B1/B2 visitor visa — online form, USD 160 fee, in-person interview at the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
Nepali citizens need a B1/B2 visa to visit the United States for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips. There is no e-visa or visa-on-arrival option — every applicant completes the DS-160 form online, pays the fee, and attends an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Kathmandu (or a US consulate elsewhere while abroad).
Fee: USD 160 (MRV fee), non-refundable regardless of outcome
Processing: Interview wait times vary by season — check the current wait time on the embassy site before planning travel dates. Visa issuance after interview is often same-day to a few days if approved.
Stay: Determined by the immigration officer at the US port of entry, typically up to 6 months
Steps
Complete the DS-160 form — Fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online at ceac.state.gov. Save the confirmation page with your barcode number — you need it for the next steps.
Pay the visa application fee — Pay the USD 160 MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee through the official payment channel linked from the US Embassy Kathmandu website.
Schedule your interview — Book an interview slot at the US Embassy in Kathmandu using your DS-160 confirmation number and fee receipt.
Attend the interview — Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, a passport photo, and supporting documents (bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary). The consular officer decides on the spot in most cases.
Documents
Valid Nepali passport (with at least one blank visa page)
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa fee (MRV) payment receipt
Passport-sized photograph meeting US visa photo requirements
Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip
Employment verification letter or, if self-employed, business registration documents and tax records
Evidence of ties to Nepal supporting intent to return — property ownership documents, family documentation, investment records, proof of enrolment (students), or a detailed travel budget
Invitation letter from a US-based contact, if you have one (optional, but can strengthen your application)
Certified English translation for any supporting document not already in English
Can I apply for an e-visa instead of going to the embassy?
No — the US does not offer an e-visa for Nepali citizens; a B1/B2 visa requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
What's the biggest reason applications get refused?
Failing to convincingly demonstrate strong ties to Nepal (a stable job, family, property, or other reasons you're expected to return) is consistently the most common reason for a 214(b) refusal.