How to Obtain a Passport as a NCRA (Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad)?

The process on how to obtain a passport as a NCRA (Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad), is simple and intended to meet the requirements of those nationals who are not in Nepal.

Usually, the procedure for obtaining the passport include an application form filled out, passport-sized photos, and evidence of citizenship. NRCA can easily obtain their passports by following the guidelines put forth by the Department of Passport, Nepal.

Who can apply for a passport?

Passport applications are accepted from Nepalese nationals living abroad (NCRA) who satisfy the following requirements:

Nepali citizenship: The only people who can apply for a Nepali passport are those who are citizens of Nepal.
Minors: If a minor is under the age of eighteen, their parents or legal guardians may apply on their behalf.
Adults: Any adult citizen of Nepal, whether applying for a new passport for the first time, renewing an expiring passport, or replacing a lost or damaged passport.
Temporary Residents Abroad: Local Nepali embassy or consulates are the places to apply if you are a citizen of Nepal and are temporarily living abroad for employment, study, or other purposes.

Individuals who have acquired permanent residency in a foreign nation while maintaining their Nepali citizenship are also qualified.

What documents are needed for a passport?

To apply for a Nepali passport, Nepali residents residing abroad (NCRA) usually need to furnish the following documents:

• Completed Passport Application Form: Available at the Nepali embassy, consulate, or official website.
• Proof of Nepali citizenship: This can be a Nepali citizenship certificate or an old Nepali passport.
• Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent images that fit the Department of Passport, Nepal’s standards.
• Proof of resident Abroad: This can be a work permit, a visa, a resident permit, or any other official document proving legal status in the host nation.
• Current Passport: If you are asking for a renewal, you must send your current passport.
  Additional identifying documents include a Nepali national ID card or birth certificate.
• Parental Consent: Minors must provide a consent letter from their parents or legal guardians, as well as identification documentation.
• Payment of fees: Proof of payment for the passport application fee, which varies by country and processing method (regular or expedited).

How to Obtain a Passport as a NCRA (Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad)?

The following places are where Nepali Citizens Residing Abroad (NCRA) can submit an application for a passport:

Nepali Embassies and Consulates: The closest Nepali embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country is the main location to submit an application for a passport. These diplomatic posts are prepared to manage passport requests and offer essential advice.

Department of Passport, Nepal: If the applicant is in Nepal temporarily, they can apply in person at the Kathmandu Department of Passport or at certain passport offices around the nation.

Online Services: The Department of Passport and certain embassies provide online application services where candidates can electronically submit papers and complete forms; however, a physical visit may still be necessary to obtain biometric data.

How much does a passport cost?

The cost of obtaining a Nepali passport for Nepali Citizens Residing Abroad (NCRA), Here are the general fee structures:

1. Standard Processing Fees:
   • Ordinary Passport (34 pages): Approximately USD 75 to 100
   • Ordinary Passport (66 pages): Approximately USD 125 to 150
2. Expedited Processing Fees:
   • Additional charges may apply for expedited services, typically ranging from USD 25 to 50 extra.
3. Emergency Passport Fees:
   • Issued under special circumstances, often costing more than the standard and expedited fees.
4. Additional Costs:
   • Photograph Fees: If passport photos are taken at the embassy or consulate.
   • Courier Fees: For mailing the passport, if applicable.

How long does it take to get a passport?

The time it takes to receive a Nepali passport for Nepali Citizens Residing Abroad (NCRA) varies depending on numerous factors, including the location of the application and the type of service required. Typically, the processing times are as follows:

Standard Processing: It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date of application submission. This covers the time required for document verification, processing, and shipment.

Expedited processing, which costs an extra charge, might take 2 to 3 weeks. This service is typically offered for urgent travel needs.

Emergency Passports: In times of true emergencies, such as medical issues or urgent travel needs, an emergency passport or travel document can be provided in a matter of days, depending on the individual circumstances and the embassy or consulate’s judgment.

Can minors get a passport?

Yes, minors can obtain a Nepali passport. The process for minors (under 18 years of age) involves specific steps and additional documentation to ensure the child’s identity and citizenship are verified.

1. Application Form: A completed passport application form, which can be obtained from the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate or their official website.
2. Proof of Nepali Citizenship: The minor’s birth certificate or citizenship certificate. If the minor does not have a citizenship certificate, the parent’s citizenship certificate may be required.
3. Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent photos of the minor that meet the specifications set by the Department of Passport, Nepal.
4. Parental/Guardian Consent: A consent letter signed by both parents or legal guardians. If one parent has sole custody, proof of custody may be required.
5. Identification of Parents/Guardians: Copies of the parents’ or legal guardians’ passports or citizenship certificates.
6. Proof of Residency Abroad: If applicable, documents showing the minor’s legal status in the host country, such as a residence permit or visa.
7. Current Passport: If the minor is renewing an existing passport, the current passport must be submitted.
8. Application Fees: Payment of the required passport application fee, which varies by country and processing time.

How to renew a passport?

To renew a Nepali passport as a Non-Resident Nepali (NRN), you can follow these steps:

1. Gather the Required Documents:
   • Completed passport renewal application form
   • Existing/expiring Nepali passport
   • One recent passport-sized photograph
   • Proof of citizenship (e.g., Nepali citizenship certificate)
   • Payment for the renewal fee
2. Submit the Application:
   • Visit the nearest Nepali diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence.
   • Submit the completed application form and required documents.
   • Pay the applicable renewal fee.
3. Verification and Processing:
   • The diplomatic mission will review your application and documents.
   • Your application will be forwarded to the Department of Passport in Nepal for further processing.
4. Passport Issuance:
   • Once your application is approved, your new passport will be printed and prepared for delivery.
   • The diplomatic mission will inform you when your new passport is ready for collection.
5. Passport Collection:
   • You can either collect the renewed passport in person from the diplomatic mission or have it delivered to you, depending on the options available.

What is the validity of a passport?

The validity of a Nepali passport varies depending on the age of the passport holder:

1. For Adults (18 years and older): Nepali passports issued to adults are typically valid for 10 years.
2. For Minors (under 18 years): Passports issued to minors are usually valid for 5 years.

Can passports be expedited?

Yes, Nepali passports can be expedited for Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizens living abroad. The process for expediting a Nepali passport application or renewal involves the following steps:

1. Determine the Need for Expedited Service:
   • Expedited service is recommended if you have urgent travel plans or a pressing need for a new/renewed passport.
2. Contact the Nearest Nepali Diplomatic Mission:
   • Reach out to the Nepali embassy, consulate, or other diplomatic mission in your country of residence.
   • Inform them of your requirement for expedited passport processing.
3. Submit the Application and Pay the Expedited Fee:
   • Complete the regular passport application or renewal form.
   • Provide all the necessary supporting documents.
   • Pay the additional expedited service fee, which is typically higher than the regular processing fee.
4. Request Expedited Processing:
   • Clearly indicate on the application form that you require expedited service.
   • Provide a valid reason for the expedited request, such as an upcoming international travel plan.
5. Follow up with the Diplomatic Mission:
   • Stay in touch with the diplomatic mission to track the progress of your expedited application.
   • They will inform you once the new/renewed passport is ready for collection or delivery.

The processing time for an expedited Nepali passport can be significantly faster than the regular timeline, often taking around 2-3 weeks instead of the standard 4-8 weeks.

How to replace a lost passport?

If a Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad (NCRA) needs to replace a lost passport, the following steps should be taken:

1. Report the Loss:
   • Immediately report the loss to the local police in the country of residence and obtain a police report.
2. Contact the Nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate:
   • Inform the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate about the lost passport. They will guide you through the process and provide the necessary forms.
3. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Completed Application Form: Obtain and fill out the passport replacement application form, available at the embassy or consulate or their official website.
   • Police Report: Submit the police report indicating the loss of the passport.
   • Proof of Nepali Citizenship: Provide a copy of your citizenship certificate or an old Nepali passport, if available.
   • Passport-Sized Photographs: Provide recent photographs that meet the specifications set by the Department of Passport, Nepal.
   • Proof of Identity: Submit any other identification documents, such as a Nepali national ID card or a birth certificate.
   • Proof of Residency Abroad: Provide documents showing your legal status in the host country, such as a residence permit or visa.
4. Affidavit of Loss:
   • Fill out an affidavit of loss provided by the embassy or consulate, stating the circumstances under which the passport was lost.
5. Payment of Fees:
   • Pay the required fee for the replacement passport. The fee varies depending on the embassy or consulate and the type of processing (standard or expedited).
6. Submit the Application:
   • Visit the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate to submit the application form and all supporting documents. Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will typically be collected during this visit.
7. Processing Time:
   • The processing time for a replacement passport can vary but generally takes 4 to 6 weeks for standard processing. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee and typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
8. Receive the New Passport:
   • Once processed, the new passport will be issued. It can either be picked up in person or mailed to you, depending on the options provided by the embassy or consulate.

Can passports be applied for online?

Yes, Nepali citizens, including Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizens, can apply for a new passport or renew an existing passport online. Here are the steps to apply for a Nepali passport online:

1. Visit the Online Passport Application Portal:
   • Go to the official website of the Department of Passport, Nepal (www.nepalpassport.gov.np).
   • Click on the “Online Passport Application” section.
2. Create an Account:
   • If you’re a first-time applicant, you’ll need to create an account on the portal.
   • Provide the required personal and contact information.
3. Fill Out the Online Application Form:
   • Complete the online passport application form with all the necessary details.
   • Upload the required supporting documents, such as a digital photograph and proof of citizenship.
4. Pay the Applicable Fees:
   • Proceed to the payment section and pay the passport application fee online.
   • You can use various digital payment options, such as credit/debit cards or mobile banking.
5. Schedule an Appointment (if required):
   • Depending on the diplomatic mission’s procedures, you may need to schedule an appointment for a personal interview or document verification.
6. Submit the Application:
   • Once the online application is complete, submit it electronically.
7. Track the Application Status:
   • You can use the tracking feature on the portal to monitor the status of your passport application.
8. Collect the Passport:
   • When your passport is ready, the diplomatic mission will inform you to collect it in person or arrange for delivery.

What is the fee for passport renewal?

The fee for renewing a Nepali passport for Nepali Citizens Residing Abroad (NCRA) typically ranges from USD 75 to 100 for an ordinary passport (34 pages) and USD 125 to 150 for a larger passport (66 pages). Expedited processing services incur additional charges of around USD 25 to 50.

 an ordinary e-passports is issued for NPR 5,000 (adult 34 pages), NPR 10,000 (adult 66 pages), NPR 12,000 (Fast track service, 34 pages), NPR 20,000 (Fast track service, 66 pages).

Are there different types of passports?

Yes, there are different types of Nepali passports available for Nepali citizens, including Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizens. The main types of Nepali passports are:

1. Regular Passport:
   • This is the standard Nepali passport issued to all Nepali citizens.
   • It is valid for 5 years and can be used for international travel.
2. Diplomatic Passport:
   • This passport is issued to Nepali government officials, diplomats, and their immediate family members.
   • It is valid for 5 years and provides special privileges and immunities during international travel.
3. Official Passport:
   • This passport is issued to Nepali government officials and staff traveling abroad on official business.
   • It is valid for 5 years and provides certain privileges and exemptions.
4. Emergency Passport:
   • This is a temporary passport issued in emergency situations, such as when a regular passport is lost or stolen.
   • It is valid for a limited period, typically 1 year, and is intended for immediate travel needs.
5. Refugee Travel Document:
   • This document is issued to Nepali citizens who have been granted refugee status in another country.
   • It serves as a travel document and is valid for 2 years.

Can passports be used for ID verification?

Yes, passports can be used for ID verification. They are widely recognized as valid forms of identification due to their stringent issuance processes and the inclusion of detailed personal information and biometric data. Passports can verify a person’s identity, nationality, and citizenship, and are commonly used for:

1. Travel: Passports are required for international travel and are used to verify the identity of travelers at border crossings.
2. Government Services: They can be used to access various government services and benefits.
3. Financial Transactions: Passports are often accepted by banks and financial institutions for opening accounts and conducting transactions.
4. Employment: They can be used to verify identity and eligibility to work.
5. Legal and Administrative Procedures: Passports are accepted for notarizing documents, enrolling in educational institutions, and other official processes.

Do passports need to be updated for name changes?

Yes, passports need to be changed to reflect name changes. If your name has officially changed owing to marriage, divorce, or another reason, you should apply for a passport renewal under your new name. This guarantees that your passport reflects your current legal status, avoiding problems while travel or when presenting your passport for identification purposes.

To update your passport with a new name, you will normally need to send proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, along with your renewal application.

How to track passport application status?

Nepali citizens, including Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizens, can track the status of their passport application through the following steps:

1. Visit the Official Passport Department Website:
   • Go to the website of the Department of Passport, Nepal (www.nepalpassport.gov.np).
2. Find the “Track Application Status” Section:
   • Look for a section or link on the website that allows you to track the status of your passport application.
3. Enter the Required Information:
   • You will typically need to provide the following details to track your application status:
     • Application Number or Passport Number
     • Your Full Name
4. Submit the Request:
   • After entering the required information, click on the “Submit” or “Check Status” button.
5. Review the Status Update:
   • The website will display the current status of your passport application, such as:
     • Application Received
     • Documents Under Review
     • Passport Printed
     • Passport Dispatched
     • Passport Received
6. Contact the Diplomatic Mission (if Needed):
   • If you have any questions or concerns about the status of your application, you can reach out to the Nepali diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence.
   • The diplomatic mission can provide more detailed information and assistance regarding the application process.

Are there travel restrictions with a passport?

While passports allow international travel by validating the holder’s identification and nationality:

Visa Requirements: Many countries need visitors to get a visa before visiting. This implies that even if you have a valid passport, you may be denied entry into certain countries unless you secure the required visa ahead of time.

Validity Period: Some nations require passports to be valid beyond the travel dates. If your passport is about to expire, you may have difficulty or be denied entrance into some countries.

Travel restrictions may be implemented in response to political tensions, security concerns, or public health issues. These restrictions can apply to tourists regardless of their passport’s validity.

Sanctions: Citizens of countries under international sanctions or diplomatic tensions may face travel restrictions.

Health Requirements: During public health emergencies, such as pandemics, countries may impose travel restrictions or require people to show proof of immunization or negative COVID-19 test results.

Can dual citizens get two passports?

Yes, Nepali citizens who have dual citizenship can obtain two passports – one Nepali passport and one passport from their other country of citizenship.

Here are the key points regarding dual citizens and obtaining two passports:

1. Dual Citizenship Allowed:
   • Nepali law allows Nepali citizens to hold dual citizenship, including with their other country of citizenship.
2. Applying for Two Passports:
   • Nepali dual citizens can apply for and obtain a Nepali passport as well as a passport from their other country of citizenship.
   • They will need to follow the application procedures and requirements of both countries to obtain the respective passports.
3. Travel with Appropriate Passport:
   • When traveling, dual citizens should use the appropriate passport based on the country they are visiting or transiting through.
   • For example, when traveling to Nepal, they should use their Nepali passport. For travel to their other country of citizenship, they can use that country’s passport.
4. Passport Validity and Renewal:
   • The Nepali passport and the other country’s passport will have their own validity periods and renewal requirements.
   • Dual citizens must ensure that both passports remain valid and renewed as per the respective country’s regulations.
5. Informing Authorities:
   • Dual citizens are generally required to inform the authorities in both countries about their dual citizenship status and the possession of two passports.
   • This is important for maintaining proper documentation and compliance with the laws of both countries.

What is the biometric passport?

A biometric passport, also known as an e-passport or electronic passport, is a traditional passport that contains an embedded microchip. This microchip stores biometric data, such as the passport holder’s facial image, fingerprints, and other identifying information.

The primary purpose of a biometric passport is to enhance security and reduce the risk of passport fraud and identity theft. By storing biometric information electronically, authorities can verify the authenticity of the passport and confirm the identity of the holder more accurately.

When a biometric passport is scanned at immigration checkpoints, the embedded microchip is accessed, and the stored biometric data is compared with the physical characteristics of the passport holder. This helps immigration officials confirm that the person presenting the passport is the rightful holder and prevents unauthorized individuals from using stolen or counterfeit passports.

How to correct errors in a passport?

If there are any errors or inaccuracies in a Nepali passport, whether for a Nepali citizen or a Non-Resident Nepali (NRN), the passport holder can request a correction through the following process:

1. Gather the Required Documents:
   • Completed passport application form
   • Existing/old Nepali passport with the error
   • Supporting documents to prove the correct information (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate)
   • One recent passport-sized photograph
   • Payment for the passport correction fee
2. Submit the Application:
   • Visit the nearest Nepali diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence.
   • Submit the completed application form and required documents.
   • Pay the applicable passport correction fee.
3. Verification and Processing:
   • The diplomatic mission will review your application and documents to verify the error.
   • Your application will be forwarded to the Department of Passport in Nepal for further processing.
4. Passport Issuance:
   • Once your application is approved, a new passport with the corrected information will be printed and prepared for delivery.
   • The diplomatic mission will inform you when your new passport is ready for collection.
5. Passport Collection:
   • You can either collect the corrected passport in person from the diplomatic mission or have it delivered to you, depending on the options available.

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