KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 3
The Department of Passports (DoP) has announced that it will open 1,000 appointment slots each day starting today (November 3) to manage the growing demand for passports amid a temporary shortage of passport booklets.
According to the department, the arrangement will remain in effect until further notice, with appointment slots opening daily at 5:00 p.m., except on the eve of public holidays. The department has urged the public to apply only in cases of urgent necessity during this period.
The DoP attributed the service disruption to a transitional phase between the current and new e-passport suppliers, as the government recently signed a procurement agreement with a new provider, limited stock of passport booklets and high public demand. The new system is scheduled to come into operation from Falgun 11, 2082 (February 23, 2026), following infrastructure and system upgrades.
The department stated that efforts are underway to ensure there will be no shortage of passports once the new system becomes fully operational.
Meanwhile, the DoP has also cautioned applicants against dealing with unauthorized individuals and urged the public to remain vigilant against potential fraud. For any queries, issues, or complaints, applicants can contact the department through its official communication channels-telephone (01-5970326), WhatsApp (9851252001) for messages only, email (communication@nepalpassport.gov.np
), or call centre (01-5970330) operating from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Department of Passports, located in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, has requested patience and cooperation from the public during this transition period.
