Table of Contents
Nepal now issues e-Passports — electronic passports with biometric chips storing your facial scan, fingerprints, and digital signature. The transition from Machine Readable Passports (MRP) began in November 2023, and as of 2026, all new passport applications and renewals are processed as e-Passports. You can apply online at nepalpassport.gov.np, book an appointment, and collect your passport within 7–14 working days.
Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing an expired passport, replacing a lost one, or applying for your child, this guide covers every step — documents, fees (which differ based on where you apply), the online enrollment process, biometric capture, and how Nepalis abroad can apply through embassies.
Nepal e-passport is a biometric travel document issued by the Department of Passports under ICAO 9303 standards. Apply online at nepalpassport.gov.np, then visit the passport office for biometric enrollment. Fees: NRS 5,000 (34-page, district office) or NRS 12,000 (Department HQ, fast-track). Valid for 10 years (adults) or 5 years (minors under 16). Processing: 7–14 days regular, 1–2 days fast-track.
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What Is the Nepal e-Passport?
The e-Passport is an electronic travel document that complies with ICAO 9303 standards. It contains a biometric chip storing your facial image, fingerprints (all 10 fingers), and digital signature. Nepal launched the e-Passport system in November 2023, replacing the older MRP (Machine Readable Passport) system. Existing MRP passports remain valid until their expiry date — no forced recall.
The Department of Passports (राहदानी विभाग), located at Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, is the central authority. Passport services are also available at all 77 District Administration Offices and Nepali embassies abroad.
Types of Nepal Passports
| Type | Colour | Issued To |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Passport | Dark blue | General citizens for personal travel |
| Official Passport | Light blue / grey | Government officials on official duty |
| Diplomatic Passport | Red / maroon | Diplomats and senior government officials |
This guide covers the ordinary passport — the type that the general public applies for.
Who Can Apply for a Nepal Passport?
- Any Nepali citizen holding a valid citizenship certificate (Nagarikta)
- Minors under 16 — through parent or legal guardian, with birth certificate
- Minors aged 16–18 — with parental consent documentation
- Naturalized citizens — with valid citizenship certificate
Important: Nepal does not allow dual citizenship under the Constitution of Nepal 2072. If you have acquired foreign nationality, you are not eligible for a Nepali passport. Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) who hold foreign citizenship can get an NRN ID card but not a Nepali passport.
Online Application: Step-by-Step Process
The e-Passport application begins online. You fill the form and book an appointment, then visit the passport office for biometric enrollment.
Step 1: Access the Portal
Visit the official Department of Passports portal at nepalpassport.gov.np. The e-Passport enrollment system is at emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np.
Step 2: Create Account and Fill the Form
Register with your email and phone number. Complete the application form with:
- Full name in English and Nepali (Devanagari)
- Date of birth, gender, nationality
- Citizenship certificate number and issue details
- National Identity Number (NIN) — mandatory as of 2025 for all new applications
- Father's, mother's, and spouse's details
- Contact and emergency contact information
- Passport type: 34-page or 66-page
Step 3: Upload Documents
Upload clear scanned copies of your citizenship certificate (front and back) and old passport (if renewing). Follow ICAO photo specifications for any uploaded images.
Step 4: Book Appointment
Select your preferred passport office (Department HQ in Kathmandu, a District Administration Office, or an embassy abroad) and choose an available appointment date. Slots fill quickly during peak seasons — book early.
Step 5: Print Receipt and Pay Fee
Download and print the application receipt with barcode. Pay the passport fee at the designated bank (Rastriya Banijya Bank or other specified banks) and keep the bank voucher (chalan).
Step 6: Biometric Enrollment
Visit the passport office on your appointment date with:
- Printed application receipt with barcode
- Bank voucher (original)
- Original citizenship certificate
- Old passport (if renewal or replacement)
At the office, your fingerprints (all 10 fingers), facial scan, and digital signature are captured. The officer verifies your documents against the online application.
Step 7: Track and Collect
Track your application status online using your enrollment ID or barcode. Collect the passport on the specified date from the same office.
Documents Required for Nepal Passport
For Adults (New Application)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Citizenship certificate | Original + photocopy (front and back) |
| National Identity Number (NIN) | Mandatory for e-Passport applications since 2025 |
| Printed application form | From nepalpassport.gov.np with barcode |
| Bank voucher (chalan) | Proof of fee payment at designated bank |
| Old passport | Only if renewing or replacing — not for first-time applicants |
For Minors (Under 16)
- Birth certificate — issued by local municipality
- Both parents' citizenship certificates — original + copies
- Parents' passports — copies (if available)
- Consent from both parents — or legal guardian's documents
- Single parent: Court order, death certificate, or other legal documentation
- Minor must be physically present for biometric capture
Passport Fees in Nepal 2026
Fees depend on where you apply. District Administration Offices charge significantly less than the Department of Passports headquarters in Kathmandu.
| Passport Type | District Office | Dept. HQ (Kathmandu) |
|---|---|---|
| 34-page (regular) | NRS 5,000 | NRS 12,000 |
| 66-page (regular) | NRS 10,000 | NRS 20,000 |
| 34-page (fast-track) | Not available at districts | NRS 12,000 |
| 66-page (fast-track) | Not available at districts | NRS 20,000 |
| Children under 10 (34-page) | NRS 5,000 | NRS 9,500 |
| Children under 10 (66-page) | NRS 10,000 | NRS 14,500 |
| Lost/damaged (34-page) | NRS 10,000 | NRS 17,000 |
| Lost/damaged (66-page) | NRS 10,000 | NRS 25,000 |
Cost-saving tip: If you are not in a rush, apply at your local District Administration Office. A 34-page passport costs NRS 5,000 at a district office vs NRS 12,000 at the Department headquarters in Kathmandu — saving you NRS 7,000. Fast-track service is only available at the Department HQ.
Processing Time: Regular vs Fast-Track
| Service | Processing Time | Available At |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (District Office) | 10–30 working days | All 77 District Administration Offices |
| Regular (Dept. HQ) | 7–14 working days | Tripureshwor, Kathmandu only |
| Fast-track | 1–2 working days | Department HQ only |
| Embassies abroad | 1–4 weeks | Nepali embassies and consulates |
Processing times can be longer during peak travel seasons (Dashain/Tihar, labour migration peaks). Book your appointment early and account for delays.
Passport Renewal in Nepal
Nepal does not technically "renew" passports — you apply for a new passport to replace the expiring or expired one. The process is identical to a new application, with one addition: you must submit your old passport.
When to Renew
- Apply when your passport has less than 6 months validity remaining
- Many countries refuse entry if your passport expires within 6 months
- You can apply even after your passport has expired
Renewal Steps
- Fill the online application at nepalpassport.gov.np — select "renewal/re-issue"
- Book appointment and pay the fee (same fee as new passport)
- Visit the office with old passport, citizenship, and bank voucher
- Complete biometric enrollment
- Old passport is cancelled (punched/stamped) and returned
- New e-Passport issued within the standard processing time
Lost or Damaged Passport: Replacement Process
Replacing a lost passport requires additional steps and costs more than a regular application.
Steps for Lost Passport
- File a police report (FIR) at the nearest police station
- Publish a notice in a national daily newspaper declaring the passport lost
- Apply for a new passport through the regular online process
- Submit additional documents: FIR copy, newspaper clipping, photocopy of lost passport (if available)
- Pay the higher replacement fee (NRS 10,000–25,000 depending on pages and location)
Lost Passport Abroad
Report to local police, then contact the nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate. The embassy can issue an Emergency Travel Document for immediate return to Nepal, or process a new passport application which takes 1–4 weeks.
Passport for Minors (Under 16)
Minor passports are valid for 5 years (not 10 years like adult passports). The child must be physically present at the passport office for biometric capture. Both parents' consent is required — if one parent is unavailable, a court order or relevant legal documentation is needed.
Children under 10 benefit from reduced fees: NRS 9,500 for 34-page at the Department HQ or NRS 5,000 at district offices. If your child needs a marriage certificate for a parent's name change or custody documentation, our lawyers can assist.
Applying from Abroad (Embassies and Consulates)
Nepali citizens living abroad can apply through the nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate General. The process is similar to domestic applications — fill the online form, book an embassy appointment, provide biometrics, and collect the passport.
Key Embassy Locations
| Region | Locations |
|---|---|
| India | New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai |
| Gulf States | Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman |
| Asia | Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China |
| Americas | Washington DC, New York |
| Europe | London, Berlin |
| Oceania | Canberra |
Embassy processing takes 1–4 weeks. Fees at embassies are charged in local currency — rates vary by region (e.g., USD 150 for 34-page in the US, USD 50 in Gulf countries).
Conclusion: Apply for Your e-Passport Early
Don't wait until your travel date is approaching. Passport processing takes 7–30 working days depending on where you apply, and appointment slots fill up fast during peak seasons. Apply online at nepalpassport.gov.np, save money by using your local District Administration Office (NRS 5,000 vs NRS 12,000 at Kathmandu HQ), and ensure your National Identity Number is ready before starting.
If you need legal assistance with document preparation, court marriage in Nepal, or any travel-related legal matters, contact our team of Nepal Bar Council-registered advocates today →
Frequently Asked Questions
Fees depend on where you apply:
- District office: NRS 5,000 (34-page) or NRS 10,000 (66-page)
- Dept. HQ Kathmandu: NRS 12,000 (34-page) or NRS 20,000 (66-page)
- Fast-track: NRS 12,000–20,000 (HQ only, 1–2 days)
Visit nepalpassport.gov.np, create an account, fill the application form, upload documents, book an appointment, pay the fee at a designated bank, then visit the passport office for biometric enrollment (fingerprints, photo, signature).
Regular processing takes 7–14 working days at the Department HQ in Kathmandu and 10–30 days at District Administration Offices. Fast-track at HQ takes 1–2 working days. Embassy processing abroad takes 1–4 weeks.
Adult passports (16 years and above) are valid for 10 years. Minor passports (under 16) are valid for 5 years.
Required documents:
- Citizenship certificate (original + copy)
- National Identity Number (NIN) — mandatory since 2025
- Printed application form with barcode
- Bank voucher (fee payment proof)
- Old passport (if renewal/replacement)
Both have the same 10-year validity. The 34-page passport suits occasional travellers. Choose the 66-page if you travel frequently and need more pages for visa stamps. The 66-page costs more — NRS 10,000 at district offices vs NRS 5,000 for 34-page.
Yes. All 77 District Administration Offices across Nepal process e-Passport applications. District offices charge lower fees (NRS 5,000 for 34-page vs NRS 12,000 at HQ). However, fast-track service is not available at district offices.
Yes. As of 2025, the National Identity Number (NIN) is mandatory for all new e-Passport applications. If you don't have one yet, apply for your NID first before starting your passport application.
Steps:
- File a police report (FIR) at the nearest police station
- Publish a lost notice in a national newspaper
- Apply for a new passport with FIR copy and newspaper clipping
- Pay the higher replacement fee (NRS 10,000–25,000)
Yes. Apply through the nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate General. The process is similar — online form, embassy appointment, biometric enrollment. Processing takes 1–4 weeks. Fees are in local currency and vary by region.
Nepal doesn't technically renew — you apply for a new passport. Fill the online form at nepalpassport.gov.np, select "renewal/re-issue," pay the same fee as a new passport, and visit the office with your old passport for biometric enrollment.
Yes. Children under 16 can apply through a parent or guardian. Required: birth certificate, both parents' citizenship, parental consent. The child must be physically present for biometric capture. Minor passports are valid for 5 years.
Fast-track processing delivers your passport in 1–2 working days instead of 7–14 days. It is only available at the Department of Passports headquarters in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu — not at District Administration Offices or embassies.
Yes. Existing Machine Readable Passports (MRP) remain valid until their expiry date. There is no forced recall. However, all new applications and renewals are now processed as e-Passports with biometric chips.
The main office is at Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. Contact: +977-1-5970330, email info@nepalpassport.gov.np. Office hours: Sunday–Thursday 10 AM–5 PM, Friday 10 AM–3 PM. Passport services are also available at all 77 District Administration Offices.
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