How to apply for a Nepali e-Passport online
Nepal now issues electronic passports (e-Passports). This guide walks you through the online pre-enrollment, booking your appointment slot, what documents to carry, and the in-person biometric enrollment at the Department of Passports or your District Administration Office.
Nepal issues an electronic passport (e-Passport) with a built-in chip that stores your details and biometrics. The process has two parts: you fill an online pre-enrollment form and book an appointment, then you visit the office on your chosen date for fingerprints, a photo and document verification. The passport itself cannot be issued purely online because biometric capture must be done in person.
You can apply for first issuance, a renewal, or a replacement (for a lost, stolen or damaged passport). The ordinary passport comes in page options such as the standard 34-page book. Fees and delivery speed (regular vs. fast-track) vary, so check the official current fee on the Department of Passports portal before you pay.
An important recent change: the National Identity Number (NIN) is required for new e-Passport applications. If you do not yet have a National ID, sort that out first, because the passport system links to it. With your citizenship and National ID ready, the online form is quick.
Before you start: what you need
Gather these so the online form and your appointment go smoothly. Mismatched names between your citizenship and your application are the most common cause of problems, so check spelling carefully.
- Your Nepali citizenship certificate (original for the appointment).
- Your National Identity Number (NIN) — required for new e-Passport applications.
- Your old passport, if renewing; a police report, if replacing a lost or stolen one.
- A working email and mobile number for confirmations.
- The applicable fee — confirm the current amount and your payment method on the official portal.
Complete the online pre-enrollment
Pre-enrollment is done on the Department of Passports' system. Take your time and enter everything exactly as on your citizenship certificate.
- Go to the Department of Passports website (nepalpassport.gov.np) and open the e-Passport / pre-enrollment apply page.
- Choose your application type: First Issuance, Renewal, Replacement (Lost/Stolen), or Replacement (Damaged).
- Select the booklet option (e.g. Ordinary, 34 pages) and proceed.
- Enter your personal details (matching your citizenship), and your National ID details.
- Review everything carefully before moving to appointment booking.
Book your appointment slot
You pick where and when you will enroll as part of the online form. No separate phone call or email is needed to get an appointment.
Slots can fill up, especially at busy offices, so check different dates or a nearby office if your first choice is full.
- Select the appointment location: country, province, district and the specific office.
- Choose your preferred date from the calendar and a time slot for that day.
- Confirm and save your appointment details and reference/confirmation.
- Note the date and time — you must enroll in person on that appointment.
Pay the fee and attend your appointment
On your appointment day, go to the office you selected — typically the Department of Passports in Kathmandu or your District Administration Office — for the in-person enrollment.
Because the e-Passport stores biometrics, this in-person visit is mandatory for both new issuance and renewal.
- Carry your original citizenship certificate and your application/appointment reference.
- Bring your old passport (renewal) or police report (lost/stolen), if applicable.
- Pay the official fee as instructed for your chosen service speed (regular or fast-track).
- Give fingerprints and have your photo and signature captured for the chip.
- Collect your collection slip and note when and where to pick up the passport (or how it will be delivered).
Renewals, replacements and applying from abroad
Renewing follows the same pre-enrollment and appointment flow; just select 'Renewal' and bring your existing passport. For a lost or stolen passport, select the replacement type and bring a police report. For a damaged passport, select the damaged-replacement option.
If you are a Nepali citizen living abroad, you generally apply through the Nepali Embassy or Consulate that serves your area, which handles e-Passport enrollment for your country. Check that specific mission's page for its local appointment steps and fees, as they can differ from the process inside Nepal.
Tips to avoid delays
Most rejected or delayed applications come from a handful of avoidable mistakes.
- Make your name, date of birth and other details match your citizenship certificate exactly.
- Sort out your National ID first — it is needed for new applications.
- Book realistically — choose an office and date you can actually attend, and arrive on time.
- Confirm the current fee on the official portal; do not rely on old amounts or unofficial agents.
- Keep your appointment reference and collection slip safe until you have the passport in hand.
Key takeaways
- ✓Nepal issues e-Passports; you pre-enroll online then enroll biometrics in person.
- ✓A National Identity Number (NIN) is required for new e-Passport applications.
- ✓Apply at nepalpassport.gov.np: choose application type, fill details, then book a date and time slot.
- ✓The in-person appointment (fingerprints, photo, signature) is mandatory even for renewals.
- ✓Bring your original citizenship, old passport (renewal) or police report (lost/stolen), and the official fee.
- ✓Nepalis abroad apply through their nearest embassy or consulate, which has its own steps and fees.
How to Apply for a Nepali e-Passport Online (Pre-Enrollment & Appointment) — FAQ
Can I get a Nepali passport completely online?+
No. You complete pre-enrollment and book the appointment online, but you must attend in person to give fingerprints, a photo and signature for the e-Passport chip. Biometric enrollment cannot be done remotely.
Do I need a National ID to apply for an e-Passport?+
Yes, the National Identity Number (NIN) is required for new e-Passport applications. If you don't have a National ID yet, obtain it before starting your passport application.
Where do I attend the appointment?+
At the office you select during booking — commonly the Department of Passports in Kathmandu or your District Administration Office. You choose the country, province, district and specific office in the online form.
How do I renew or replace a lost passport?+
Use the same online pre-enrollment and select 'Renewal' (bring your old passport) or the relevant 'Replacement' type. For a lost or stolen passport, bring a police report to your appointment.
I live abroad — how do I apply?+
Apply through the Nepali embassy or consulate that covers your area; it handles e-Passport enrollment for that country. Check that mission's website for its appointment process and fees, which can differ from those inside Nepal.
Sources & data note
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