greet and welcome you with transportation services.
10: Best and handy to obtain a local SIM or ESIM card:
At the airport or near to your hotels there are stores to buy a local SIM or ESIM Card. Including a full Package Data to use for your conveyance, while staying in Nepal for a certain duration. The SIM or ESIM are very useful and handy for following services.
Likewise, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Calling your guide and drivers or to company’s office staff. As well for communication with the respective hotels. Finally, to get in contact for emergency needs. To purchase the local SIM or ESIM, requires passport and PP size photos to obtain registration for local SIM.
11: Save and note the hotel address offline:
As you step outside from the airport terminal. It can be quite confusing with many people waiting to receive their guests, family members or friends.
Saving and remembering the names of the hotel, or any contacts will make it easier. As well as the phone number, which you can keep with a screen-shot.
Just in case your internet connection is off-line. After, checking the hotels or the related companies name. It makes it easier to trace the person, driver that has come to pick you up.
12: Using the official and pre-arranged transportations:
It would far better and easier, if you have booked with the local travel agencies.or tourist standard hotels. One should avoid un-expected offers from unknown persons, without knowing the proper identification for transportation support.
Many people might notice that you are waiting to be picked by some agencies or hotels staff. Some might take advantage of the confusion, until you get picked up from the authorized agencies transportation.
13: Do not exchange all of your money at one time:
Travelers or passengers can exchange the local Nepalese Rupees with convertible currencies at the airport lobby counter. If not, can exchange the money at the hotel or any other places around the Thamel areas. Thamel, located in the hub of Kathmandu city, a popular tourist area. There are many money counters, where you can easily exchange with US$, or any convertible currencies.
The exchange rate can differ at the hotels or money exchange stalls, from the bank rates. Do not exchange a lot at one time, and ask for a receipt and keep your passport and money secure.
14: Relax, and give yourself time to adjust with the surroundings:
Kathmandu is the major commercial hub and capital city of Nepal.The commotion can be quite noisy with people’s and busy traffic, and can be a culture shock for first time visitors. Take your time and relax, observe the situation and take your time slowly at an easy pace.
Enjoy a refreshing good meal at nearby restaurants, rest and get prepared for the next holiday venture, a tour or trekking.
If booked for trekking around the Nepal Himalayas, remember to stay healthy with good rest, sleep. Include enough re-hydration and with good preparation, and do not try to experience it all one time.
15: Last and not the least, remember to keep your emergency contacts:
Saving important contact numbers before departing from the airport.Likewise, your hotel name, location and contact number.Trekking/tour agency, name and location with contact addresses.Name of the Tour/Trekking Guide or Drivers.
Respective Airlines, including Travel and Medical Insurance with emergency contact numbers. As well as Nepal Emergency Service if required.
Please note the Immigration-related questions at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) immigration office currently lists +977-01-4113045 and +977-01-4113057.
The simplest and basic arrival checklist:
Your valid Passport, Valid Visa, Luggage/Baggage, Customs to declare,
Local SIM or ESIM cards. Nepali Rupees in loose cash, Hotel addresses,
Airport Pickup on arrival and departures. Emergency Contacts.
A Hearty welcome to Nepal. Relax and release yourself and enjoy your first impression and experience in Kathmandu. A city with a number of World Heritages Sites and colorful cultures.
