How to Apply for an e-Passport in Nepal Online (2026 Guide)

Quick Answer / At-a-Glance

Introduction

Nepal’s electronic passport (e-Passport) is the biometric travel document issued by the Department of Passports. The overall process involves an online pre-enrollment or online application phase, followed by mandatory in-person biometric enrollment and verification, with final processing and card collection depending on location and service type. The steps below reflect the current 2026 process and emphasize verification with official portals at every stage.

What is an e-Passport?

• An e-Passport is a biometric passport with an embedded chip containing holder data (biometric and personal information) to facilitate security checks at international borders.
• It replaces the older Machine Readable Passport (MRP) for new issuances and renewals where applicable.
• It does not in itself grant immigration rights; it is the travel document issued under Nepal’s passport system.

e-Passport vs MRP

Notes: the shift to e-Passport aligns with ICAO standards and DoP guidance; verify current handling and eligibility for renewal or replacement.

Who Can Apply for an e-Passport?

• Nepalese citizens who require a travel document for international travel.
• Adults and minors with distinct requirements and consent rules.
• Existing passport holders renewing or replacing an expired or near-expiry passport.
• Residents needing to update biometric data or replace a lost/stolen passport.
• Applicants abroad via Nepalese embassies/consulates follow embassy-specific procedures in coordination with the Department of Passports.

Do You Need a National Identity Number (NIN) for an e-Passport?

• As of 2026, NIN requirements for passport applicants vary by policy and the Department of Passports’ integration with NID systems.
• Some applicants may need to validate NIN as part of the online pre-enrollment or during biometric enrollment; others may not be required depending on the service pathway.
• If NIN is requested, you will be guided to verify it through the official NIN system and to enter it in the passport pre-enrollment form.

How to Check NIN and NIN Validation

• The NIN check is performed on the official National ID system or as integrated by the Department of Passports for passport applicants.
• To verify NIN, use the official NIN validation flow on the authorized government portals.
• If your NIN cannot be validated, you must correct records or complete verification steps through the official channels.

For the full NID process — pre-registration, biometrics, and NIN tracking — see our National ID pre-registration guide.

What You Need Before Starting

Prepare these in advance:

• Citizenship certificate (or other identity documents per official guidance)
• Your existing passport (for renewals) or proof of identity for first issuance
• Personal information: full name, date of birth, gender
• Contact information: mobile number and email (if provided)
• Permanent and current address details
• National Identity Number (NIN), if applicable
• A digital photograph that meets official photo requirements (if the portal asks for an upload)
• Payment method for passport fees (credit/debit card or other accepted methods)
• Any supporting documents for special cases (lost passport, name change, etc.)
• A compatible device with internet access for online pre-enrollment and appointment booking
• A calm plan for travel if biometric enrollment requires travel to specific centers

Official Passport Pre-Enrollment Portal

• The official pre-enrollment platform is hosted by the Department of Passports.
• Official domain and access points are provided by the Department of Passports and its official portals. Always verify you are on the official site before entering any personal data.
• The pre-enrollment portal is used to start an online application, collect basic information, verify NIN when required, and prepare the appointment workflow.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Step 1: Check Requirements and Eligibility

• Confirm you are eligible for the passport service you seek (new issuance, renewal, replacement, or lost/damaged).
• Confirm whether you need NIN validation for your case.

Step 2: Open Official Portal

• Navigate to the Department of Passports official portal for pre-enrollment.
• Verify the URL and the site’s security (HTTPS and official domain).
• If abroad, check embassy/consulate pages for local enrollment instructions or remote submission options.

Step 3: Choose Application Type

Choose the correct option: First Issuance, Renewal, Replacement (Lost/Stolen), Replacement (Damaged), or Minor/Children’s passport.

Step 4: Enter Personal Information

• Enter names as they appear on your citizenship certificate, in English and Devanagari if requested.
• Enter date of birth, place of birth, gender, nationality.
• Provide permanent and current addresses (district, municipality/ward).
• Provide contact information (mobile number and email).

Common mistakes: mismatching spellings across documents; using the wrong date format or incorrect date of birth; entering addresses that do not match official records.

Step 5: Validate NIN (if required)

• If the portal requests NIN validation, enter your NIN and perform the validation through the official NIN system.
• If validation fails, verify NIN and related personal details with the National ID authority or the official portal’s help.

Step 6: Enter Passport Information

• If renewing, transfer existing passport details into the form.
• If first issuance, enter required personal data and passport preference (page count, validity period, etc.).
• Ensure the passport type, page count, and nationality details are correct.

Step 7: Select Enrollment Center

• Choose a processing/enrollment center or a diplomatic mission if applying from abroad.
• Location can affect processing times, service availability, and fees.

Step 8: Book Appointment

• If the system requires an appointment, choose a date and time from available slots.
• Note that appointment availability varies by location and demand.
• If no slots are available, check alternative centers or return later.

Step 9: Review and Submit

• Carefully review all entered information.
• Confirm that names, dates, citizenship numbers, and addresses match official records.
• Submit the application and save the confirmation details.

Step 10: Save Confirmation

• Save the confirmation number, appointment details, and payment receipt if applicable.
• Print or save digital copies for your records.
• You may receive a confirmation email or SMS with next steps.

How to Book a Department of Passports Appointment

• Appointments are required for biometric enrollment in most cases, especially for first issuance and renewal.
• Choose Tripureshwor or another designated enrollment center if available to you.
• If appointment slots are scarce, monitor the official portal for new openings, or check alternate centers.
• If you miss an appointment, follow the portal’s or center’s rescheduling policy.

What Happens at the Passport Office?

A typical in-person process includes:

1. Arrival and identity check
2. Document verification (citizenship certificate, previous passport if renewing, photos if required)
3. Application verification (cross-check with pre-enrollment data)
4. Biometric enrollment (fingerprints, facial photograph, signature)
5. Payment of any applicable fees (if not paid online)
6. Issuance confirmation and collection instructions
7. Exit from the facility with a receipt and next steps

Biometric enrollment specifics:

• Fingerprints: usually both thumbs and possibly other fingers
• Facial photograph: recent, clear photo meeting official standards
• Signature: if required by the DoP system

What to Bring to the Passport Office (Biometric Enrollment)

• Original citizenship certificate
• Your enrollment confirmation and appointment letter
• Previous passport (if renewing)
• Any correction documents or supporting documents
• Your National Identity Number (NIN) validation results if required
• Payment receipt if you paid fees online or at enrollment location
• A photo meeting official guidelines (if required to bring a photo)

Biometric Enrollment Explained

• Why biometrics: to uniquely identify the applicant and enhance passport security.
• Biometric data typically collected: facial photograph, fingerprints (usually both hands), signature (if applicable).
• Preparation tips: ensure hands are clean; avoid lotions that interfere with fingerprint capture; bring original documents for verification; follow instructions at the center to avoid delays.
• What to expect during enrollment: staff will verify identity and documents; you may need to sign documents; biometric capture occurs in a controlled environment.
• After enrollment: data is sent for processing; NIN is confirmed for passport tracking or status.

Document Checklist (Detailed)

Create separate checklists by applicant type.

Adult first-time applicant

• Original citizenship certificate
• Copy of citizenship certificate (if requested)
• Passport-sized photographs (if required)
• Proof of address
• Previous identity documents, if any
• Online pre-enrollment confirmation

Adult renewal applicant

• Old passport
• Citizenship certificate or identity documents
• Passport photos (if required)
• Address proof
• Online enrollment confirmation
• Payment receipt

Minor applicant

• Child’s birth certificate or citizenship certificate
• Guardian’s ID
• Guardian consent
• Child photo meeting guidelines
• Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate or guardianship documents)

Lost/damaged passport

• Police report (if applicable)
• Identity documents
• Replacement request form or official instructions
• Old passport (if available)

Passport renewal or replacement (special circumstances)

• Supporting documents for special circumstances (as applicable)
• Official forms from DoP

Apply-from-abroad

• Embassy/consulate instructions
• Local contact details
• Required documents for foreign enrollment (as specified by DoP)

e-Passport Fees in Nepal

• The official fee schedule is determined by the Department of Passports and can vary by service type (new issuance, renewal, replacement) and location (DoP center, embassy, etc.).
• Do not rely on unofficial sources for fee figures.

Typical fee categories may include:

• Regular service fee
• Urgent/expedited service fee (if available)
• Replacement/lost passport fee
• Embassy/consulate handling fees (for abroad applications)

Payment methods vary by location and may include online payment or on-site payment at enrollment centers.

Regular vs Urgent Passport Service

• Regular service: standard processing time (as defined by official notices)
• Urgent/expedited service: faster processing where available (often at higher fees)
• Availability depends on service location (Kathmandu Tripureshwor center vs regional offices and foreign missions)
• Appointment availability and eligibility rules may differ for urgent service

How Long Does an e-Passport Take?

• Processing times vary by service type (new issuance, renewal, replacement) and workflow at DoP.
• Online pre-enrollment and biometric enrollment are steps in the timeline; passport production, printing, and delivery take longer.

Do not promise a fixed date; consult the official status-tracking tool for current timelines.

How to Track Your Passport Application

• Department of Passports typically provides an online tracking portal or status check tool.
• You will need your application/reference number, NIN (if used), and other identifiers as required by the portal.
• Status terminology can vary; refer to the official portal’s status definitions.
• If status does not update, contact the DoP helpline or the embassy/consulate if abroad.

How to Collect Your e-Passport

Collection location is determined by the DoP, embassy, or consulate depending on where you applied.

Bring:

• Original identification (passport or NIN validation)
• Receipt or reference number
• Any collection authorization if someone else is collecting for you

For overseas applications, collection may be at the embassy/consulate with proper authorization.

Renewal of an Existing e-Passport / MRP

• If you hold an MRP and wish to transition to e-Passport, confirm the DoP instructions on whether you can upgrade online or need a new application at an enrollment center.
• You might need to submit additional documentation and biometric enrollment for the new passport.

First-Time Passport vs Renewal

• First-time passport: requires new applicant data, biometric enrollment, and potential NIN validation as required by the system.
• Renewal: uses existing passport information; you may need to supply updated personal details, biometric enrollment, and updated photographs if required.

Child / Minor e-Passport Application

• The process differs for minors, especially with parental consent and guardianship verification.
• Minor applicants may require parent/guardian presence and additional documents (birth certificate, guardianship papers, etc.).
• Children’s biometrics are collected with special arrangements; follow official guidance for minors.

Applying for an e-Passport From Abroad

• Nepal’s embassies/consulates handle many aspects of passport services abroad.
• Some steps may be completed online, while others require in-person verification at the embassy/consulate.
• Check the specific embassy or consulate’s pages for appointment booking, required documents, fees, and processing times.
• International mail and courier options for document submission may be offered by some missions.

Lost or Damaged Passport

1. If a passport is lost or stolen, report the loss to the relevant authority and begin replacement procedures.
2. Replacement requires identity verification, supporting documents, and payment of the replacement fee.
3. If the old passport is later found, follow official steps to revoke or invalidate the lost passport.

Correcting Information After Submission

• If you discover incorrect information after submitting, use the official correction process to update data.
• Corrections may require supporting documents and possibly a new enrollment step.
• Do not attempt to amend information through unofficial channels.

NIN Validation Problems

If NIN fails validation during the passport application:

1. Recheck the NIN entry for accuracy
2. Confirm NIN status with the National ID system
3. Retry validation after confirming data matches official records
4. If still unresolved, contact DoP or the appropriate government portal support

Appointment Problems

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering information inconsistent with official records (name, date of birth, citizenship number)
• Selecting the wrong service type (First Issuance vs Renewal)
• Missing required documents or using copies instead of originals when originals are required
• Not bringing the appointment confirmation or reference number
• Failing to verify NIN when requested
• Submitting multiple applications unnecessarily
• Not following DoP’s payment instructions
• Using unofficial websites or agents
• Failing to review the biometric enrollment instructions
• Not checking age- or mission-specific requirements for abroad applications

e-Passport Security and Fraud Prevention

• Use only official government portals and embassies/consulates for passport services.
• Never share OTPs or online banking credentials with third parties.
• Avoid third-party agents offering guaranteed appointments or shortcuts.
• Check official payment channels and receipts.
• Protect your application references and biometrics data from unauthorized access.
• Be cautious of phishing emails or fake DoP portals.

Official Websites and Contacts (What to Check)

• Department of Passports Nepal (official portal, pre-enrollment, appointment, tracking)
• DoP embassy/consulate pages for abroad applications
• National ID and Civil Registration Department (NIN validation)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for diplomatic missions)
• DoP contact page for helplines and inquiries

Ensure URLs are official and secure (HTTPS) and cross-check with the department’s official domain pages.

Common Troubleshooting

Final Summary

• The e-Passport process is a hybrid online/offline workflow: online pre-enrollment and appointment booking, followed by in-person biometric enrollment.
• NIN validation plays a central role in many cases; always use the official NIN verification flow.
• Fees, processing times, and appointment availability vary by service type, center, and location; verify through official DoP channels.
• Maintain careful records: reference numbers, appointment confirmations, and payment receipts.
• For abroad applications, rely on official embassy/consulate instructions and DoP guidance.

Last Updated: September 2026. Passport procedures, portal features, fees, and appointment systems can change. Verify the latest instructions with the Department of Passports before applying. SolutionsNepal is an educational guide and is not the passport authority.