Travel Essentials · Visa and insurance

What happens when you land at Kathmandu airport?

By Base Camp Tours, licensed Nepal travel agency (Tourism License 3121/080) · Updated · 2 min read

The short answer

After you clear immigration and collect your bags, you pass customs. If you carry no goods to declare, use the green channel for quick clearance. If you carry dutiable goods, use the red channel. Keep your passport and arrival card handy until you leave the terminal.

Outside you will find taxi drivers, hotel representatives and travel agents. The simplest way is to pre-book a pickup with your tour operator and look for a sign with your name. If you take a taxi, agree the fare first and check that nothing is left in the car.

Key facts

Nothing to declare
Green channel
Dutiable goods
Red channel
Easiest transfer
Pre-booked pickup
Taxi
Agree fare first

How it works

  1. Clear immigrationPassport and form.
  2. Collect bagsCheck tags.
  3. Pass customsGreen or red channel.
  4. Meet your driverName sign.
  5. Confirm fareIf taking a taxi.

Before you land

Complete the online arrival form if your nationality uses it, carry a printed or saved copy and have your passport, visa receipt and a pen ready. Save your driver's phone number and your hotel address before you land, and check that your phone has a signal plan.

The airport can be busy when several flights land together, so expect queues at immigration. Keep your bags manageable and your documents together to speed things up.

Getting to your hotel

The simplest option is a pre-booked pickup arranged by your operator, with a driver holding your name outside. If you take a taxi, use the official counter, agree the fare before you start and keep your valuables with you.

Traffic can be slow, especially at peak hours, so allow time if you have an onward connection. Your driver will help with luggage and can take you straight to your hotel, where you can rest before sightseeing.

Insider tip

Save your driver's phone number before you land.

Avoid this

Do not accept unrequested hotel offers outside the terminal.

Related questions

Is there a SIM counter?

Usually yes in the terminal; see the SIM guide.

Can I change money?

At authorised counters only.

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  • Licensed agency, Tourism License 3121/080
  • Own full-time guides and drivers
  • Private and customised departures

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