Passport (New & Renewal)
A plain-language guide to applying for a new Nepali e-passport or renewing an old one, with documents, fees and steps.
Who needs this?
- First-time applicants who need a Nepali passport to travel, work or study abroad
- People whose current passport has expired or is close to expiring (usually within about a year)
- Holders of an old Machine Readable Passport (MRP) who want to move to the new e-passport
- Anyone whose passport is lost, stolen, damaged, or has run out of blank pages
- People who need to update their passport after a name, surname or address change
What documents do you need?
- Printed online pre-enrollment form from the official portal (with your appointment details)
- Original Nepali citizenship certificate plus a clear photocopy of the front and back
- National Identity Number (NIN) / National ID details — generally required for new e-passport applications, so complete your NID enrollment first
- Your old passport (and a photocopy of the bio page) if you are renewing, re-issuing or replacing
- Recent passport-size photo as specified by the portal (some applications still ask for a printed photo)
- Marriage certificate if your surname changed after marriage, or a migration/relationship certificate if your address differs from your citizenship
- For minors: birth certificate and both parents' citizenship certificates (and parents present where required)
- Payment voucher or bank receipt for the passport fee, as instructed by the office
How do you do it, step by step?
- Sort out your National ID (NIN) first — for new e-passports you usually need to be enrolled for the National ID before you apply.
- Go to the official portal (nepalpassport.gov.np / the EMRTDS pre-enrollment site) and create your online pre-enrollment application; choose new issue or renewal/re-issue.
- Fill in your details carefully so they match your citizenship certificate exactly, pick your passport type (34-page or 66-page) and choose your office and appointment slot.
- Pay the fee through the accepted channel and keep the receipt; print your pre-enrollment form and appointment confirmation.
- Visit the chosen office in person on your appointment date — the Department of Passports in Tripureshwor (Kathmandu) for urgent/fast-track, or your District/Area Administration Office (DAO/AAO) for regular service.
- Submit your documents and complete biometric enrollment (photo, fingerprints and signature) at the counter.
- Collect your e-passport when it is ready, or track its status online and pick it up from the same office (or your chosen collection point).
How much does it cost?
Approximate and subject to change. Regular 34-page e-passport at a District/Area Administration Office is often around NPR 5,000; a 66-page passport is higher, often around NPR 10,000. Applying directly at the Department of Passports or using urgent/fast-track service costs more — commonly in the range of about NPR 12,000 for a 34-page and around NPR 15,000–20,000 for faster or 66-page options. Extra charges may apply for lost or damaged passports. Always confirm current rates on the official portal before you pay.
How long does it take?
Approximate and subject to change. Regular service usually takes a few working days to a few weeks depending on the office and demand. Urgent/fast-track service at the Department of Passports in Kathmandu is much quicker — sometimes within a day or two. District offices generally offer only regular (non-fast-track) service. Plan ahead and apply well before any travel date.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Letting your passport expire just before travel — many countries need at least six months of validity, so renew early.
- Skipping the National ID (NIN) step — new e-passport applications generally expect you to be enrolled for the National ID first.
- Typing names, dates or your citizenship number differently from your citizenship certificate, which causes rejection or rework.
- Going to the office without printing your pre-enrollment form and appointment confirmation.
- Choosing fast-track at a district office — urgent service is generally only at the Department of Passports in Kathmandu.
- Forgetting your old passport (for renewals) or supporting papers like a marriage or migration certificate when your details have changed.
- Using a photo that does not meet the portal's specifications, or wearing items that hide your face.
Official sources
- Department of Passports (official portal)
- E-Passport online pre-enrollment & appointment
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal
These are official Government of Nepal portals. Kagaj Sathi is independent and not affiliated.