How to get an e-passport in Nepal

• Any Nepali citizen who needs to travel abroad for study, work, a labour permit or a holiday.
• Anyone whose old passport has expired, run out of pages, been damaged or been lost.
• Children travelling abroad. They apply with a minor identity card instead of citizenship (see the separate guide).

• Pre-enrolment form printout with its barcode

  You get this after filling in the online form at emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np.

  Official

• Original citizenship certificate and one photocopy

  Official

• National ID card or proof of your National ID number

  DAO Kathmandu lists this as required. Register for National ID first if you don't have a number.

  Official

• Fee payment receipt

  Official

• Your old passport and a photocopy, if you have one

  Official

• Proof that you live in the district, if your citizenship is from another district

  DAO Kathmandu asks for a migration certificate from your ward plus property or tax papers.

  Official

• Recommendation letter from your office, if you are a government employee

  Official

• Extra photocopies of your citizenship

  Some district offices list two copies. Carrying two saves a trip to the photocopy shop.

  In practice

In practice items aren't in the official rules but are commonly asked for at the counter.

1. 1

   Make sure you have a National ID number

   District offices now check it at the counter. If you don't have one, register at your District Administration Office or a National ID enrolment centre before you book.

2. 2

   Fill in the online pre-enrolment form

   Go to emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np and choose the application type (first passport, renewal or lost). Type your name, date of birth and address exactly as they are on your citizenship certificate. Pick the office and an appointment date, then save the reference number.

3. 3

   Pay the fee

   Pay Rs 5,000 for a regular 34-page passport using the payment options shown with your application, and keep the receipt. Fast track at the Department of Passports costs Rs 12,000.

4. 4

   Go to your appointment

   Take the barcode printout, original citizenship, National ID proof, receipt and old passport. Your photo, fingerprints and signature are taken at the office, so you don't need to bring photos. DAO Kathmandu accepts the application the same day if your papers are complete.

5. 5

   Wait for the SMS or check the status

   Regular passports take about a month to reach your district office. You get a text and email when the passport is issued, and many district offices post lists of passports they have received.

6. 6

   Collect it in person

   Go back to the office where you applied with your receipt and citizenship. Check the spelling of your name and your date of birth before you leave the counter.