Immigration and Visa Phrases
Most foreign visitors arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and need to navigate immigration, often including an on-arrival visa process, before reaching baggage claim. "Mero visa kaha banauchu?" (Where do I get my visa made?) and "Yeha bharne form chha?" (Is there a form to fill out here?) are useful early phrases, though many immigration staff at the international airport do speak functional English given how routine this process is for them.
Having your passport, a passport photo, and visa fee (in cash, often USD) ready before you reach the counter speeds the process considerably, since the on-arrival visa kiosks process a high volume of travelers and appreciate visitors who are prepared rather than fumbling for documents at the window.
Immigration Phrases
| Nepali | Romanized | English |
|---|---|---|
| मेरो राहदानी यहाँ छ | Mero raahadaani yeha cha | My passport is here |
| म पर्यटक हुँ | Ma paryatak hu | I am a tourist |
| म १५ दिन बस्छु | Ma pandhra din baschu | I am staying 15 days |
| भिसा फी कति हो? | Visa fee kati ho? | How much is the visa fee? |
Baggage Claim and Customs
After immigration, baggage claim at Tribhuvan International Airport can be slow during peak arrival times, and "Mero baggage kaha cha?" (Where is my baggage?) is useful if you need to ask airport staff for help locating a delayed bag or the right carousel. Customs in Nepal is generally straightforward for typical tourist luggage, though declaring anything of significant value or restricted items (certain electronics, large amounts of currency) is required the same as in most countries.
"Ghoshana garna parcha?" (Do I need to declare this?) is a safe question to ask if you are unsure whether something in your luggage requires declaration — customs staff would rather you ask than guess incorrectly.
Getting from the Airport into Kathmandu
Tribhuvan International Airport sits close to central Kathmandu, and most travelers reach Thamel or other central areas by taxi within roughly 20–40 minutes depending on traffic, which can be significant during peak hours. Pre-booking a hotel pickup is the simplest option for first-time visitors, removing the need to negotiate a fare while jet-lagged and unfamiliar with fair local pricing.
If arranging your own taxi, agreeing on the full fare before getting in — rather than relying on a meter, which many airport taxis do not use consistently — avoids any dispute on arrival. A reasonable fare to most central Kathmandu hotels is a fixed, known range that hotels and travel guides can usually confirm in advance, giving you a benchmark to negotiate against.
Getting to the City Phrases
| Nepali | Romanized | English |
|---|---|---|
| मलाई थमेल जानु छ | Malai Thamel jaanu cha | I need to go to Thamel |
| कति समय लाग्छ? | Kati samay lagcha? | How long does it take? |
| होटल सम्म पुर्याउनुहोस् | Hotel samma puryaaunuhos | Please take me to the hotel |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival, or do I need one in advance?
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport by paying the fee in cash (typically USD) and completing a simple form, though a small number of nationalities are required to arrange a visa in advance through a Nepali embassy or consulate — checking your specific nationality's requirement before traveling is worth the few minutes it takes.
How early should I arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport for a domestic flight?
Domestic flights within Nepal, especially mountain flights to places like Lukla for Everest region trekking, are frequently affected by weather delays and operate on a first-come basis at peak season — arriving at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight, and building flexibility into your onward plans, is a sensible precaution rather than excessive caution.
Is it safe to take an unmarked taxi from outside Tribhuvan airport?
Officially marked, licensed taxis are the safer and recommended option, and most arrival halls have a visible taxi counter or queue where you can arrange one with a confirmed price. Avoiding unmarked vehicles offered by individuals approaching you directly inside or outside the terminal is sensible standard travel caution, no different from the advice given for most international airports.