Getting a passport is one of the most important administrative steps a Nepali citizen will ever take. Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing an expired document, replacing a lost or damaged passport, or arranging one for your child, understanding the exact fee structure can save you time, money, and unnecessary trips to government offices. Nepal shifted entirely to a biometric e-passport system a few years ago, and the fee schedule has been adjusted several times since then to reflect processing categories, page counts, and applicant age groups.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Nepal passport fees in 2026 — from standard domestic rates to fast-track charges, replacement costs, and fees payable at Nepali missions abroad. We’ll also walk through the application process, required documents, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the system.
Table of Contents
What Is the Nepal e-Passport?
The Nepal e-passport is a biometric travel document issued by the Department of Passports (DoP) under Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It replaced the older machine-readable passport (MRP) system and is compliant with ICAO Document 9303 international standards. Every e-passport contains an embedded chip storing the holder’s biometric data — including fingerprints, iris scans, a digital photograph, and an electronic signature — captured during an in-person enrollment appointment.
The e-passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 10. It can be issued as either a standard 34-page booklet or an extended 66-page booklet for frequent travelers who need more visa pages.
Legal Framework Governing Passport Fees
Passport issuance in Nepal operates under the Passport Act 2076 (2019) and the Passport Rules 2077 (2020). These laws establish the categories of passports, the offices authorized to issue them, and the fee slabs that the government periodically revises. Fee changes are typically announced through notices published by the Department of Passports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Nepal Passport Fees Within the Country
The fee you pay depends on three main factors: the number of pages in the booklet (34 or 66), whether you choose regular or fast-track processing, and where you submit your application (a District Administration Office versus the central Department of Passports headquarters in Kathmandu).
Standard Fee Table (Domestic Applicants)
| Application Type | Passport Size | Regular Processing (District Administration Office) | Fast-Track (Department of Passports HQ, Kathmandu) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New / Renewal | 34 pages | NPR 5,000 | NPR 12,000 |
| New / Renewal | 66 pages | NPR 10,000 | NPR 20,000 |
| Replacement (Lost/Stolen/Damaged) | 34 pages | NPR 10,000–17,000 | NPR 17,000 |
| Replacement (Lost/Stolen/Damaged) | 66 pages | — | NPR 25,000 |
Additional Domestic Fee Categories
| Category | Fee (NPR) | Processing Time | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same-day processing | 15,000 | Same day | Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) only |
| Next-day processing | 12,000 | Next working day | Department of Passports HQ, Tripureshwor |
| Child passport (under 10), 34-page | 9,500 | 4–6 weeks | Any DAO or DoP HQ (parent must accompany) |
| Child passport (under 10), 66-page | 14,500 | 4–6 weeks | Any DAO or DoP HQ |
Some district offices continue to process straightforward 34-page applications at the base rate of NPR 5,000, while the fast-track and same-day options are generally centralized at the Department of Passports headquarters in Kathmandu. If your priority is saving money rather than speed, applying through your local District Administration Office is typically the more economical route, since fast-track processing at the central office can cost more than double the standard fee.
Why Fees Differ Between Offices
A common point of confusion for first-time applicants is why the same 34-page passport might be quoted at NPR 5,000 in one place and NPR 12,000 in another. The answer comes down to service level:
- Regular processing through a District Administration Office typically takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer during peak seasons, and carries the lowest fee.
- Fast-track processing, available mainly at the Department of Passports headquarters, cuts this down to roughly 3 to 5 business days but at a significantly higher cost.
- Same-day and next-day services, offered only through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or DoP HQ, are reserved for urgent cases such as medical emergencies abroad, sudden job placements, or time-sensitive travel.
Nepal Passport Fees for Nepalis Living Abroad
Nepali citizens residing outside the country can apply for or renew their passports through the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate. Because embassy fees are collected in local currency, the exact amount varies by country, but they generally follow a regional tier system set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Embassy Fee Tiers by Region
| Region / Country Group | 34-Page Fee | 66-Page Fee |
|---|---|---|
| USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong | USD 150 | USD 200–240 |
| Other Asian and African missions | USD 80 | USD 130 |
| Middle East and select Asian missions | USD 50 | USD 100 |
| European missions | EUR 80–170 (varies by country) | EUR 80–170 (varies by country) |
Sample Embassy-Specific Fees
| Embassy/Consulate | 34-Page Fee (Local Currency) | 66-Page Fee (Local Currency) |
|---|---|---|
| Canberra, Australia | approx. AUD 230 | approx. AUD 310 |
| Geneva, Switzerland | approx. CHF 120 | approx. CHF 170 |
Replacement Passport Fees Abroad
| Application Type | 34 Pages | 66 Pages |
|---|---|---|
| New / Renewal | USD 120–150 | USD 200–240 |
| Minor (below 18) | USD 60 | — |
| Replacement (Lost/Stolen, first instance) | USD 225–240 | — |
| Replacement (Lost/Stolen, repeat instance) | USD 360 | — |
If you lose your passport abroad and need a replacement, expect to pay a premium over the standard renewal fee, and be prepared for additional documentation requirements, including a police report from the local jurisdiction.
Passport Types Issued in Nepal
Not every Nepali passport is a paid, ordinary e-passport. The Department of Passports issues several categories of travel documents, each with different eligibility rules and cost structures.
Passport Categories and Costs
| Passport Type | Cover Color | Who Is Eligible | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (e-Passport) | Chocolate Brown | All Nepali citizens | NPR 5,000–20,000 |
| Official Passport | Navy Blue | Government officials traveling on official duty | Free (government-funded) |
| Diplomatic Passport | Crimson Red | Diplomats and their eligible dependents | Free (government-funded) |
| Emergency Travel Document | — | Nepalis stranded abroad without a valid passport | Varies by embassy |
The vast majority of applicants will only ever deal with the ordinary e-passport, since official and diplomatic passports are issued exclusively to individuals traveling in a government or diplomatic capacity.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Nepal Passport
Understanding the fee schedule is only half the process. Here’s what the application journey typically looks like from start to finish.
1. Complete Online Pre-Enrollment
Applicants must first fill out the online pre-enrollment form through the official portal, emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np. This form collects personal information, citizenship details, and passport specifications (34-page vs. 66-page). Completing this step online significantly reduces waiting times at the physical office.
2. Gather Required Documents
Standard documentation requirements include:
- Original citizenship certificate (or birth certificate for minors)
- A photocopy of the citizenship certificate
- Proof of the online pre-enrollment confirmation
- For minors, both parents’ citizenship certificates and the child’s birth certificate
- For replacement applications, a police report (FIR) documenting the loss or theft
3. Visit the Designated Office for Biometric Enrollment
All 77 districts across Nepal now accept biometric pre-enrollment at their District Administration Offices. During this in-person visit, officials capture your fingerprints, iris scan, a digital photograph, and an electronic signature.
4. Pay the Applicable Fee
Fees can typically be paid directly at the counter or through a designated bank, depending on the office. Keep your payment receipt, as it is often required for tracking your application status or for collection.
5. Track and Collect Your Passport
Once processing is complete, passports are generally available for collection either at the Department of Passports headquarters or the District Administration Office where you applied, depending on local arrangements.
Processing Times at a Glance
| Service Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Regular (District Administration Office) | 4–6 weeks (occasionally up to 6 weeks during high demand) |
| Fast-track (Department of Passports HQ) | 3–5 business days |
| Next-day service | 1 working day |
| Same-day service (MoFA only) | Same day |
| Lost/damaged replacement | 15 working days minimum, due to mandatory investigation period |
Factors That Can Affect Your Total Cost
While the official fee schedule is fixed, a few practical factors can influence how much you ultimately spend and how smoothly the process goes:
- Choosing the wrong office: Applying at the Department of Passports HQ for a routine renewal when your local DAO offers the same service at a lower fee means paying more than necessary.
- Incomplete documentation: Missing documents can lead to repeat visits, indirect costs like transportation, and delays.
- Replacement due to loss: Losing your passport is significantly more expensive than a standard renewal, particularly if it happens more than once, since repeat replacement fees are higher than first-time replacement fees.
- Currency fluctuations for overseas applicants: Since embassy fees are often set in USD or EUR but paid in local currency, exchange rate movements can cause the amount you pay to vary slightly over time.
Tips to Save Money and Time
- Apply at your local District Administration Office whenever possible rather than the central Department of Passports HQ, since regular processing fees are considerably lower than fast-track rates.
- Complete online pre-enrollment carefully to avoid data-entry errors that could require resubmission.
- Double check your citizenship documents before your appointment, since a mismatch between your citizenship certificate and the information entered online is one of the most common reasons for rejection.
- Only opt for 66-page passports if truly needed, since the extended booklet costs roughly double the standard 34-page option.
- Report a lost passport immediately and file a police report as soon as possible, since delays in reporting can complicate the replacement process.
- Verify current fees directly with your embassy or the official portal before paying, since amounts can be revised and may differ slightly from what is publicized online.
Common Reasons Passport Applications Get Delayed or Rejected
- Citizenship certificate details not matching the online pre-enrollment form
- Incomplete or blurry supporting documents
- Missing parental documentation for minors
- Failure to complete biometric enrollment within the required window after online pre-enrollment
- Applying for replacement without the required police report
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard e-passport fee in Nepal in 2026?
For a 34-page ordinary e-passport, the regular fee through a District Administration Office is NPR 5,000, with processing typically taking 4 to 6 weeks. The fast-track fee through the Department of Passports headquarters is NPR 12,000, with processing in about 3 to 5 business days.
How much does a 66-page passport cost compared to a 34-page passport?
A 66-page passport costs NPR 10,000 for regular processing and NPR 20,000 for fast-track processing — roughly double the fee of the standard 34-page booklet in both categories.
How much do children’s passports cost?
Children under 10 pay NPR 9,500 for a 34-page passport and NPR 14,500 for a 66-page passport. These passports carry a 5-year validity period rather than the standard 10 years for adults.
What happens if I lose my passport?
Replacement fees range from NPR 10,000 to NPR 17,000 for a 34-page booklet and up to NPR 25,000 for a 66-page booklet, depending on the office and circumstances. A police report is generally required, and processing can take a minimum of 15 working days due to the mandatory investigation period. Repeat losses are charged at a higher rate than a first-time replacement.
How much does it cost to get or renew a passport while living abroad?
Fees vary by region. Nepalis in the USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong typically pay around USD 150 for a 34-page passport and USD 200–240 for a 66-page passport. Other Asian and African missions charge roughly USD 80 and USD 130 respectively, while Middle Eastern missions are generally lower, at around USD 50 and USD 100. European mission fees range between EUR 80 and EUR 170 depending on the specific country.
Is same-day passport processing available?
Yes, but only through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it comes at a premium rate of NPR 15,000. This service is intended for urgent situations rather than routine applications.
Do government officials and diplomats pay passport fees?
No. Official passports (navy blue cover) for government officials traveling on duty and diplomatic passports (crimson red cover) for diplomats and their dependents are issued free of charge, since these are government-funded travel documents tied to official responsibilities.
Where can I check the most current fee schedule?
Because fee schedules are periodically revised, it’s best to confirm current rates directly through the official Department of Passports portal (nepalpassport.gov.np) or by contacting your nearest District Administration Office or Nepali embassy before submitting payment.
Final Thoughts
Nepal’s transition to a fully biometric e-passport system has made the application process more secure and standardized, but the layered fee structure — spanning page counts, processing speeds, applicant age, and location — means it pays to plan ahead. For most citizens applying under normal circumstances, the most economical path is completing online pre-enrollment carefully, gathering the correct documents in advance, and applying through a local District Administration Office rather than paying a premium for fast-track service at the central headquarters in Kathmandu.
For Nepalis abroad, fees will depend heavily on which embassy or consulate you’re applying through, so it’s worth checking directly with your local mission rather than relying solely on general regional estimates. And if you ever find yourself needing a replacement passport due to loss or damage, acting quickly to file a police report and gather documentation can help minimize both the cost and the delay involved.
Ultimately, whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing an existing passport, or replacing a lost one, understanding this fee structure ahead of time removes much of the uncertainty from what can otherwise feel like a complicated bureaucratic process.
Note: Passport fees and processing times are subject to periodic revision by Nepal’s Department of Passports and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Always verify current rates through official government channels before making payment.
