Nepal's e-Passport in 2026: What Citizens Need to Know

Nepal has been issuing ICAO‑compliant electronic passports for several years and continues the programme in 2026. The current e‑passport contains a contactless chip that stores the holder's facial image and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303; iris data is optional under the standard and has not been confirmed for Nepal's version. The chip is read‑only and cannot track location.

What Is an e‑Passport and Why It Matters

Visually the booklet looks like the old machine‑readable passport, but the embedded chip lets immigration officers read the biometric data at automated gates worldwide. This speeds up border clearance and reduces identity fraud. The chip holds only the information printed on the data page plus the two mandatory biometric identifiers.

Who Can Apply

Any Nepali citizen with a valid citizenship certificate is eligible. There is no upper age limit. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during biometric enrolment. Existing machine‑readable passports can be renewed once they expire or within a period before expiry — check the current rules on the official portal. Lost or damaged passports follow a separate replacement procedure that requires a police report.

Documents You'll Need

First‑time applicants

• Original citizenship certificate and a clear, legible photocopy (self‑attested if the office requires it)
• Recent passport‑size photographs (white background, dimensions as specified on the portal)
• Completed online application form (printed after submission)
• Proof of fee payment (digital receipt or bank voucher)

Renewal applicants

• Current or expired machine‑readable passport (original + photocopy of the data page)
• Citizenship certificate (original + clear photocopy)
• Recent photographs as above
• Online application form and fee receipt

Additional forms may be needed for name changes, minors, or applicants with disabilities — check the portal's checklist before your appointment.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

1. Register on the official portal. Create an account using your mobile number and citizenship number; you'll receive an OTP for verification.
2. Fill the application form. Enter personal details, contact information, and choose passport validity. Spellings must match the citizenship certificate exactly.
3. Schedule an appointment. Pick a District Administration Office (DAO) or the central Passport Office in Kathmandu. Slots open daily; book early because wait times can stretch to several weeks in peak season.
4. Attend biometric enrolment. Bring all originals plus photocopies. Officers capture facial image, all ten fingerprints, and (if applicable) iris scans. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with their own citizenship certificate.
5. Pay the fee. Payment can be made online via the portal's integrated gateway (eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay, mobile banking) or at designated bank counters. Keep the receipt for tracking.
6. Track your application. Use the reference number on the portal's status page. SMS updates arrive at key stages: biometric verification, printing, dispatch, and ready‑for‑collection.

Fee Structure (Verify Before Paying)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the official fee schedule each fiscal year in the Nepal Gazette. Always confirm the exact amounts on the Department of Passport website or the latest Nepal Gazette before making payment. Expedited service, where offered, carries an additional surcharge.

Processing Times: What to Expect

Standard processing for first‑time applications usually takes a few weeks from the biometric appointment. Renewals are often quicker because much of the verification is already on file. Expedited service may reduce the wait further for an extra fee. Actual duration varies by office workload, document completeness, and any verification queries. The portal's status tracker remains the most reliable way to monitor progress.

Practical Tips to Avoid Delays

• Match names exactly. Even a single character mismatch between your citizenship certificate and the application form will trigger a hold.
• Prepare for biometrics. Avoid heavy makeup, coloured contact lenses, or henna on fingertips on appointment day. Clean, dry hands ensure clean fingerprint scans.
• Bring extra photocopies. Offices sometimes request additional copies beyond the checklist.
• Check status online regularly. If the status stalls at "under verification" for an extended period, visit the office with your receipt and reference number.
• Common rejection reasons: Blurred photographs, damaged citizenship certificates, incomplete forms, and unpaid fees.

Where to Verify the Latest Information

Because fees, processing windows, and procedural details can change via gazette notices, always cross‑check with official sources before you apply:

• Department of Passport website: passport.gov.np
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs notices: mofa.gov.np
• Nepal Gazette (fee schedules and rule amendments): moha.gov.np/gazette

Bookmark these pages and refer to them each time you plan an application — staying informed is the easiest way to get your e‑passport without unnecessary trips or expenses.