Applying for a passport in Nepal has become much easier with the online system. You can now apply for your passport from the comfort of your home by following a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through the entire process of applying for a passport online in Nepal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Passport Application Website
Start by visiting the official website of the Department of Passport in Nepal. Here are the two main links you’ll need:
Once you’ve accessed the second link, click on “Apply for Passport.”
Step 2: Choose Your Application Type
You will be asked to select the type of passport application you need. The options are:
- First Issuance – For those applying for a passport for the first time.
- Renewal – If your current passport has expired.
- Replacement (Lost/Stolen) – If your passport has been lost or stolen.
- Replacement (Damaged) – If your passport is damaged and you need a new one.
For this guide, we will proceed with the First Issuance option.
Step 3: Choose Your Passport Type
After selecting your application type, you will need to choose the type of passport you want. The most common choice is the Ordinary 34 Pages passport. If you need a different passport type (like a diplomat, service etc), you can select that here.
Step 4: Book Your Appointment
Now it’s time to schedule your appointment. Follow these steps:
- Select Appointment Country: Choose the country where you are currently residing.
- Select Province, District, and Location: Choose your province, district, and the specific office location where you will submit your application and complete the biometric process.
- Choose a Date and Time: You will be presented with available dates and times for your appointment. Select the one that suits you best.
Step 5: Fill Out the Application Form
Once your appointment is booked, it’s time to fill in the online application form. This is a crucial step, so make sure to fill in all the required details carefully.
- Personal Details: Name, date of birth, and other basic information.
- Citizenship Information: Make sure to enter your citizenship number carefully.
- Important: If your citizenship number is longer than 14 digits (e.g., 072-312-13792/432796), enter it without the hyphen or slash, and start from the right side. So, for the above example, you would enter 31213792432796.
- Contact Information: Address, phone number, and email.
Fields marked with a star (*) are mandatory and must be filled out. Optional fields can be skipped if not applicable.
Step 6: Attach Required Documents
Now, it’s time to upload the necessary documents.
- For Adults (18+): You will need to upload the front and back of your citizenship certificate.
- For Minors (Under 18): You need to upload a birth certificate and the guardian’s citizenship certificate.
Make sure your documents are clear and legible before uploading them.
Step 7: Review the Application Summary
After filling out the form and uploading the required documents, you will be shown a summary of your application. Review all the details carefully to ensure everything is correct.
- If you find any errors, you can go back and fix them.
- Once you’re sure all the information is accurate, click Save at the bottom of the page.
After that, you will be given a Request Number. Write it down for future reference.
Step 8: Download Your Application PDF
Once your application is completed and saved, you will be able to download a PDF of your application form. Print this PDF and bring it with you to your appointment.
Step 9: Payment Details
At the moment, there is no option for online payment. You will need to make the payment in person on the day of your appointment.
The updated passport fees are as follows:
- Rs. 5,000 for a standard 34-page passport if issued from the relevant district.
- Rs. 12,000 for a 34-page passport if issued from the Department of Passport in Kathmandu.
- Rs. 17,000 for lost or damaged passports if issued from the Department of Passport in Kathmandu.
- Rs. 10,000 for lost or damaged passports if issued from the relevant district.
- Rs.9,500 (Children under the age of 10) for a 34-page passport if issued from the Department of Passport in Kathmandu
- Rs.14,500 (Children under the age of 10) for lost or damaged passports if issued from the Department of Passport in Kathmandu.
It is important to note that the cost of a 66-page passport is the same as that of a 34-page passport.
Step 10: Attend Your Appointment
On the date and time of your appointment, go to the passport office location you selected. Bring the following items:
- A printed copy of your application PDF.
- Your original citizenship certificate (for adults) or birth certificate (for minors).
- National Identity Number (Printed Copy)
- The required payment for the passport.
At the office, you will need to complete your biometric process, which includes fingerprints and photographs. Once that’s done, your application will be processed.
Step 11: Passport Collection
Under normal circumstances, you should receive your passport within 2-3 days after completing the biometric process. However, it can take up to 7 days depending on the workload at the office.
FAQs on How to Apply for Passport Online in Nepal
1. What should I do if I make a mistake on my passport online form (wrong name, address, date of birth, etc.) after submitting it?
Don’t worry if you’ve made a mistake in your application form. During your visit to the passport office, you can inform the officers there, and they will correct the details.
Note: If someone asks for money to make these edits, it’s illegal. You should report this behavior.
2. What is the cost of the passport in Nepal?
The costs for obtaining a passport are as follows:
- Rs. 5,000 for a 34-page passport issued from the relevant district.
- Rs. 12,000 for a 34-page passport issued from the Department of Passport in Kathmandu.
Note: Cost of a 66-page passport is the same as that of a 34-page passport
3. What is the cost of a lost or damaged passport in Nepal?
If your passport is lost or damaged, the costs for obtaining a replacement are as follows:
- Rs. 17,000 for a lost or damaged passport issued from the Department of Passport in Kathmandu.
- Rs. 10,000 for a lost or damaged passport issued from the relevant district.
4. How long does it take to get a passport in Nepal?
Typically, it takes 2-3 days to get a passport. In some cases, it may take up to 7 days depending on the office’s workload.
5. How can I apply for a passport online in Nepal?
You can apply for a passport online by visiting the official passport office portal: https://emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np/.
6. Can children under 18 apply for a passport without citizenship?
Yes, children under 18 do not need a citizenship certificate. They can apply for a passport with their birth certificate.
7. Can I apply for a passport if I am out of the country?
Yes, Nepal has several offices overseas to help its citizens. You can check if your location is available when you apply.
8. Can I pay for my passport online?
Currently, there is no option to pay online (even though it’s there). You will need to make the payment on the day of your appointment at the passport office.
9. What documents do I need to upload?
For adults, you need to upload the front and back of your citizenship certificate. For minors, you need to upload the birth certificate and the guardian’s citizenship certificate.
10. Can I reschedule my appointment?
Yes, you can reschedule your appointment through the same online portal before your scheduled date.
