An e-passport in Nepal (electronic passport / biometric passport) is a modern travel document embedded with an electronic microchip that stores the holder's biometric data — digital photograph, fingerprints, and signature. E-passports are issued by the Department of Passport under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs). The application process starts with online pre-enrollment at emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np, followed by in-person biometric enrollment at a District Administration Office (DAO) or Nepal Embassy/Consulate abroad.
| E-Passport Nepal — Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Electronic Passport (e-Passport) / Biometric Passport |
| Issuing authority | Department of Passport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Governing law | Passport Act, 2076 (2019) and Passport Rules, 2077 (2020) |
| Online portal | emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np |
| Fee (34 pages) | NPR 5,000 (regular) / NPR 12,000 (fast-track) |
| Fee (66 pages) | NPR 10,000 (regular) / NPR 20,000 (fast-track) |
| Processing time (in Nepal) | 2–3 working days (DAO) / 7–15 days (peak) |
| Processing time (abroad) | 30–45 days via embassy/consulate |
| NID requirement | NIN (National Identity Number) is mandatory for all new applications as of 2025 |
| Biometric data | Digital photo, fingerprints, digital signature |
| ICAO compliant | Yes — RFID chip, facial recognition, anti-counterfeiting measures |
An e-passport in Nepal is a biometric travel document with an electronic chip, issued by the Department of Passport under the Passport Act 2076. Apply online at emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np, then visit a DAO or embassy for biometric enrollment. Fees: NPR 5,000 (34 pages) or NPR 10,000 (66 pages). NID number is mandatory.
| Law / Regulation | Key Provision |
|---|---|
| Passport Act, 2076 (2019) | Section 3 authorizes issuance of passports to Nepali citizens. Defines types (ordinary, official, diplomatic), eligibility, suspension, and revocation conditions. |
| Passport Rules, 2077 (2020) | Rule 4: application and verification process. Rule 7: biometric data collection. Rule 9: denial/suspension conditions. Rule 12: renewal and replacement. Rule 14: official/diplomatic passports. Rule 15: embassy issuance for Nepalis abroad. |
| NID Act, 2076 (2019) | NIN (National Identity Number) is mandatory for e-passport applications as of 2025. Complete NID enrollment before applying. |
| ICAO Standards (Doc 9303) | Nepal's e-passport complies with international Machine Readable Travel Document standards for global acceptance. |
| Type | Issued To | Pages | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary e-Passport | All Nepali citizens | 34 or 66 pages | 10 years (adults) / 5 years (minors under 16) |
| Official Passport | Government employees on official duty | 34 pages | As per official travel period |
| Diplomatic Passport | Diplomats, senior government officials | 34 pages | As per diplomatic assignment |
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Nepali citizens (adults) | Valid citizenship certificate + NIN (National Identity Number) |
| Minors (under 16) | Birth certificate or Minor Identity Card + parents' citizenship + guardian consent |
| Nepalis abroad | Valid citizenship + NIN + apply through nearest Nepal Embassy/Consulate |
| Government employees | Ministry recommendation letter + service ID + citizenship |
| Renewal applicants | Previous passport (expired/expiring) + citizenship + NIN |
| Lost/damaged replacement | Police report + citizenship + NIN + additional fee |
| # | Document | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Printed pre-enrollment form | From emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np (with QR code) |
| 2 | Original citizenship certificate | Mandatory — no passport without citizenship |
| 3 | Photocopy of citizenship (front and back) | Clear and legible |
| 4 | National Identity Number (NIN) | Mandatory as of 2025 — complete NID enrollment first |
| 5 | Previous passport (if renewal) | Bio page (page 2-3) and stamp pages |
| 6 | Marriage certificate | If surname changed after marriage |
| 7 | Migration certificate | If permanent address differs from citizenship |
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 1 | Birth certificate (registered at ward office) or Minor Identity Card from DAO |
| 2 | Parents' citizenship certificates (both father and mother) |
| 3 | Parents' marriage certificate |
| 4 | Guardian consent form |
| 5 | Previous passport (if renewal) |
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the portal | Open emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np and click "Apply for E-Passport" |
| 2 | Select application type | First issuance, Renewal, Lost/Stolen Replacement, or Damage Replacement |
| 3 | Choose page count | 34 pages (standard) or 66 pages (frequent travelers) |
| 4 | Accept data privacy consent | Read and agree to the terms |
| 5 | Book appointment | Select your nearest DAO or embassy/consulate and pick available date and time |
| 6 | Fill personal details | Full name (Nepali + English), DOB, citizenship number, NIN, permanent/temporary address, next of kin |
| 7 | Upload documents | Scan and upload citizenship certificate and previous passport (if renewal) |
| 8 | Submit and print form | Download and print the pre-enrollment form with QR code — bring this to your appointment |
| 9 | Visit DAO/embassy on appointment date | Bring printed form + all original documents + photocopies + applicable fee |
| 10 | Biometric enrollment | Photo, fingerprints, and digital signature captured at the enrollment center |
| 11 | Collect passport | In Nepal: 2–3 working days at DAO. Abroad: 6–8 weeks via embassy. |
| Type | 34 Pages | 66 Pages |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (in Nepal) | NPR 5,000 | NPR 10,000 |
| Fast-track (in Nepal) | NPR 12,000 | NPR 20,000 |
| Embassy renewal (USA) | USD 150 | USD 150 |
| Embassy lost/damaged (USA) | USD 225 | USD 225 |
Fees vary by embassy location. Check your nearest Nepal Embassy or Consulate for current fee schedules. Payment methods also vary — some embassies accept only money orders or cashier's cheques.
NRNs and Nepali citizens living abroad can apply for e-passports through Nepal Embassies and Consulates worldwide. The process follows Rule 15 of the Passport Rules:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Complete pre-enrollment online at emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np — select your embassy/consulate as appointment location |
| 2 | Book appointment at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Consulate |
| 3 | Visit embassy on appointment date with all original documents + printed form + fee |
| 4 | Biometric enrollment at the embassy |
| 5 | Passport delivered by mail (if pre-paid return envelope provided) or collected in person (6–8 weeks) |
Important for NRNs: NIN is mandatory but applicants in certain countries (e.g., USA) may skip the NIN field if they do not have a National ID card yet. Check with your specific embassy for current requirements. Set your computer's time zone to Kathmandu time before booking appointments online — otherwise available slots may not display correctly.
As of 2025, the National Identity Number (NIN) is mandatory for all new e-passport applications. This means you must complete NID enrollment before applying for an e-passport. The NIN is entered during the online pre-enrollment form. Without a valid NIN, the application cannot be submitted.
| Situation | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Name change after marriage | If surname changed, submit marriage certificate + migration certificate during e-passport application |
| Name reversion after divorce | Submit court divorce decree + updated citizenship to change name on passport |
| Minor's passport after divorce | Custodial parent applies with custody order + both parents' citizenship |
| NRN divorce filing | Valid passport is required for POA attestation at Nepal Embassy — renew passport before filing |
| Travel restriction during divorce | Court may impose travel restrictions; passport renewal may be affected if legal hold exists |
| # | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | E-passport is a biometric travel document with RFID chip, issued under Passport Act 2076 |
| 2 | Apply online at emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np, then visit DAO or embassy for biometrics |
| 3 | NIN (National ID Number) is mandatory as of 2025 — enroll for NID first |
| 4 | Fees: NPR 5,000 (34 pages) / NPR 10,000 (66 pages); fast-track available |
| 5 | Processing: 2–3 days at DAO in Nepal; 6–8 weeks at embassy abroad |
| 6 | Documents: citizenship (mandatory), NIN, previous passport (renewal), marriage/migration certificate (if applicable) |
| 7 | Nepalis abroad apply through embassies — set time zone to Kathmandu before booking |
| 8 | Name changes after marriage or divorce require updated citizenship + supporting documents |
An e-passport (electronic passport) in Nepal is a biometric travel document embedded with an electronic microchip that stores the holder's digital photograph, fingerprints, and digital signature. It is issued by the Department of Passport under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The e-passport replaces the earlier Machine Readable Passport (MRP) system.
Apply through the Department of Passport's online portal:
E-passport fees in Nepal: NPR 5,000 for a 34-page regular passport and NPR 10,000 for a 66-page passport. Fast-track service costs NPR 12,000 (34 pages) or NPR 20,000 (66 pages). Embassy fees vary by location — for example, renewal at US consulates costs approximately USD 150 (regular) or USD 225 (lost/damaged).
Required documents for adult e-passport application:
For minors: birth certificate or Minor Identity Card, parents' citizenship, marriage certificate, and guardian consent.
Yes. As of 2025, the National Identity Number (NIN) is mandatory for all new e-passport applications. You must complete NID enrollment before applying for an e-passport. The NIN is entered during the online pre-enrollment form. However, some Nepal Embassies abroad may allow applicants to skip the NIN field if they have not yet enrolled for NID — check with your specific embassy.
Processing time depends on where you apply: at a District Administration Office (DAO) in Nepal, e-passports can be issued within 2–3 working days (regular) or same-day with fast-track. At Nepal Embassies/Consulates abroad, processing typically takes 6–8 weeks. During peak periods, DAO processing may take 7–15 working days.
Yes. Nepali citizens and NRNs living abroad can apply through any Nepal Embassy or Consulate. Complete pre-enrollment online at emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np, select your embassy as the appointment location, and visit in person for biometric enrollment. The passport is mailed to your address (with pre-paid return envelope) or collected in person. Processing takes 6–8 weeks.
Choose 34 pages (NPR 5,000) if you travel occasionally — sufficient for most people. Choose 66 pages (NPR 10,000) if you travel frequently and need more pages for visa stamps. Both have the same validity period (10 years for adults, 5 years for minors) and identical security features.
Fast-track service is an expedited processing option available at District Administration Offices in Nepal. The fee is NPR 12,000 for 34 pages and NPR 20,000 for 66 pages. With fast-track, the passport can be processed and issued on the same day or within 1 working day, compared to 2–3 days for regular processing. Fast-track is not available at embassies abroad.
No. An original Nepali citizenship certificate is mandatory for all passport applications — there is no exception for e-passport. Minors (under 16) who do not have citizenship use their birth certificate or Minor Identity Card along with parents' citizenship certificates. Citizens aged 16+ without citizenship must first obtain citizenship from their District Administration Office.
If your e-passport is lost or stolen: file a police report immediately, then apply for a replacement e-passport through the OPCR portal selecting "Lost/Stolen Replacement." You will need the police report, citizenship certificate, NIN, and pay a higher fee (e.g., USD 225 at US consulates vs. USD 150 for regular renewal). A new passport number will be issued.
To renew an expired or expiring e-passport: visit emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np, select "Renewal," upload your current passport and citizenship, book an appointment at DAO or embassy, and visit for biometric enrollment. Bring your old passport (bio page and stamp pages), original citizenship, NIN, and applicable fee. The old passport will be returned to you after the new one is issued.
Yes. You can track your application through the Department of Passport website at nepalpassport.gov.np using your application reference number. The portal shows whether your passport is in processing, printing, or ready for collection.
If you revert to your maiden name after divorce, you must first update your citizenship certificate at the District Administration Office with the court divorce decree, then apply for a new e-passport with the updated name. Submit the divorce decree, updated citizenship, NIN, and previous passport. The old passport will be cancelled and a new one issued with your updated name.
Yes. The custodial parent applies for the minor's passport with the custody order from the court, both parents' citizenship certificates, the child's birth certificate or Minor Identity Card, and the parents' marriage certificate. If one parent is abroad, their consent can be provided through an embassy-attested Power of Attorney.
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