Nepal E-Passport Renewal Guide
Official step-by-step procedure, NID requirements, fee structure, and online pre-enrollment guide for Nepalis at home and abroad.
5-Step E-Passport Renewal Procedure
Get National Identity Card (NID) Number
NID (राष्ट्रिय परिचयपत्र) number is mandatory for e-Passport applications in Nepal. Nepalis abroad applying at embassies can use their existing citizenship & old passport.
Fill Online Pre-Enrollment Form
Visit the official Department of Passports portal (emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np) and select your application type (Renewal / New / Lost / Damaged).
Book Live Biometric Appointment Slot
Select your preferred location (District Administration Office, Department of Passports Kathmandu, or Nepali Embassy abroad) and date/time.
Submit Documents & Pay Fee
Visit the office with original citizenship, NID card/slip, old passport, and printed pre-enrollment barcode form. Pay the fee via bank or voucher.
Track & Collect E-Passport
Track status via SMS or online. Collect your 34-page or 66-page biometric e-Passport once notified.
Official Fee Structure & Processing Times
| Passport Category | Government Fee | Processing Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 34 Pages (Regular District DAO) | NPR 5,000 | 10-15 Days |
| 34 Pages (Urgent DOP Kathmandu) | NPR 12,000 | 2 Days |
| 66 Pages (Frequent Traveler) | NPR 10,000 (Regular) / 20,000 (Urgent) | 2-10 Days |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement | NPR 10,000 (Regular) / 17,000 (Urgent) | 2-15 Days |
Need Help Extracting Official Documents in Nepal?
Living abroad and need a verified local agent in Kathmandu or your home district to retrieve citizenship copies, police reports, or land tax receipts?
Required Documents Checklist
- Original Citizenship Certificate + 1 photocopy
- National ID (NID) Card or NID Application Slip
- Existing Original Passport + copy of photo page
- Printed Application Barcode Form from nepalpassport.gov.np
- Marriage Certificate (if changing surname after marriage)
About Nepal E-Passport System
Nepal introduced the electronic Machine Readable Passport (e-Passport) system in 2010, managed by the Department of Passports under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The biometric e-Passport contains an electronic chip with the holder's personal information, photo, and fingerprints, making it more secure and internationally compliant with ICAO standards.
Types of Nepal Passports
National Identity Card (NID) Requirement
Since 2020, Nepal made National Identity Card (राष्ट्रिय परिचयपत्र) mandatory for all passport applications within Nepal. NID is issued by the Department of National ID and Civil Registration. Nepali citizens living abroad can apply for passports at Nepali embassies using their existing citizenship certificate without NID. The NID system aims to create a unified national identification database.
Important Tips for Smooth Passport Application
- Apply for NID first if you are in Nepal - it takes 3-7 days to get NID number after biometric enrollment
- Book your biometric appointment early - slots fill up quickly in Kathmandu during peak seasons
- Ensure your citizenship certificate name matches exactly with your old passport - any mismatch causes delays
- Take original documents AND one photocopy of each - offices require both
- For urgent passports at DOP Kathmandu, arrive early (before 9 AM) as daily quota is limited
- Check passport validity before international travel - many countries require 6 months validity
Passport Renewal from Abroad
Nepali citizens living abroad can renew passports at Nepali embassies and consulates in their country of residence. The process is similar but may have different fee structures (usually in local currency). NID is not required for embassy applications. Processing time varies by embassy - contact your nearest Nepali mission for specific requirements and fees. Some popular locations include USA, UK, Australia, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.
Note: Passport fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change by the Government of Nepal. Always verify the latest information from the official Department of Passports website (nepalpassport.gov.np) or your nearest passport office before applying.