Passport Online Form Nepal 2026: Apply, Fees & Appointments

You have filled the form, gathered your documents, paid the fee, and driven two hours to Narayanhiti - only to be sent back because one letter in your name has a space that doesn't match your citizenship. Or because your photo background was off-white instead of pure white. Or because you came on a Monday and the queue was already 400 people deep by the time you arrived at 9 AM.

Nepal's passport process is not complicated by design, but it is full of small, undocumented landmines that the official website never mentions. This guide is written from the ground up - the actual queue realities, the photo rules that trip people up, the midnight appointment slot trick, and the documents that the website forgets to list but the officer will still ask for.

If you are applying for the first time, renewing an expiring passport, adding your child to the system, or sitting outside Kathmandu wondering whether your District Administration Office can handle this - read this whole guide before you touch the online form.

First: What Kind of Passport Are You Getting?

Nepal stopped issuing the old Machine Readable Passport (MRP) in 2021. All new passports issued from 2021 onward are e-Passports - meaning they have a biometric chip embedded in the back cover that stores your fingerprint data and facial image. This is the international standard now, and it is what Nepal's Department of Passports has adopted.

If you have an old MRP passport that is still valid, you can continue using it until its expiry date. But the moment you apply for any new passport - fresh application, renewal, or replacement - you will receive an e-Passport. There is no option to get an MRP anymore, and you would not want one anyway. Many countries' e-gates at airports only accept e-Passports, and the new Nepali e-Passport is more secure and harder to forge.

Where Do You Apply? The Department of Passports & Province Centers

The main office is the Department of Passports located in Narayanhiti (Tahachal area), Kathmandu - just past the old Royal Palace, near the junction you turn left toward Tahachal if you are coming from Thamel. This is where the bulk of passport applications in Bagmati Province are processed. The biometric data collection (fingerprint scanning and live photo capture) happens here, and the passports are printed here.

But you do not have to come to Kathmandu if you live outside. Nepal has passport collection centers in all 7 provinces. The way it works for people outside Kathmandu is:

• You submit your application at your local District Administration Office (DAO)
• The DAO forwards it to Kathmandu for printing
• You collect the finished passport from the DAO - usually 5–7 extra working days compared to Kathmandu collection
• Some provincial centers now have biometric capture equipment, so you do not have to travel to Kathmandu at all

Online Application: passportnepal.gov.np - Step by Step

The official online application portal is passportnepal.gov.np. This is where you fill the form, upload your documents, select your appointment, and pay the fee. The portal went through a major overhaul in 2024 and is now significantly more stable than it used to be - but it still has quirks.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

1. 1

   Create an account on passportnepal.gov.np

   Go to the portal and register with your mobile number and email address. You will receive an OTP on your phone to verify. Use a number you actually have access to - this is your contact for all future communications about your passport. Do not use a number you plan to change.

2. 2

   Select application type

   Choose from: Fresh Application (first-time passport), Renewal (your current passport is near expiry or expired), Lost/Damaged Passport, or Child Passport. Each type has slightly different document requirements and fee structures.

3. 3

   Fill in your personal details - copy your citizenship EXACTLY

   Enter your name exactly as written on your citizenship certificate, including the order of words, spacing, and spelling. Even a minor mismatch - like "Ram Bahadur" with two spaces instead of one, or "Shrestha" spelled differently - will cause your application to be rejected at the verification stage. Double-check before hitting Next.

4. 4

   Upload your photo

   The photo must be: recent (taken within 3 months), 35mm x 45mm size, pure white background (not cream, not light grey - pure white), no glasses, no head covering (religious exceptions exist but require documentation), face clearly visible. Take the photo specifically for this application - do not use an old photo or a cropped selfie.

5. 5

   Upload your documents

   Scan or photograph your citizenship certificate (front and back). The image must be clear - not blurry, not cut off at edges, not photographed at an angle under dim light. If you are renewing, also upload a clear scan of your current/old passport's bio-data page (the photo page).

6. 6

   Select your processing center and appointment type

   Choose Regular (15 working days) or Express (24 hours). Then select your appointment date and time slot. This is the hard part - read the Appointment Reality section below before doing this step.

7. 7

   Pay the fee online

   Use Connect IPS, eSewa, Khalti, or direct bank deposit via a voucher. The fee must be paid before your appointment is confirmed. Keep the payment receipt - print it or screenshot it. You will need to show it at the counter.

8. 8

   Appear in person on your appointment date for biometric capture

   Bring ALL your original documents plus the appointment confirmation printout (or screenshot on phone). At the office, a officer will verify your documents, then you will be directed to the biometric room where your fingerprints and live photo are taken. This is what creates the data on your e-Passport chip.

9. 9

   Wait for SMS notification and collect your passport

   You will receive an SMS when your passport is ready. For regular track, this is approximately 15 working days from your biometric appointment. For Express, it is 24 hours. Go to the collection counter with your token number and a photo ID. The collection process itself takes 5–10 minutes.

Two Application Tracks: Online Appointment vs Walk-In

The passport office technically allows both appointment-based applications (booked online) and walk-in applications. In theory. In practice, the experience of each is very different, and during peak season (Dashain/Tihar, June-July before summer travel, and February-March before school admission season abroad), walk-in is a genuinely painful experience.

If you do choose walk-in, arrive by 7:30 AM at the very latest on a Thursday or Friday. Thursday and Friday consistently have shorter queues than the beginning of the week - probably because most people book and plan for Monday. Thursday-Friday is the smart hack if you must walk in.

The Appointment Booking Reality

Here is the thing nobody tells you when they hand you the URL for passportnepal.gov.np: appointment slots for Kathmandu open at midnight and are gone within minutes. Not hours. Minutes. During high-demand periods, all available slots for the next two to three weeks can disappear within ten to fifteen minutes of midnight.

The reason is that there are agencies, brokers, and tech-savvy individuals who know exactly when slots open and grab them immediately - sometimes to resell appointments informally. This is an open secret. The system has improved since 2023 but the underlying demand-supply mismatch has not changed: there are simply more passport applications than appointment slots every day in Kathmandu.

Another pattern: slots sometimes get released when people cancel. This happens sporadically throughout the day - there is no fixed time. If midnight does not work for you, check the portal a few times during the day, particularly around 10–11 AM (when people wake up and realize they made an appointment they cannot keep) and around 2–3 PM.

Province DAOs generally do not have the same slot scarcity problem. If you have flexibility about where you collect your passport and are not in a rush to be in Kathmandu, check the provincial offices - they often have slots available within the current week.

Documents Required: Fresh Application (First-Time Passport)

The official website lists four documents. In practice, the officer may ask for additional items depending on your situation. Here is the complete, realistic list:

Documents Required: Renewal (Renewing an Existing Passport)

Passport renewal in Nepal is actually simpler than a fresh application in some ways - the system already has your biometric data from your previous passport application. However, biometric capture still happens again at appointment time (your fingerprints are re-captured to confirm identity).

Documents Required: Child Passport (Under 16)

Child passport applications have an extra layer of complexity: both parents need to be involved, and the rules around absent parents are strict. This is the area where the most confusion and rejections happen.

Fee Structure 2026: Exactly What You Will Pay

Fees are paid online before your appointment. There is no cash transaction at the passport office counter (at least officially). Pay via the online portal using digital wallets or Connect IPS. If you are using bank deposit, get the deposit slip from your bank and upload the reference number on the portal.

Photo Requirements: The Reason Most Applications Get Rejected

More first-time applications get rejected or returned for photo issues than any other reason. The officer will check your photo against the specifications and reject anything that does not match. Here is exactly what is required, written clearly:

The safest approach: go to a professional photo studio that specifically knows passport photo requirements. Tell them it is for a Nepal government passport (e-Passport). Cost is typically NPR 100–200 per set of 4 photos. Do not try to take a passport photo yourself with your phone - the background will almost never be pure white enough, and you will lose time at the office.

The Name Matching Problem: Most Common Rejection No One Talks About

This is the hidden landmine that catches people who think they have done everything correctly. Your name on the passport application must exactly match your citizenship certificate - character by character, space by space, comma by comma.

Examples of mismatches that cause rejection:

• Citizenship says "Ram Bahadur Thapa" but you write "Ram B. Thapa" on the form
• Citizenship says "Sunita Devi Sharma" but you write "Sunita Sharma"
• Citizenship has a middle name space ("Dil Kumar" - two spaces) but you type "Dil Kumar" (one space)
• Your citizenship is in Nepali script and the romanization used on the form differs from what the system has on record
• You go by a nickname or short form of your name in daily life and use that on the form

If your name in the passport application portal auto-fills from a previous government database entry and that entry has an error, you will need to contact the Department of Passports directly or submit a correction request before the appointment. This is not a quick process - budget an extra 1–2 weeks if you need a name database correction.

What Actually Happens at the Office: A Realistic Picture

The Department of Passports at Narayanhiti opens at 10 AM officially. But the queue forms much earlier - from 7 AM, sometimes 7:30 AM, particularly on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. By 9 AM on a busy Monday, there can be 300–400 people already waiting in the courtyard outside.

If you have an online appointment, you go to a separate, dedicated appointment lane that is faster. But even appointment lanes have a waiting time of 30–60 minutes on busy days because the biometric capture itself takes 3–5 minutes per person and there are only a fixed number of biometric capture stations.

Here is what happens once you get inside:

1. Document verification counter: An officer checks your original documents against what you uploaded online. This takes about 2–3 minutes if everything is in order. If there is a mismatch, you will be told what the problem is and sent back.
2. Queue token: You receive a numbered token for the biometric room.
3. Biometric data capture room: Your fingerprints (all 10 fingers) are scanned electronically. A camera takes your live photo. This data goes into the e-Passport chip. The whole process takes 3–5 minutes.
4. Final submission: Your physical documents are checked one more time and retained (or returned, depending on which ones they need to keep). You are given a receipt/acknowledgment slip with your application number.
5. Collection notification: You wait for the SMS. Do not call the office every day asking - the SMS is automated and will come.

Delivery Timeline: What to Actually Expect

Applying from Outside Nepal: NRN and Embassy Process

If you are a Nepali citizen currently living abroad - whether as a migrant worker in the Gulf, a student in Australia, a resident in the UK, or anywhere else - you cannot use passportnepal.gov.np. The online portal is only for applications processed within Nepal.

For overseas applications, the process goes through the Nepali Embassy or Consulate in the country you are in. Each embassy has its own appointment system, fee structure (usually in local currency equivalent), and processing time. The general steps are:

• Contact your nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate (find the list at mofa.gov.np)
• Fill the application form available on the embassy's website (not passportnepal.gov.np)
• Gather the same core documents: citizenship certificate, photos, old passport
• For the citizenship certificate, you may need to get it through your family in Nepal and have it sent to you - or in some countries, Nepali embassies can verify via their own database
• Appear in person at the embassy for biometric capture
• Processing time is typically 3–6 weeks through embassy channels as the data goes back to Kathmandu for printing

Common Rejection Reasons: The Complete List

Beyond the photo and name issues already covered, here are all the reasons applications get rejected or delayed - gathered from real experiences at the Department of Passports:

Special Situations: Lost Passport, Damaged Passport, Emergency Travel

Lost Passport

A lost passport requires a separate track with additional documentation. You cannot just apply for a regular renewal. Steps:

1. File a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station. Get a certified copy of this FIR.
2. Place a public notice in a national daily newspaper (Gorkhapatra or equivalent) stating that you have lost your passport with the old passport number. This is an old requirement that is still technically required - some officers still ask for the newspaper notice.
3. Apply through the online portal, selecting "Lost Passport" as the application type.
4. Bring both the police FIR and any copy of your old passport's bio-data page you can find (a photocopy you made before, or a scan from an old email).
5. Expect a verification process - the office will check if the old passport has been flagged or used anywhere since it was reported lost. This adds time to processing.

Damaged Passport

If your passport is damaged (water damage, torn pages, ink smear over the bio-data), bring the damaged original. The officer will assess the damage. If the bio-data page is still readable, the process is similar to renewal. If the chip is damaged or the bio-data is unreadable, it is treated more like a lost passport application with additional verification.

Emergency Travel Document

If you have a genuine emergency - death of a close family member abroad, medical emergency requiring immediate travel - the Department of Passports has an emergency window. You will need to provide proof of the emergency (hospital documents, death certificate) and pay the Express fee. Bring someone who can advocate in person if you are in distress - the process moves faster with clear communication at the officer level.

After Submission: Tracking Your Passport

You can track your passport status on passportnepal.gov.np using your application number. The portal shows stages: Submitted, Biometric Captured, Verification in Progress, Printing, Ready for Collection.

The SMS notification when your passport is ready for collection comes from the system automatically. If you have not received an SMS after 20 working days on Regular track, log into the portal and check your status there. If the portal shows "Ready for Collection" but you have not received an SMS, go to the collection counter with your application number - it may simply be an SMS delivery issue.

The Queue Reality: Day-by-Day Guide

If you need to be at the Narayanhiti office in person, here is what each day looks like based on actual patterns at the office:

Understanding Passport Validity

Nepal's e-Passport is valid for different periods depending on the applicant's age:

• Adults (16 and above): 10 years validity from date of issue
• Children (under 16): 5 years validity from date of issue
• After expiry, you must renew - there is no extension of validity, only a fresh renewal application

When you renew, all existing visas in your old passport technically move with you in terms of immigration record, but physically you should keep your old passport when traveling to countries where you have active multi-entry visas - immigration officers need to see the original visa stamp. The passport office stamps "Cancelled" on your old passport before returning it (for renewals).

District Administration Offices: The Alternative to Kathmandu

For people outside the Kathmandu valley, the District Administration Office (DAO) in your district is your main touchpoint. The DAO process works like this:

You fill the online application on passportnepal.gov.np as normal, but select your district's DAO as the processing center instead of Kathmandu. You go to the DAO for your biometric appointment. The DAO then sends your application data to the Department of Passports in Kathmandu for printing. The finished passport is sent back to the DAO and you collect it there.

One practical tip for DAO applicants: call your DAO before going. Find the DAO phone number through the Ministry of Home Affairs website (moha.gov.np). Ask specifically: "Do you have biometric equipment available? Is it working?" Equipment maintenance issues do come up at smaller offices, and you do not want to drive two hours to find the fingerprint scanner is offline.

How the e-Passport Chip Works (And Why It Matters for Travel)

The chip in your e-Passport contains your biographic data (same as what is printed) plus your fingerprint minutiae and a facial recognition template. At international airports with e-gates - like Heathrow, Changi, Dubai International, or Schiphol - you can use the automated gate by scanning your passport and then looking at the camera. It reads your chip, matches your face, and lets you through without a queue.

Some countries have been slow to recognize Nepal's e-Passport for automated processing, but this is a political/diplomatic issue, not a technical one. The chip itself meets ICAO standards. For most travel purposes, the e-Passport works the same as before - the immigration officer scans the machine-readable zone at the bottom of the bio-data page and your details come up on screen.

The chip also makes the passport significantly harder to forge, which is why several countries that previously required visas for MRP holders have relaxed requirements for e-Passport holders. This trend has been ongoing since 2023 and is expected to continue.

Frequently Searched Questions: Specific Answers

These are questions that come up constantly in online groups and communities - answered specifically:

Can I use my old MRP passport until it expires? Yes, absolutely. A valid MRP passport remains valid until its printed expiry date. You only receive an e-Passport when you apply for a new one (renewal, fresh application). There is no mandatory exchange program.

Can I have two passports? No. Nepal does not issue dual passports to ordinary citizens. You can only hold one valid Nepali passport at a time. (Note: this is different from dual citizenship, which Nepal generally does not allow - with some exceptions for NRN cardholders.)

My citizenship was issued in Nepal Sambat - will that cause problems? No, older citizenship certificates with Nepal Sambat dates are still valid. The officer is familiar with all historical formats. Just make sure the citizenship is not damaged beyond legibility.

Can I collect my passport on behalf of someone else? Officially, the applicant should collect in person. In practice, some DAOs allow collection by a family member with a notarized authorization letter and a copy of the applicant's and collector's IDs. Kathmandu's main office is stricter about this. Do not assume - call ahead.

What if I move districts after applying? Your collection point is fixed at the time of application. If you need to change the collection location, you will need to contact the Department of Passports directly - this is a manual process that takes time. Try to be certain of your collection location when you apply.

Can I apply for a passport with a temporary citizenship? Temporary (aachhi) citizenship certificates are not accepted for passport applications. You must have your permanent (sthayi) citizenship first. This is a common issue for recently naturalized citizens or those whose permanent citizenship was delayed.

Nepal Passport Power: Where Can You Travel Visa-Free?

The Nepal passport has a relatively limited visa-free access score compared to passports from high-income countries. As of 2026, the Nepal passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 40–45 countries and territories worldwide. This is a significant constraint for Nepali travellers and a key reason many Nepalis seek permanent residency or citizenship in countries with stronger passports.

The India–Nepal relationship is unique in the world of international travel: Nepali and Indian citizens can travel freely between the two countries without a passport or visa, using only a citizenship card or other government ID. This open-border arrangement stems from the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Nepalis can also live and work in India without any visa or permit.

Applying for Nepal Passport While Abroad

Nepali citizens residing abroad can apply for passport renewal or a new passport through the nearest Nepal Embassy or Consulate. The process is broadly similar to the domestic process but with some differences:

1. Locate your nearest Nepal Embassy or Consulate: Nepal has embassies and consulates in India (multiple cities), USA, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Australia, and several other countries. A full list is available at mofa.gov.np.
2. Check embassy-specific requirements: Each embassy may have slightly different document requirements and appointment systems. Some embassies use their own online booking systems; others are walk-in. Check the specific embassy website before going.
3. Submit documents: Typically required: existing passport, citizenship certificate copy, proof of residence abroad (visa/permit/ID), two passport photos (following DIP specifications), and payment of the consular fee in local currency.
4. Processing time: Overseas processing is significantly slower, 60–90 working days is standard. Urgent processing may be available at some missions for an additional fee. Applications are sent to DIP Kathmandu for printing and returned to the embassy for distribution.
5. Collect at embassy: Collect your renewed passport at the embassy. Some missions allow postal delivery within the country.

Nepal Embassies with High Nepali Population (useful contact points):

• New Delhi, India: +91-11-2341-7494 (high volume, book well in advance)
• Abu Dhabi, UAE: +971-2-4448462
• Doha, Qatar: +974-44360170
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: +966-1-4881966
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: +60-3-21610506
• Tokyo, Japan: +81-3-37058558
• Seoul, South Korea: +82-2-3789-5745
• London, UK: +44-20-72291594
• Washington DC, USA: +1-202-667-4550

E-Passport: Nepal's Digital Future

Nepal is in the process of transitioning to e-passports (electronic passports with embedded RFID chips storing biometric data). E-passports are the global standard and offer enhanced security features, faster immigration processing via automated e-gates, and greater international acceptance.

Nepal Rastra Bank and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to introduce e-passports in 2024–2025, but implementation has been delayed due to procurement processes and technical setup. As of April 2026, e-passport issuance has begun in limited form from the central DIP office in Kathmandu, with nationwide rollout expected by 2027.

Key facts about Nepal's e-passport:

• Biometric data (fingerprints + facial recognition) stored on an embedded RFID chip
• Compliant with ICAO Document 9303 international standards
• Same fee structure as existing MRP passports (initially)
• Enables use of automated e-gates at airports in participating countries
• More secure against forgery and unauthorized alteration
• Existing MRP passports remain valid until their expiry date, no mandatory replacement

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thousands of Nepali passport applications face delays or rejections every year due to avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• Name spelling discrepancy: The most common issue. Your name in the passport form must exactly match your citizenship certificate, same English spelling, same middle name (or lack thereof). Discrepancies trigger a manual verification process that delays applications by weeks.
• Wrong date of birth format: Nepal uses BS (Bikram Sambat) dates on citizenship certificates. The DIP form may require AD dates. Convert carefully using a BS-to-AD converter. Incorrect DOB means your passport will have wrong information that's extremely difficult to correct later.
• Poor-quality photos: The on-site biometric photo is captured at DIP, but the 2 photos you bring must meet strict specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, recent (within 3 months), no glasses, no headwear, neutral expression, face occupying 70–80% of the frame. Rejected photos mean rescheduling.
• Missing documents: Don't assume you have everything ready, double-check the current DIP checklist at dip.gov.np before your appointment day. Requirements have been updated several times in recent years.
• Not checking old passport validity: If you're travelling soon (within 3–4 months) and your passport is already expired or expiring, opt for the 15-day urgent service (Rs. 5,000) rather than the standard 45-day service.
• Paying unofficial agents: Avoid paying middlemen or "dalals" who claim to expedite passport processing. DIP has no official agent program and any "urgent processing through contacts" claims are scams. Unofficial payments won't speed up your passport and you may lose your money.

What to Do While Waiting for Your Passport

After submitting your passport application, you receive an acknowledgment slip (token) which serves as proof of application. If you have immediate travel needs during the 45-day or 15-day waiting period, here's what you can do:

• Apply for visa using the acknowledgment slip: Some embassies (particularly India, some Gulf countries) accept the DIP acknowledgment slip as temporary proof of travel document application when applying for a visa. Always verify with the specific embassy first.
• Use your old (expired) passport for identity: The surrendered (cancelled) passport returned by DIP after processing serves as a photo identity document for domestic purposes. It is not valid for international travel.
• Emergency Travel Document (ETD): If you have an urgent international travel need before your passport is ready, DIP can issue a temporary ETD. These are issued only in genuine emergencies (medical travel, bereavement, etc.) and require supporting documentation.
• Track status online: Check dip.gov.np regularly. When status changes to "Ready for Collection," visit DIP promptly with your acknowledgment slip and original citizenship for collection.

Nepal Passport: Special Cases and Less Common Situations

Changed Name After Marriage

For women who change their surname after marriage, the passport can be updated to reflect the new name. You will need to present: your original marriage certificate, husband's citizenship, and your old citizenship updated with the new name. The easiest approach is first to update your citizenship certificate with the new name at your local ward office, then apply for a new passport reflecting the new name. This process typically requires surrendering your old passport.

Applying for a Passport Without a Citizenship (Younger Applicants)

Nepali citizens can obtain citizenship at age 16. However, a minor's passport can be issued before citizenship age based on birth registration alone. For applicants under 16 without citizenship, the birth registration certificate (Janam Darta) substitutes for the citizenship document, but both parents must be present with their own citizenship documents at the DIP appointment. A minor's passport is valid for 5 years and must be renewed upon citizenship issuance.

Deported/Returned Workers: Passport Issues

Nepali workers who have been deported from destination countries sometimes face passport issues upon return, for example, a passport may have been retained by an employer (illegal practice) or may have expired while abroad. Upon return, contact DIP directly with your circumstances. For workers without valid travel documents, the Nepal Embassy in the destination country should issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) before repatriation. Once back in Nepal, visit DIP with your circumstances, original citizenship, and police report of any document retention to apply for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nepal Passport vs Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Card

Many Nepali citizens who have acquired foreign nationality frequently ask about returning to Nepal or maintaining ties with the country. Nepal's constitution does not recognise dual citizenship, acquiring a foreign passport means giving up Nepali citizenship. However, two mechanisms exist for former Nepali citizens:

Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Identity Card: The Non-Resident Nepali Act 2064 established the NRN identity card for former Nepali citizens (those who have taken foreign citizenship) and their descendants up to the second generation. The NRN card provides:

• Entry to Nepal without a tourist visa
• Right to own immovable property (within limits) in Nepal
• Investment and business rights in Nepal
• Right to operate bank accounts in NPR and foreign currency
• Participation in certain professional activities in Nepal

The NRN card is not a passport and does not confer citizenship. NRN cardholders must still enter Nepal on their foreign passport. The card simply exempts them from the tourist visa requirement and grants certain economic rights.

Foreign Citizens of Nepali Origin: The citizenship of Nepali origin category allows some people to receive benefits similar to NRN cardholders even without a NRN card. This mainly applies to Indian citizens of Nepali origin, given the 1950 bilateral treaty. For other nationalities, the NRN card route is the appropriate one.

Passport Photo Specifications: Getting It Right the First Time

One of the most common reasons for passport application delays in Nepal is non-compliant passport photos. While the biometric photo is taken on-site at DIP, the two physical photos you bring must meet strict specifications:

Studio photo quality matters, don't use a smartphone selfie printed at home. Use a photography studio that specifically offers passport photos. Most studios near DIP offices know the exact requirements. Cost is typically Rs. 50–150 for 2 photos. Ensure the background is truly white (not off-white or grey), as blue-tinted or shadowed backgrounds are frequently rejected.

Nepal Passport in Different Life Situations

Getting a Passport as a First-Time Applicant (Young Adults)

For young Nepalis applying for their first passport at age 16–22, the process can feel overwhelming. The most common issue is that citizenship certificates for young people are sometimes issued with name discrepancies, for example, the English spelling of your name on the citizenship may differ between what appears on your school certificates. Resolve any name discrepancies with your local ward office before applying for a passport, as DIP will flag any mismatch with the citizenship database.

If you are 16–18 years old, check whether your birth is registered in your local ward office (Janma Darta). If you were born outside a hospital or in a remote area, you may need to complete birth registration first. Without a birth registration record, citizenship issuance can be delayed, which in turn delays your passport application.

Passport for Children Under 5 (Travelling Abroad with Parents)

Children of any age can get a Nepal passport. For children under 16, the passport is valid for 5 years only. For infants and very young children (under 5), the biometric capture process is adapted, fingerprints may not be captured for very young children since their fingerprints are not yet well-formed. The photo capture is still done on-site. Both parents must be present, or the absent parent must provide a notarized consent letter. For travel to India, young children can use their birth certificate alongside a parent's passport, but for all other international destinations, a separate passport is required even for infants.

Passport Renewal After Expiry (If Already Expired)

If your passport has already expired, you can still renew it through the same process. There is no "late renewal" penalty fee, the standard renewal fee (Rs. 3,500 for regular processing) applies regardless of how long ago your passport expired. However, if your previous passport was issued under the old non-MRP (Machine Readable Passport) format (passports issued before 2010), you may need to provide additional identity documentation as the old records may not be digitally linked. Bring your old expired passport plus original citizenship to your DIP appointment.

Passport for Overseas Workers Going to Gulf Countries

For Nepali workers preparing to go to Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, or other labour destination countries, the passport is just one part of the documentation chain. You also need:

• A valid work visa/demand letter from your employer (arranged through your recruitment agency)
• DoFE (Department of Foreign Employment) approval, mandatory for all countries on Nepal's approved labour destination list
• Migrant worker insurance (Pravasi Shreejana Beema), mandatory for Gulf workers
• Pre-departure orientation training completion certificate
• Medical fitness certificate from a DoFE-recognised medical centre

Never surrender your passport to your employer or recruitment agent after arriving in the destination country. Workers retaining control of their own passport is a fundamental legal right, and any employer who confiscates your passport is violating international labour standards. If this happens to you, contact the nearest Nepal Embassy immediately.

Summary: Nepal Passport at a Glance

Here's everything you need to know about Nepal passports in 2026, summarised:

• Apply online first at dip.gov.np before visiting any DIP office
• Fee: Rs. 3,500 (regular, 45 days) | Rs. 5,000 (urgent, 15 days) | Rs. 10,000 (same day)
• Core documents: Citizenship certificate + old passport (for renewal) + payment receipt
• Biometrics captured on-site: No need to bring your own photo for the digital capture; bring 2 printed photos for records
• Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under 16
• Track status: dip.gov.np → Application Status, or SMS your token to 1234
• Never pay informal agents, all DIP transactions are regulated and fixed-fee
• Renew 12 months before expiry to avoid travel disruptions
• Carry both old and new passport when travelling if your old passport has valid visas