Table of Contents
What is an E-Passport?
An ePassport, also known as a biometric passport, is a traditional passport that includes an electronic microprocessor chip embedded in it. A Passport issued by the Nepalese government with Biometric Technology is he E Passport.
It contains the holder’s digital photograph, fingerprint data, and other personal information. In Nepal, both conventional passports and E-Passports are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
However, the application process for an E-Passport is conditional upon holding a standard passport. Moreover, Nepal’s Electronic Passports have been issued by foreign consulates in various countries.
Who are Eligible for E-Passport?
Individuals with a Traditional Passport are the ones Eligible for E-Passport. For Individuals without Passport, you will be required to make a Traditional Passport before being granted an E-Passport.
What are the Laws Governing E-Passport in Nepal?
The Major Laws Governing the Issuance of Traditional Passport and E-Passport are as follows:
- Passport Act, 2019 (2076)
- Passport Rules, 2067 (2010)
What is the Process of Passport Registration in Nepal?
The Process of Passport Registration in Nepal are:
Step 1: Visit the Website of Your Embassy/Consulate/ or the Department of Passports
Visit emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np to access the website of the appropriate embassy or consulate.
Step 2: File an Application for Pre-Enrollment
Complete the Pre-Enrollment Procedure Application on the website. Ensure you have a valid passport before submitting the application. Upload your Citizenship Certificate and Passport digitally as required.
Step 3: Period of Appointment
Upon submission of the application, you will be assigned a period of appointment. This specifies the date and time you must be present at the Embassy or Consulate.
Step 4: Verification by the Embassy/Department
Attend in person at your embassy during the designated appointment period. Bring necessary documentation including proof of Nepalese citizenship, an original passport, a valid visa, and a printed copy of the online application form. Provide the required biometric information, including a photograph, fingerprint, and signature, to obtain an electronic passport.
Step 5: Examination
The Embassy will process your application, which typically takes 30 to 45 days. During this time, they will conduct the necessary diligence.
Step 6: Claim of E-Passport
Once your electronic passport is ready, you will be notified by the embassy or consulate. Visit the appropriate location to collect your processed passport.
What are the Documents required for E-Passport Registration?
The Documents Required for the Registration for an E-Passport are as follows:
- Citizenship Certificate of Nepal
- Standard Issued Passport
- VISA
- Application for Issuance of E-Passport
How much time does E-Passport Registration cost?
The Cost of Obtaining E-Passport is dependent on the Nation you are residing, either Nepal or elsewhere.
What is the Time Taken to get E-Passport?
Approximately, the Embassy or the Department of Passports or the Consulate require at least 35 Days for the Processing, Reviewing and Issuance of E-Passport. In average, it takes 35 to 50 Days for such Registration. However, for Nepal E-Passport is issued within 2-3 Working Days from the District Administration Office. NRN‘s, if they have another Citizenship cannot apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the process for e-passport registration for foreign Nepalese (NRNs or Nepalis abroad)?
Foreign Nepalese can apply for an e-passport through:
- Nepali Embassy / Consulate Abroad
- Apply in Nepal (if visiting)
2) Who is eligible for e-passport registration abroad?
Eligible applicants:
Nepali citizens living abroad (students, workers, residents)
NRNs with Nepali citizenship
Children born abroad to Nepali parents
Nepalis renewing old MRP passports
Lost/damaged passport holders
NRN ID alone cannot get a passport citizenship is mandatory.
3) What documents are required for foreign Nepalese to apply for an e-passport?
1. Mandatory Documents:
Nepali Citizenship Certificate (original + copy)
Current Passport (MRP or handwritten)
Online Pre-Enrollment Application
Appointment confirmation slip
Birth certificate (for minors)
If any document is lost:
Police report (local or Nepali Embassy report)
Notary-verified affidavit (if needed)
2. For Children Born Abroad:
Birth certificate
Parents’ citizenship
Passport-size photos
4) How much does an e-passport cost for NRNs/Nepalis abroad (2081 update)?
Fees vary by embassy but follow DoP standards:
1. Ordinary E-Passport (34 pages)
USD 50–60 (varies by country)
2. Long Validity E-Passport (66 pages)
USD 75–90
3. Urgent / Fast-Track
USD 150–200+
Each embassy sets fees based on local operational costs.
5) Can NRNs renew e-passports online?
You can apply online, but must physically visit the embassy/mission for:
Biometrics
Documents verification
Signature
Full online-only passport issuance is not allowed.
6) How long does e-passport processing take abroad?
Time varies by location:
Normal: 2–8 weeks
Urgent: 7–15 days (only at specific embassies)
During peak seasons: may take longer
Embassies forward biometric data to Nepal’s DoP.
7) Can I apply for an e-passport if my passport is expired?
Yes, expired passports can be renewed easily with:
Citizenship
Old passport
Online appointment
8) What if a Nepali abroad has lost their passport?
Process:
File a police complaint in the local country
Visit Embassy to get an emergency travel document (if needed)
Apply for replacement e-passport
Biometrics + documents verification
Passport issued normally
9) Can children born abroad get an e-passport?
Yes, parents must submit:
Child’s foreign birth certificate
Parents’ Nepali citizenship
Relationship proof
Photos
Online pre-enrollment form
The embassy registers the child into the national passport system.
10) Can foreign Nepalese upgrade from MRP to e-passport?
Yes, all MRP passports are being phased out. E-passport upgrade is mandatory before expiry.
11) Is it compulsory to go to Nepal for e-passport if living abroad?
No, embassies abroad fully handle:
Application
Biometrics
Delivery
Going to Nepal is optional.
12) What is the validity of e-passports issued to foreign Nepalese?
Adults: 10 years (34-page or 66-page)
Children under 10: 5 years
Frequent travelers: recommended 66-page passport
13) Can dual citizens apply for a Nepali e-passport?
No, Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. Applicant must hold only Nepali citizenship.
14) How to do pre-enrollment for e-passport?
Process:
Visit official DoP portal
Fill applicant details
Upload documents
Choose nearest embassy
Book appointment
Print confirmation page
(This step is mandatory.)
15) What is the emergency passport process for Nepalis abroad?
In urgent cases:
Embassy issues Emergency Travel Document (ETD)
Valid only for travel to Nepal
After reaching Nepal, apply for normal e-passport
Used for lost passport or legal emergencies.
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