Nepal
South Asia • NPL
Last updated: October 5, 2026
Nepal is a breathtaking Himalayan nation renowned for its majestic mountain peaks, including Mount Everest, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a unique blend of spiritual tranquility, vibrant city life in Kathmandu, and adventurous trekking opportunities for travelers of all levels.
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or major land border crossings for 15, 30, or 90 days.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photographs
- Visa fee in acceptable foreign currency
Popular Attractions
Mount Everest: The world's highest peak is the ultimate destination for mountaineers and trekkers seeking awe-inspiring Himalayan views.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to ancient palaces, temples, and intricate wood carvings that showcase Nepal's historical architecture.
Chitwan National Park: Visitors can explore one of Asia's best wildlife viewing destinations to see one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers in their natural habitat.
Pashupatinath Temple: As one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, it offers a profound look into spiritual rituals and local traditions along the Bagmati River.
Pokhara: This serene lakeside city serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit and provides a relaxing atmosphere with stunning reflections of the Machhapuchhre peak.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Use your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Greet locals with 'Namaste' by pressing your palms together at chest level, which is a respectful and common salutation.
Remove your shoes before entering private homes or sacred temples to show respect for the local spiritual spaces.
Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites or rural villages.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, particularly during religious ceremonies or of women.
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated and monitor your health closely when trekking at high altitudes to avoid altitude sickness.
Use only registered trekking agencies and guides to ensure safety and reliable support while navigating mountain trails.
Keep your passport and important documents in a secure place, carrying only copies while exploring the cities.
Stick to bottled or boiled water to prevent waterborne illnesses which can affect travelers unaccustomed to the local supply.
Be aware of your surroundings in crowded markets and use caution when crossing busy streets in Kathmandu.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Certificate of vaccination required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of YF transmission.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up to date on all routine vaccinations before travel.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide general immunity.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Get vaccinated before traveling to Nepal to ensure your basic vaccination needs are met.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceRoutine vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip.
Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td), Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Important to avoid illness during travel due to contaminated food and water.
Drink bottled or boiled water.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers, especially those who haven't had a booster in the last 10 years.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers since measles is still present in many parts of the world.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Required to protect against mosquito-borne and other insect-borne diseases.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Preventive measures are necessary to avoid gastrointestinal illnesses.
Eat only food that is cooked and served hot; drink only bottled, sealed, or treated water.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Essential for all travelers to prevent diarrheal diseases.
Drink only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water. Eat only thoroughly cooked foods served hot.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with the local population or need medical treatment while in Nepal.
View sourceCholera
Source: CDC
Vaccination recommended for areas with active cholera transmission and for those involved in humanitarian work.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended as typhoid is common in Nepal through contaminated food or water.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of contaminated food or water.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Nepal.
Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Nepal.
View sourceTyphoid vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Nepal.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Japanese Encephalitis
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers spending extended time in rural areas or during transmission seasons.
View sourceJapanese Encephalitis
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers planning to spend significant time outdoors in rural areas or during the peak transmission season.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Recommended for outdoor enthusiasts or those visiting rural areas who may be exposed to animals.
View sourceJapanese Encephalitis vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live, spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis, or frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis.
Consider vaccination for travelers spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets.
View sourceCholera vaccination
Source: CDC
Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
Active cholera transmission is widespread in Nepal. Cholera is rare in travelers.
View sourceRisk Area: Terai region and forested areas
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas below 2000m
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Kathmandu and areas above 2000m
Chemoprophylaxis: None
Seasonality: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Kathmandu valley and high mountain regions above 2000 meters
Seasonality: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Terai region and rural areas below 2000 meters
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces in areas <2,000m (~6,500 ft) elevation
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View source