Nepal introduced the e-Passport to enhance security and streamline travel processes. It features advanced chip technology and biometric data for improved immigration efficiency and fraud prevention.
1.1 Overview of e-Passport
The e-Passport in Nepal, also known as the biometric passport, uses chip technology to store personal and biometric data. It enhances security and immigration efficiency. The thicker front and back covers provide better protection. This advanced system simplifies travel documentation and ensures quick data verification, making it a secure and efficient travel document for Nepali citizens.
1.2 Benefits of e-Passport over Traditional Passports
The e-Passport offers enhanced security features with chip technology and biometric data, reducing fraud risks. It simplifies immigration processes, enabling faster travel. Additionally, the durable design ensures longer lifespan compared to traditional passports. These advantages make the e-Passport a more secure, efficient, and convenient travel document for Nepali citizens.
Legal Framework for e-Passport in Nepal
The Passport Act, 2019 and Passport Rules, 2067 govern the issuance and management of e-Passports in Nepal, ensuring compliance with international standards for security and application processes.
2.1 Passport Act, 2019 (2076)
The Passport Act, 2019, governs the issuance of e-Passports in Nepal, emphasizing digital signatures and biometric data for enhanced security. It mandates the use of e-Passports for new applications, ensuring compliance with international standards. The Act also outlines penalties for violations and ensures the validity of existing MRPs until expiration, promoting a seamless transition to the advanced e-Passport system.
2.2 Passport Rules, 2067 (2010)
The Passport Rules, 2067 (2010), provide detailed guidelines for obtaining, renewing, and managing passports in Nepal. They outline procedures for application submission, required documents, and fee structures. These rules also emphasize the importance of biometric data and digital signatures for enhanced security, ensuring compliance with international standards for passport issuance and travel documentation.
e-Passport Application Process in Nepal
The e-Passport application process involves online pre-enrollment, document submission, appointment scheduling, and biometric data collection. Applicants must complete the form, upload required documents, and pay fees before final submission.
3.1 Online Pre-enrollment Application Form
Applicants must access the e-Passport form via the official Department of Passports website. The form requires detailed personal information, passport specifics, and emergency contacts. Ensure all data is accurate and complete to avoid processing delays. After filling, applicants can edit and sign the form using tools like PrintFriendly, facilitating a seamless and efficient application process online.
3.2 Required Documents for Application
Applicants must gather necessary documents, including a citizenship certificate, birth or marriage certificate (if applicable), and a valid old passport for renewal. Recent passport-sized photos are also required. Additional documents may include proof of address or employment. Ensure all files are in the correct format (JPEG/PNG, under 300 KB) and meet the specifications outlined by the Department of Passports for a smooth application process.
3.3 Appointment Scheduling and Biometric Submission
After submitting the online form, applicants must schedule an appointment via the Department of Passports’ website. On the appointed day, visit the designated center with required documents for biometric data collection, including fingerprints and facial recognition. This step ensures identity verification and enhances the e-Passport’s security features. Applicants must be present in person for this mandatory process.
3.4 Form Submission and Fee Payment
After completing the online pre-enrollment, applicants must print the form and submit it at the District Administrative Office (DAO). Ensure all required documents are attached. The fee payment is processed at this stage, and applicants receive a reference number. This number is essential for tracking the application status via the Nepal e-Passport mobile app or official website.
Documents Required for e-Passport Application
Applicants must submit a citizenship certificate, valid government-issued ID, and recent passport-sized photos. For renewals, the old passport is required. Lost or damaged passports need a police report.
4.1 For First-Time Applicants
First-time applicants must submit a citizenship certificate, birth registration, and valid government-issued ID. A bonafide certificate and parental consent are required for minors. Additional documents like marriage certificates may be needed for name changes. Ensure all documents are authenticated and meet size and format requirements for a smooth application process.
4.2 For Renewal of Passport
For passport renewal, applicants must submit their expired or soon-to-expire passport, a citizenship certificate, and recent passport-sized photographs. Additional documents like marriage certificates or name change affidavits may be required if applicable. Ensure all documents are in digital format and meet the specified size and format requirements for smooth processing.
4.3 For Replacement of Lost or Damaged Passport
Applicants must submit a police report or General Diary (GD) for a lost passport and a citizenship certificate. Additional documents include a birth certificate or PAN card for verification. A written explanation for the loss or damage and recent passport-sized photographs are also required. The process involves submitting these documents online and obtaining a reference number for tracking the application status.
Features of the e-Passport
The e-Passport contains a biometric chip with personal data, enhancing security and immigration efficiency. It features advanced encryption and anti-tampering measures for superior protection against fraud.
5.1 Chip Technology and Security Features
The e-Passport integrates an embedded biometric chip containing the applicant’s personal data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, ensuring enhanced security. The chip is digitally signed to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, the passport features thicker covers for durability and advanced encryption to safeguard data. These anti-tampering measures make the e-Passport highly secure and resistant to fraud, ensuring faster and more reliable immigration processes.
5.2 Enhanced Travel Benefits
The e-Passport simplifies international travel by enabling faster immigration processes. The embedded chip allows for quick data retrieval, reducing wait times at airports. This makes travel more convenient and efficient, especially for frequent travelers. The advanced features ensure smooth clearance, enhancing the overall travel experience for Nepali citizens globally.
5.3 Design and Additional Security Measures
The e-Passport features advanced security elements, including a digitally signed chip storing personal data. The cover is designed with thicker materials for durability. Enhanced watermark and hologram features prevent counterfeiting. The design incorporates unique artwork and color-shifting ink, ensuring authenticity. These measures protect against tampering and ensure the passport’s integrity and security.
Benefits of e-Passport Over MRP (Machine Readable Passport)
e-Passports offer enhanced security with biometric data and chip technology, reducing fraud. They also feature a digitally signed chip for data authenticity and a thicker cover for durability, making them more secure than MRPs.
6.1 Enhanced Security
The e-Passport features a digitally signed chip containing personal information, ensuring data authenticity. Thicker covers provide physical protection, while advanced biometric technology and encryption enhance security, making it harder for fraudsters to replicate. Produced by IDEMIA, these passports are more secure than traditional MRPs, reducing identity theft and fraudulent activities.
6.2 Faster Immigration Process
The e-Passport’s chip technology allows for instant data verification, streamlining immigration processes. Biometric information can be read quickly, reducing wait times at airports. This expeditious processing ensures faster clearance, making international travel more efficient for Nepali citizens while maintaining high security standards. The digital format simplifies border control checks, minimizing queues and enhancing overall travel convenience.
6.3 Increased Durability
The e-Passport features enhanced durability with stronger materials and thicker covers for better protection. The integrated chip and biometric data are securely embedded, reducing damage risks. This design ensures the passport remains intact longer, withstanding wear and tear more effectively than traditional passports, thereby extending its lifespan and maintaining its functionality over time. This durability enhances user convenience and travel security.
How to Fill the e-Passport Application Form
Fill personal details, nationality, passport info, and emergency contacts accurately. Sign digitally and review before submission. Ensure all fields are completed to avoid delays in processing.
7;1 Step-by-Step Guide to Filling the Form
Access the e-Passport application form online and fill in personal details, nationality, and passport information. Upload required documents, review the application, and complete the CAPTCHA. Save the form, note the reference number, and schedule an appointment via the Nepal e-Passport mobile app for biometric submission and form verification.
7.2 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ensure all personal details match official documents. Avoid incomplete sections, incorrect CAPTCHA entry, and invalid document formats. Double-check photo specifications, signature placement, and emergency contact accuracy. Verify nationality, passport type, and travel document details before submission to prevent delays.
e-Passport Application Status and Tracking
Track your application status using the reference number provided during submission. Utilize the Nepal e-Passport mobile app or visit the official portal for real-time updates and notifications.
8.1 How to Check Application Status
To check the status of your e-Passport application, visit the official Nepal e-Passport portal or use the dedicated mobile app. Enter your reference number, received during form submission, to access real-time updates. The system provides detailed status information, ensuring transparency throughout the processing period. Regularly checking ensures you stay informed about delays or additional requirements.
8.2 Using the Nepal e-Passport Mobile App
The Nepal e-Passport mobile app offers a convenient way to track your application status. Download the app, enter your reference number, and receive real-time updates. It also provides push notifications for important alerts, ensuring you stay informed throughout the process. This digital tool enhances transparency and simplifies tracking, making it easier for applicants to manage their applications on the go.
e-Passport Application Form Submission
Submit the completed form either in person at the DAO or online via the official Nepal government portal. Ensure the form includes your reference number for tracking purposes.
9.1 In-Person Submission at DAO
Visit the District Administration Office (DAO) with a printed copy of the completed form and required documents. Present your application for verification, proceed with biometric data submission, and submit the form. Ensure all details are accurate before final submission. A receipt will be provided, which can be used to track the application status through the Nepal e-Passport mobile app.
9.2 Online Submission Process
Access the online portal at emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np and log in with your credentials. Fill the form, upload required documents, and pay the fee online. After submission, a reference number will be generated. Keep this number safe for tracking your application status via the Nepal e-Passport mobile app or website. Ensure all details are accurate before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible for an e-Passport in Nepal?
- What documents are required for the application?
- How long does the processing take?
- Can I track my application status online?
10.1 Eligibility Criteria for e-Passport
- Nepali citizens aged 18+ can apply independently.
- Minors require a parent/guardian’s signature.
- First-time applicants must submit citizenship proof.
- Renewals need a valid or expired passport.
- Lost/damaged passports require a police report.
10;2 Processing Time and Fees
The processing time for e-Passport applications in Nepal typically ranges from 12 to 30 working days, depending on the type of service. Fees vary based on the category: new issuance, renewal, or replacement of a lost/damaged passport. Applicants are advised to check the official website for the latest fee structure, as prices are subject to change. For inquiries, contact passports@mofa.gov.np or fax: 977-12345678.
10.3 Emergency Contact Information Requirements
Applicants must provide accurate emergency contact details, including a full name, address, and phone number. This information is crucial for identity verification and emergency communication. Ensure the contact person is reachable and aware of their designation. Incomplete or incorrect information may delay processing. Update contacts promptly if changes occur to avoid complications during travel or passport issuance.
The e-Passport initiative marks a significant leap in Nepal’s passport system, offering enhanced security and streamlined immigration processes for Nepali citizens.
11.1 Final Thoughts on e-Passport Application Process
The e-Passport application process in Nepal is efficient and secure, leveraging online pre-enrollment and biometric submission. Applicants must ensure all documents, like citizenship certificates and photos, are ready. The process is streamlined, reducing errors and faster processing times. Using platforms like PrintFriendly for form editing simplifies the task. Regularly checking application status via the mobile app is recommended for timely updates.
11.2 Importance of e-Passport for Nepali Citizens
The e-Passport is a significant advancement for Nepali citizens, offering enhanced security through biometric data and chip technology. It simplifies international travel with faster immigration processes and increased durability. This modernization ensures legal compliance, making it easier for citizens to meet global travel standards, thereby enhancing their overall travel experience and reinforcing national identity.