Ministry of Foreign Affairs Committed to Efficient Passport Services

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated its commitment to providing efficient, simple, and effective passport services to Nepali citizens.

Ministry's Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri provided information about the latest status of passport distribution and improvement efforts during a regular press conference on Friday.

According to Spokesperson Chhetri, the service delivery has been further systematized with the implementation of the new passport system. The ministry has informed that 8,260 passports have been printed so far through the new system, which started on June 13, 2026. Currently, arrangements have been made to apply for passports from the Department of Passports, all 77 District Administration Offices, 6 Area Administration Offices, and 39 (31 regular and 8 additional) Nepali missions abroad.

While acknowledging some technical problems encountered during the implementation of the new system, Spokesperson Chhetri stated that the technical team is working on resolving these issues. The ministry has already signed an agreement with the Postal Service Department to expedite the delivery of printed passports to the concerned District and Area Administration Offices. He expressed confidence that this arrangement will minimize delays in the passport distribution process.

Speaking at the press conference, Chhetri said, 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the subordinate Department of Passports are committed to providing efficient, simple, and effective passport services to Nepali citizens.'

Mentioning that the service of accepting applications and issuing passports through the new system has been operational since June 13, 2026, he said, 'Currently, through the new system, services are being provided by the Department of Passports, all 77 District Administration Offices, 6 Area Administration Offices, and 31 Nepali missions abroad along with 8 additional missions, with arrangements to register at any time.'

Stating that some technical problems seen during the operation of the new system were expected, he added, 'The resolution of these problems is continuously being carried out by the relevant technical team, and the passport service is expected to become fully smooth and regular soon. We express our sincere gratitude for the positive news coverage and publicity you have provided on this matter.'

Providing information about the preparation to expedite the delivery of printed passports, he said, 'An agreement related to cooperation with the Postal Service Department has been completed to promptly deliver the printed passports to the concerned District and Area Administration Offices.'

The ministry has also informed that it has initiated the necessary process to arrange for citizens to apply for passports from any district, further simplifying passport services. Previously, applications could only be submitted from the district of permanent address or from Kathmandu, but the new arrangement will make it more convenient for service recipients.