Nepal Passport Checklist — Documents, Fees & Processing
Nepal issues e-passports through the Department of Passports (DoP) in Kathmandu and District Administration Offices (DAOs) elsewhere, on an appointment basis. This checklist sets out the documents, fees, processing times and photograph arrangements the Department publishes. Verified against the Department of Passports (nepalpassport.gov.np), October 2026.
Start the application online
Begin on the official online application site, emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np, and choose the correct option — New or Renewal. If you are renewing a machine-readable (MRP) passport, enter the old passport details. Applications are by appointment, so you attend in person on the date assigned.
Documents for applicants 16 and over applying in Nepal
- A citizenship certificate or a national ID number. For applicants aged 16 and over who apply inside Nepal, this is mandatory. It is not required for applications made from outside the country or for minors.
- The completed online application form (see the option-selection note above).
- Originals of your documents. Bring the originals — photocopies are not required.
Documents for children under 16
- A child identity card.
- A guardian-relationship letter issued by the ward office.
A citizenship certificate or national ID is not required for children under 16.
What you do not need
You do not need photocopies, and you do not need a DAO or sifaris recommendation letter — the process is appointment-only. Bring originals of the documents listed above.
Fees
| Department of Passports (DoP), Kathmandu — 34 pages | NPR 12,000 |
| Department of Passports (DoP), Kathmandu — 66 pages | NPR 20,000 |
| District Administration Office (DAO) — 34 pages | NPR 5,000 |
| District Administration Office (DAO) — 66 pages | NPR 10,000 |
Missions abroad use a separate fee table. Lost, damaged and children-under-10 cases are charged separately.
Processing times
- DoP (Kathmandu): about 2 working days after biometric collection.
- DAO (Kathmandu Valley): about 1 week.
- DAO with air routes: about 7 to 15 days.
You are notified by SMS when the passport is ready.
The photograph
Your photo and biometrics are captured on site at enrollment — you do not bring a printed passport photo. If you need a photo for another purpose, check the format on the photo size chart.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a Nepal passport?
If you are 16 or over and applying in Nepal, a citizenship certificate or national ID number is mandatory, plus the completed online form and the originals of your documents. Photocopies and DAO/sifaris recommendation letters are not required.
What does a child under 16 need?
A child identity card and a guardian-relationship letter issued by the ward office. A citizenship certificate or national ID is not required for children under 16.
How much does a Nepal passport cost?
At the Department of Passports in Kathmandu, NPR 12,000 for 34 pages and NPR 20,000 for 66 pages. At a District Administration Office, NPR 5,000 for 34 pages and NPR 10,000 for 66 pages. Missions abroad use a separate table.
How long does a Nepal passport take?
Usually about 2 working days at the Department of Passports after biometric collection, about 1 week at a Kathmandu Valley DAO, and 7 to 15 days at a DAO with air routes. You are notified by SMS.
Do I bring my own passport photo?
No. The photograph is taken on site during enrollment, so you do not need to bring a printed photo.
Where do I apply?
Start online at emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np, choosing New or Renewal and entering your old passport details if renewing an MRP. You then attend your appointment.
Check any photo you need for another application against the rejection reasons guide and the passport photo checker, follow the at-home photo guide, mind the digital file requirements, and browse the checklists hub.
Photo size chart → All checklists →
Source note: the document requirements, the fees (DoP NPR 12,000/20,000; DAO NPR 5,000/10,000), the processing times and the on-site photograph arrangement are from the Department of Passports, nepalpassport.gov.np and its e-passport information document (checked October 2026). Fees and times can change — confirm current figures with the Department before you pay.