Nepal plans passport-free travel system for foreigners

KATHMANDU, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Nepal is preparing to introduce a system under which foreign nationals could travel across Nepal without carrying their passports.

People participate in a rally during the 19th Elephant and Tourism Festival in Chitwan, Nepal, Dec. 26, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

"We sent a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday seeking its approval for a 'Passport-Free Travel' arrangement for foreigners within Nepal," Tikaram Dhakal, spokesperson for the Department of Immigration, told Xinhua on Thursday.

Under the proposed system, foreign nationals would be required to install the official app of the Department of Immigration on their mobile devices, which is available on both Android and iOS, and submit details including their passport numbers and visa information.

"After they fill in the necessary details on the app, foreigners will be free to travel across Nepal without carrying their passports," Dhakal said. "They would not need to produce a physical passport to travel on domestic flights, exchange currency at money exchange counters, or show their passports to trekking agencies for travel arrangements."

He said police would also not require foreign nationals to produce a physical passport if an inquiry is necessary after their details have already been submitted through the app.

The department aims to achieve two objectives through the initiative: helping tourists enjoy their holidays in Nepal in a more relaxed manner while allowing authorities to track foreign nationals in the country.