A passport is a mandatory document for international travel. For many Nepali citizens, obtaining a passport has become common due to the increasing number of people traveling abroad for studies and job opportunities. This article will guide you through the process of applying for an ePassport in Nepal.
What is an ePassport?
Before we dive into the application process, let’s understand what an ePassport is. An ePassport, also known as a biometric passport, is an electronic passport that contains your personal information such as name, address, birth date, and signature, all stored digitally inside a chip. The Government of Nepal introduced the ePassport on November 17, 2021, with Satya Mohan Joshi being the first Nepali citizen to receive it. The ePassport, made by the French company IDEMIA, is more secure than the previous Machine Readable Passport (MRP).
Documents Required for Passport Application in Nepal
- National Identity Number (NIN)
- Citizenship Certificate
- Marriage/Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
Validity Period and Types of Passports in Nepal
What is the validity period of a passport in Nepal?
A passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue in Nepal.
How many types of passports are there in Nepal?
There are four types of passports in Nepal:
- Ordinary e-passport
- Peacekeeper’s e-passport
- Official e-passport
- Diplomatic e-passport
Cost of Obtaining a Passport in Nepal
How much does it cost to obtain a passport in Nepal?
It costs NPR 5,000 for an ordinary e-passport with 34 pages, while the 66-page one costs NPR 10,000.
What’s the price for an emergency passport in Nepal?
You need to pay NPR 12,000 – NPR 15,000 to get an emergency passport on the same day of application.
Steps to Apply for an ePassport in Nepal
- Visit the official website: https://emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np/.
- Click on the “First Issuance” option.
- Choose between the 34-page or 66-page passport option (note that currently, only the 34-page option is available) and proceed.
- Book an appointment by selecting your current province, district, and location.
- Choose an available appointment date. Appointment slots are based on a quota system, so you may need to check back frequently for availability.
- Fill in your demographic information, including surname, given name, gender, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, etc.
- Enter your citizenship information, contact details, and emergency contact details accurately.
- Upload the front and back images of your citizenship certificate, ensuring each image is under 300KB in size.
- Review your application summary, make any necessary edits, and save the form after completing the CAPTCHA.
- Copy the reference number provided for future reference and save it in your notes app.
- Download and print the completed application form with the bar code.
- On the appointed date, visit the designated office with all the required documents and the printed application form.
- Your biometrics will be collected on the appointment date, and you will need to make the payment at this time.
- Expect a waiting period of about one month to receive your ePassport.
By following these steps, you can successfully apply for an ePassport in Nepal.
