E-Passport Registration in Nepal

Introduction

E-passport registration in Nepal is an officially regulated process under the sovereign authority of Department of Passport Nepal. The e-passport integrates biometric data and a secure microchip for identity verification and international travel compliance. The introduction of the e-passport aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs). The process ensures secure travel documents for Nepali citizens, replacing the earlier Machine Readable Passport system.

This article provides a detailed overview of the e-passport registration process, required documents, eligibility criteria, legal requirements, applicable fees, biometric data procedures, renewal methods, and related legal provisions. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.

Legal Framework Governing E-Passport Registration in Nepal

E-passport registration in Nepal operates under the legal umbrella of Passport Act 2063 (2007) and Passport Rules 2067 (2010). These instruments establish the procedural and legal standards for the issuance, renewal, and regulation of passports. The legal provisions are supplemented by directives issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Key legal provisions include:

Section 3 of the Passport Act authorizes the issuance of passports to Nepali citizens.
Rule 4 of the Passport Rules defines the process for application and verification.
Rule 7 outlines the biometric data collection procedures.
Rule 9 specifies circumstances under which passports may be suspended, revoked, or denied.
Rule 12 governs renewal and replacement procedures.

These legal frameworks aim to maintain security, authenticity, and global acceptability of Nepalese travel documents.

What is an E-Passport?

E‑Passport is an electronic travel document embedded with a microchip that stores the holder’s biometric information such as a digital photograph, signature, and fingerprints. The chip is encrypted to ensure authenticity and prevent tampering. E-passports comply with ICAO standards and are globally recognized.

Key characteristics:

Biometric verification system.
Secure data storage in electronic chip.
Machine readability for faster processing at immigration.
Enhanced identity protection against fraud and forgery.

Eligibility Criteria for E-Passport Registration in Nepal

All Nepali citizens are eligible to apply for e-passport registration as per Section 3 of the Passport Act. The eligibility applies to:

Nepali citizens with a valid citizenship certificate.
Minors with a birth certificate and guardian consent.
Government employees traveling on official duty.
Diplomatic passport holders.
Individuals applying for renewal or replacement.

Eligibility must be supported with valid legal documents, and applicants must not fall under any disqualifying conditions specified in Rule 9 of the Passport Rules.

Required Documents for E-Passport Registration in Nepal

The e-passport application requires submission of legally mandated documents to verify the applicant’s identity and nationality. All documents must be original with photocopies as required.

Documents required include:

Citizenship certificate.
Birth certificate (for minors).
Marriage registration certificate (if applicable).
Previous passport (if renewing or replacing).
Recommendation letter from the local ward office.
Passport-size photographs as per specifications.
Migration certificate for applicants abroad (if applicable).

These documents are verified at the Department of Passport or designated District Administration Offices.

E-Passport Registration Process in Nepal

The e-passport registration process is sequential and involves biometric data collection and digital documentation. The procedure is standardized under Rule 4 and Rule 7 of the Passport Rules.

Step-by-Step Process:

Online Pre-Enrollment: Applicant fills the online form through the official portal of the Department of Passport.
Appointment Booking: Selects date and time for biometric enrollment.
Document Submission: Presents required documents at the enrollment center.
Biometric Data Capture: Digital photograph, fingerprints, and signature are recorded.
Application Verification: Data and documents are verified by authorized officials.
Payment of Fees: Applicable government fee is paid at the counter or designated bank.
Passport Printing and Collection: Applicant collects e-passport upon completion of processing.

Online Appointment System for E-Passport Registration

The online appointment system allows applicants to schedule biometric enrollment through the official e-passport portal. The system is designed to reduce crowding and ensure orderly service delivery.

Key features:

Secure online application interface.
Real-time appointment booking.
Automated appointment confirmation.
Email and SMS notifications.
Integration with national database for document verification.

Biometric Data Collection Process

Biometric data is central to the e-passport system. The microchip embedded in the passport stores:

Digital facial photograph.
Fingerprint records.
Digital signature.

The biometric capture process is conducted under Rule 7 of the Passport Rules. The data is encrypted and stored in compliance with ICAO standards to prevent unauthorized access.

E-Passport Fees and Payment Methods in Nepal

The e-passport issuance involves government fees depending on the page count and processing type.

Standard Fee Structure:

34-page passport: NPR 5,000 (normal), NPR 12,000 (fast track).
66-page passport: NPR 10,000 (normal), NPR 20,000 (fast track).
Diplomatic and official passports: exempt as per Rule 14.

Payment can be made through designated banks or at the Department of Passport payment counters. Applicants receive a payment receipt for collection purposes.

Renewal of E-Passport in Nepal

E-passport renewal follows the same procedural framework as a new application, subject to verification of expired or expiring passports.

Key steps for renewal:

Submission of expired passport.
Online pre-enrollment and appointment.
Biometric verification.
Document re-verification.
Payment of applicable renewal fees.
Collection of renewed passport.

Renewal applications must be filed within the validity period or upon expiration, as per Rule 12 of the Passport Rules.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged E-Passport in Nepal

Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged e-passport requires filing a formal application along with supporting documents.

Documents required for replacement include:

Police report for lost or stolen passport.
Citizenship certificate.
Copy of lost passport (if available).
Ward office recommendation.
Completed application form.

The replacement procedure follows Rule 13 of the Passport Rules. Additional fees may apply.

E-Passport Registration for Minors

Minors are eligible to obtain e-passports under the legal guardianship of their parents or legal guardians.

Required documents:

Birth certificate.
Citizenship certificate of parents.
Consent letter from guardian.
Ward office recommendation.

Biometric data collection may be limited for children below a specific age threshold in accordance with ICAO standards.

E-Passport Registration for Foreign-Based Nepali Citizens

Foreign-based Nepali citizens can apply for e-passports through diplomatic missions or consular offices. The process aligns with Rule 15 of the Passport Rules.

Application steps:

Pre-enrollment through the official online portal.
Submission of documents at the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate.
Biometric enrollment at the diplomatic mission.
Payment of prescribed fees.
Passport collection through diplomatic channels.

E-Passport Registration for Government Employees

Government employees traveling abroad for official purposes can apply for official or diplomatic e-passports.

Required documents:

Recommendation letter from the concerned ministry.
Official travel approval.
Citizenship certificate.
Service identity card.

The process is prioritized under Rule 14 of the Passport Rules.

Passport Issuing Authority in Nepal

The authorized body for issuing e-passports in Nepal is the Department of Passport under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nepal). District Administration Offices and Nepali diplomatic missions also facilitate enrollment and document verification.

The Department maintains the central database, oversees production, and ensures compliance with national and international standards.

Legal Consequences of Providing False Information

Providing false information or forged documents during e-passport registration constitutes an offense under Section 12 of the Passport Act.

Legal consequences include:

Immediate rejection or revocation of the passport.
Fines or imprisonment as prescribed by law.
Blacklisting from future passport issuance.
Reporting to relevant law enforcement authorities.

Legal Provisions on Passport Revocation

Passport revocation is governed by Section 11 of the Passport Act. The authority may revoke or suspend a passport under the following conditions:

Use of forged or fraudulent documents.
Criminal convictions.
National security concerns.
Court orders or legal directives.

The revocation process follows administrative procedures with the right to appeal.

Processing Time for E-Passport Registration

E-passport processing time varies depending on the type of service selected.

Standard timeline:

Normal processing: 15 working days.
Fast track processing: 2 to 5 working days.
Diplomatic and official: priority processing.

The Department maintains electronic tracking systems for applicants to check their application status.

Tracking E-Passport Application Status

Applicants can track their e-passport application through the official tracking portal of the Department of Passport.

Tracking methods:

Using application number.
Using appointment reference code.
SMS notification system.
Email notification for updates.

Tracking ensures transparency and efficiency in the application process.

E-Passport Security Features

E-passports issued in Nepal incorporate multiple security features to prevent misuse.

Key security elements:

Encrypted biometric chip.
Holographic images.
Laser engraving.
Ultraviolet security printing.
ICAO standard MRZ codes.

These features ensure authenticity, reduce identity theft, and enable secure international travel.

Benefits of E-Passport in Nepal

The introduction of e-passport brings multiple benefits to citizens and government institutions.

Major benefits:

Global recognition and ICAO compliance.
Faster immigration processing.
Enhanced identity security.
Reduced document fraud.
Simplified renewal and replacement.

E-passport is an integral part of Nepal’s digital governance strategy for travel documents.

Common Issues During E-Passport Registration

Applicants may encounter common procedural issues during registration, which can be addressed through proper documentation and preparation.

Common issues:

Mismatched personal details in citizenship and application.
Incomplete or incorrect online pre-enrollment.
Missing appointment confirmation.
Delay in biometric data collection.
Technical errors in chip encoding.

Legal Remedies for Passport-Related Disputes

Individuals facing disputes related to passport denial, revocation, or delay may pursue administrative or legal remedies.

Available remedies:

Filing a complaint at the Department of Passport.
Administrative appeal under Passport Act provisions.
Judicial review through competent courts.

Passport Renewal Timeline and Validity

E-passports in Nepal are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance. Minors’ passports may have a shorter validity period.

Applicants must comply with Rule 12 of the Passport Rules for renewal timelines.

Role of Department of Passport Nepal

The Department of Passport plays a pivotal role in implementing Nepal’s passport policies and managing the centralized biometric database.

Core functions:

Passport issuance, renewal, and replacement.
Data security management.
Coordination with District Administration Offices and diplomatic missions.
Ensuring ICAO compliance.

Data Protection in E-Passport System

Biometric and personal data collected during e-passport registration is stored securely under government custody. Data protection aligns with ICAO standards and national legal provisions.

Key protection measures:

Data encryption.
Restricted access control.
Secure storage infrastructure.
Legal accountability of data handlers.

Passport Services for Persons with Disabilities

E-passport registration accommodates persons with disabilities through accessible service counters, assistance facilities, and priority processing.

Applicants may present disability identity cards to access these services.

Passport Services for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens receive priority services during e-passport registration and renewal. Dedicated counters are provided to facilitate biometric enrollment and document submission.

Passport Services During Emergencies

Emergency passport services are available under Rule 16 of the Passport Rules. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for emergency travel.

Examples of emergencies:

Medical treatment abroad.
Official government assignments.
Death of a family member overseas.

E-Passport and ICAO Compliance

Nepal’s e-passport system adheres to ICAO MRTD standards, enabling global interoperability and recognition. Compliance includes chip encryption, biometric standards, and machine readability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to receive an e-passport in Nepal?

E-passport processing typically takes 15 working days under normal service and 2 to 5 working days under fast track service. Delays may occur due to document verification issues or peak application volumes.

2. What documents are required to apply for an e-passport?

Applicants must submit citizenship certificate, birth certificate (for minors), ward office recommendation, passport-size photographs, and previous passport if applicable. Foreign-based applicants may require migration certificates.

3. Is biometric data mandatory for all applicants?

Yes. Biometric data, including photograph, fingerprints, and digital signature, is mandatory for all applicants except certain age groups as per ICAO standards.

4. How can I track my e-passport application status?

Applicants can track their application status through the Department of Passport’s online tracking system by entering their application number or appointment reference code. Notifications are also sent via email and SMS.

5. Can lost or stolen e-passports be replaced?

Yes. Lost or stolen e-passports can be replaced by submitting a police report, citizenship certificate, ward recommendation, and replacement application. Additional fees apply.

6. Are e-passports issued to minors?

Yes. Minors are eligible to obtain e-passports with guardian consent and supporting documents such as birth certificate and parents’ citizenship certificates.

7. What are the e-passport fees in Nepal?

The government charges NPR 5,000 for a 34-page passport (normal), NPR 12,000 (fast track), NPR 10,000 for a 66-page passport (normal), and NPR 20,000 (fast track). Diplomatic passports are exempt.

8. Can I apply for an e-passport from abroad?

Yes. Nepali citizens abroad can apply through embassies or consulates by completing online pre-enrollment, submitting documents, and completing biometric enrollment at the diplomatic mission.

9. What is the validity period of an e-passport in Nepal?

E-passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.

10. What legal consequences apply for providing false information?

Providing false or forged information during e-passport application can result in rejection, revocation, fines, imprisonment, and blacklisting under the Passport Act.

Conclusion

E-passport registration in Nepal represents a legally structured and technologically advanced system designed to secure identity and facilitate international travel. The process is governed by the Passport Act and Passport Rules, ensuring compliance with ICAO standards. Applicants are required to follow the documented procedures, submit valid documents, and complete biometric enrollment to obtain the e-passport.

For legal assistance or procedural guidance, individuals may consult specialized legal service providers such as Medha Law and Partners for professional support.

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