DoP increases passport printing to 1,500 a day

Kathmandu, July 29

The Department of Passports (DoP) has increased its production capacity to meet the rising demand for electronic passports (e-passports), saying it is now producing and printing around 1,500 passports a day.

The department said that demand has risen significantly in recent weeks, particularly due to an increase in the number of Nepalis travelling to South Korea for employment.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the DoP said it has been continuously improving its service delivery system and production capacity to provide citizens with faster, simpler, safer and more efficient access to e-passports.

According to it, demand for e-passports has increased sharply over the past week. In response, it has expanded production capacity and is continuing to enhance its output to ensure applicants receive their passports on time.

The DoP attributed the growing demand to the increasing number of Nepalis travelling abroad under the Employment Permit System (EPS), as well as for employment, education, tourism, medical treatment and other purposes.

It noted that e-passport services are not limited to Kathmandu. Applications can be made through all 77 District Administration Offices, as well as various Area Administration Offices across the country.

Nepali citizens living overseas can also apply for e-passports through Nepal's diplomatic missions abroad.

The department said it plans to further expand services and strengthen the system in line with growing public demand. It added that technical and managerial measures are being implemented to resolve recent technical issues within the next month and stabilise the system within three months.

"We are working closely with technical partners to improve system capacity, stability and performance so that applicants do not face unnecessary delays," read the statement.

It maintained that as passports are an essential government document, priority is being given to applicants requiring urgent passports for foreign employment, education, medical treatment, family matters and other essential purposes.

"We will continue providing services despite the increased workload, while ensuring priority assistance for applicants with urgent needs wherever possible," it said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 July 2026.