Can I pay the Nepal visa fee in Indian rupees?

No, only USD cash is accepted. Exchange money before reaching the border as rates there are poor.

How long does the visa process take?

15-30 minutes if you have all documents ready. Longer during peak hours (morning and late afternoon).

Do I need to stay overnight in Nepal?

No, you can do a same-day visa run. Cross into Nepal and immediately return to India if you only need the visa stamp.

What if I don't have a passport photo?

Some borders have photo booths, but they're unreliable. Always bring photos from India to avoid delays.

Can I extend my Nepal visa later?

Yes, tourist visas can be extended in Kathmandu or Pokhara for additional fees, up to 150 days total per calendar year.

How to Get a Nepal Visa from India for a Visa Run

You can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at any land border crossing from India for $30 (15 days), $50 (30 days), or $125 (90 days). The process takes 15-30 minutes and requires a passport, passport photo, and visa fee in USD cash. Most visa runs use the Sunauli border crossing near Varanasi.

Choose your border crossing. Sunauli (near Varanasi/Gorakhpur) is most popular for visa runs. Other options include Raxaul (near Patna), Panitanki (near Siliguri), and Mahendranagar (from Uttarakhand). Sunauli has the most frequent transport and clearest process.
Gather required documents. You need a passport valid for 6+ months, one passport-sized photo, and exact visa fee in USD cash. Bring $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, or $125 for 90 days. No other currencies accepted.
Get to the border. From Delhi, take an overnight train to Gorakhpur (12-14 hours), then a bus to Sunauli (1 hour). From Varanasi, take a bus directly to Sunauli (4-5 hours). Arrive by 4 PM as the visa office closes at 5 PM.
Complete the visa application. Fill out the arrival form at the immigration counter. You'll need your intended address in Nepal (any hotel name works), purpose of visit (tourism), and entry/exit dates. The form is available in English.
Pay and collect your visa. Submit your passport, photo, completed form, and exact USD payment. The officer will process your visa in 15-30 minutes. Check all details before leaving the counter.
Cross into Nepal and return. Walk across the border into Bhairahawa, Nepal. For a visa run, you can immediately return to India through the same crossing. Your Nepal visa is now valid for your chosen duration.

Can I pay the Nepal visa fee in Indian rupees?: No, only USD cash is accepted. Exchange money before reaching the border as rates there are poor.
How long does the visa process take?: 15-30 minutes if you have all documents ready. Longer during peak hours (morning and late afternoon).
Do I need to stay overnight in Nepal?: No, you can do a same-day visa run. Cross into Nepal and immediately return to India if you only need the visa stamp.
What if I don't have a passport photo?: Some borders have photo booths, but they're unreliable. Always bring photos from India to avoid delays.
Can I extend my Nepal visa later?: Yes, tourist visas can be extended in Kathmandu or Pokhara for additional fees, up to 150 days total per calendar year.