Passport Renewal Guide 2026: Complete Process for Nepali Citizens

# Passport Renewal Guide 2026: Complete Process for Nepali Citizens Passport renewal is an essential process for Nepali citizens whose passports are expiring or have expired. This comprehensive guide covers the complete renewal process for both Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and Electronic Passport (e-passport) in 2026, including fees, required documents, and step-by-step instructions. ## Types of Nepali Passports ### Machine Readable Passport (MRP) - Traditional passport with machine-readable zone - Being phased out in favor of e-passport - 34 pages or 66 pages options - Valid for 5 or 10 years ### Electronic Passport (e-passport) - Contains embedded electronic chip - Enhanced security features - Biometric data storage - 34 pages or 66 pages options - Valid for 5 or 10 years ## Passport Renewal Fees 2026 ### MRP Fees - **34 pages (5 years):** NPR 5,000 - **34 pages (10 years):** NPR 10,000 - **66 pages (5 years):** NPR 8,000 - **66 pages (10 years):** NPR 15,000 ### E-passport Fees - **34 pages (5 years):** NPR 10,000 - **34 pages (10 years):** NPR 15,000 - **66 pages (5 years):** NPR 15,000 - **66 pages (10 years):** NPR 20,000 ### Additional Fees - **Tatkal (Expedited) Service:** Additional NPR 5,000 - **Replacement for Lost Passport:** Additional NPR 10,000 - **Replacement for Damaged Passport:** Additional NPR 5,000 ## Required Documents for Passport Renewal ### For Normal Renewal 1. **Expired/Expiring Passport** (original) 2. **Citizenship Certificate** (copy) 3. **Voter ID Card** (copy, if available) 4. **License** (copy, if available) 5. **Recent Passport-sized Photos** (2 copies) - Size: 35mm x 45mm - White background - Face clearly visible - No glasses or head covering (except for religious reasons) ### For Lost Passport Renewal 1. **Police Report** (FIR copy) 2. **Citizenship Certificate** (original and copy) 3. **Old Passport Details** (if available) 4. **Recent Passport-sized Photos** (3 copies) 5. **Identity Verification Documents** ### For Minor's Passport 1. **Parents' Citizenship Certificates** (copies) 2. **Minor's Birth Certificate** (copy) 3. **Parents' Marriage Certificate** (copy) 4. **Recent Passport-sized Photos** (2 copies) 5. **Parents' Consent Letter** ## Passport Renewal Process ### Step 1: Online Application 1. Visit the official Department of Passport website: [passport.gov.np](https://passport.gov.np) 2. Create an account or login to existing account 3. Select "Passport Renewal" service 4. Fill the online application form with: - Personal details - Current passport information - Contact details - Emergency contact information 5. Upload required documents 6. Choose passport type (MRP/e-passport) and validity 7. Select payment method ### Step 2: Fee Payment Pay the required fees through: - Online payment gateway (eSewa, Khalti, IPS Connect) - Bank deposit at designated banks - Cash at passport office counter ### Step 3: Appointment Scheduling After payment: - Schedule appointment at your nearest district administration office - Choose convenient date and time slot - Receive appointment confirmation ### Step 4: Biometric Data Collection Visit the passport office on appointment date: - Provide fingerprints - Capture digital photograph - Verify documents - Submit original documents for verification ### Step 5: Processing - Standard processing: 7-15 working days - Tatkal processing: 3-5 working days - Track status online using application number ### Step 6: Passport Collection - Collect passport from designated office - Bring appointment receipt and old passport - Verify all details in new passport - Sign in presence of officer ## Online Application Process ### Through Official Portal 1. Visit [passport.gov.np](https://passport.gov.np) 2. Click on "Online Application" 3. Register with mobile number and email 4. Verify OTP 5. Complete application form 6. Upload documents 7. Pay fees 8. Schedule appointment ### Document Upload Guidelines - File format: PDF, JPG, PNG - File size: Maximum 2MB per document - Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI - Ensure documents are clear and readable ## Passport Renewal Locations ### Central Passport Office - **Address:** Department of Passport, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu - **Working Hours:** 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Sunday-Thursday) - **Phone:** 01-4250400, 01-4250415 ### District Administration Offices Passport renewal services available at: - All 77 district administration offices - Major cities: Biratnagar, Pokhara, Birgunj, Nepalgunj - Regional passport offices ### International Services - Nepali embassies abroad - Consulate general offices - Honorary consulates ## Processing Times ### Standard Processing - **Kathmandu:** 7-10 working days - **Major Cities:** 10-15 working days - **District Offices:** 15-20 working days ### Tatkal Processing - **Kathmandu:** 3-5 working days - **Major Cities:** 5-7 working days - **Additional Fee:** NPR 5,000 ## Important Considerations ### Timing - Apply at least 6 months before expiration - Some countries require 6 months validity for visa - Consider peak seasons (holidays, festivals) ### Passport Validity - **Adults:** 5 or 10 years - **Minors (under 16):** 5 years - Plan renewals accordingly ### Name Changes - If married, provide marriage certificate - For legal name changes, provide court order - Update citizenship certificate first ## Common Issues and Solutions ### Issue: Online Payment Failed **Solution:** Try alternative payment methods, check bank balance, or visit passport office for cash payment. ### Issue: Appointment Slots Not Available **Solution:** Check regularly for cancellations, consider nearby district offices, or use tatkal service. ### Issue: Document Verification Failed **Solution:** Ensure all documents are authentic, bring original documents, contact citizenship office if needed. ### Issue: Passport Not Received **Solution:** Track status online, contact passport office, check delivery address, or visit office in person. ## Passport Renewal Calculator Use our Passport Fee Calculator to: - Calculate exact fees based on passport type - Include tatkal service charges - Compare MRP vs e-passport costs - Plan your budget accordingly ## Contact Information ### Department of Passport - **Address:** Tripureshwor, Kathmandu - **Phone:** 01-4250400, 01-4250415 - **Website:** [passport.gov.np](https://passport.gov.np) - **Email:** [email protected] ### Ministry of Foreign Affairs - **Address:** Singha Durbar, Kathmandu - **Phone:** 01-4211785 - **Website:** mofa.gov.np ### District Administration Offices Contact your local district administration office for: - Passport renewal services - Document verification - Appointment scheduling - Status inquiries ## Tips for Successful Renewal 1. **Apply Early:** Start process 6 months before expiration 2. **Document Preparation:** Keep all documents organized and accessible 3. **Photo Quality:** Use professional passport photos 4. **Online Filling:** Fill application form carefully and accurately 5. **Appointment Timing:** Arrive on time for appointment 6. **Status Tracking:** Monitor application status regularly 7. **Document Safety:** Keep old passport until new one received ## MRP vs E-passport Comparison | Feature | MRP | E-passport | |---------|-----|------------| | Security | Standard | Enhanced with chip | | Processing Time | 7-15 days | 10-20 days | | Fees | Lower | Higher | | International Acceptance | Widely accepted | Better acceptance | | Biometric Data | No | Yes | | Visa Processing | Standard | Faster in some countries | ## Passport Renewal for Special Cases ### For Students Abroad - Apply through nearest Nepali embassy - Provide student ID and enrollment proof - May require additional documentation ### For Government Employees - Get NOC from employer - Provide service certificate - Follow special government channel ### For Emergency Travel - Use tatkal service - Provide travel proof (ticket, visa) - Additional documentation may be required ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Q: Can I renew my passport before it expires? A: Yes, you can renew your passport up to 1 year before expiration. It's recommended to renew at least 6 months before expiration. ### Q: What if my passport is already expired? A: You can still renew an expired passport. The process is the same, but you may need additional identity verification. ### Q: Can I change my passport type during renewal? A: Yes, you can switch from MRP to e-passport or vice versa during renewal. You'll need to pay the difference in fees. ### Q: How long does tatkal service take? A: Tatkal processing typically takes 3-5 working days in Kathmandu and 5-7 working days in other cities. ### Q: Can someone else collect my passport? A: Yes, with proper authorization letter and ID proof, a family member can collect your passport. ### Q: What if I lose my passport while abroad? A: Report to local police and nearest Nepali embassy immediately. Apply for emergency travel document and passport replacement. ## Conclusion Passport renewal is a straightforward process when you follow the correct steps and have all required documents. The online application system has made the process more convenient, but proper preparation and timing are essential for smooth renewal. Whether you choose MRP or e-passport, ensure you apply well in advance to avoid travel disruptions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Department of Passport website at [passport.gov.np](https://passport.gov.np) or contact their office directly.