Lost Passport in Nepal: Replacement Process, Documents, Fees & Rules
A lost passport in Nepal is a paperwork issue with an administrative solution, not a legal emergency, if the proper measures are taken in the correct order. The most common mistake is applying for a normal renewal, which is the incorrect application category once the physical passport has expired. This page explains what a Nepali citizen should do after losing their passport: report the loss, ask for a replacement, the documentation and fees required, what happens if the old passport is subsequently recovered, and the distinct procedure for individuals who lose their passport outside of Nepal. For the broader process covering first-time issuance and renewal, see our guide to the new passport registration process in Nepal.
What to Do If You Lose Your Nepali Passport
- Secure your remaining identity documents. Keep your citizenship certificate and National Identity details safe, since these will be needed for the replacement application.
- Report the loss to the police. File a report at the nearest police station stating where and when the passport was lost.
- Retain the report reference. Note the report number, date and issuing police office. This information is required for the application.
- Confirm current replacement requirements. Document requirements for lost-passport replacement have been simplified in recent years, so verify the current list on nepalpassport.gov.np before applying.
- Prepare your documents, including your citizenship certificate and, if available, a photocopy of the lost passport's data page.
- Book an appointment through the online pre-enrollment system, since biometric enrollment must be done in person.
- Submit the application and complete biometric enrollment (photograph, fingerprints and signature) at the Department of Passports or your District Administration Office.
- Track the application and collect the new passport once it is ready.
Do You Need to Report a Lost Passport?
Yes. A police report is required before applying for a replacement passport in Nepal, regardless of whether the application is made locally or through a Nepali mission overseas. The report creates an official record of when and where the passport was lost, authorizes the cancelation of the old passport number in government records, and protects the bearer if the document is later exploited by someone else.
Some earlier records mention an obligation to publish a notification of loss in a national newspaper. According to more recent sources, the Department of Passports has taken steps to streamline this requirement in many circumstances, including a mechanism to tell Interpol that the missing passport has been canceled, rather than requiring published notice for each applicant. Because procedural details like these vary over time, check with the Department of Passports, your District Administration Office, or the local Nepali embassy or consulate to see if a newspaper notice relates to your case before acting on it.
A police report of this kind is an administrative record of loss. It is not criminal proceedings against the applicant.
How to Replace a Lost Nepali Passport
- The replacement process is carried out through the same online pre-enrollment platform as normal Nepal passport applications, with a separate category designated for lost or stolen documents.
- Access the official pre-enrollment portal through https://nepalpassport.gov.np/
- Select "Replacement (Lost/Stolen)" as the application type. Do not select "Renewal," since that option assumes the applicant still holds the physical passport.
- Choose the passport type, 34 pages or 66 pages, and select ordinary or expedited processing where expedited service is available at the chosen office.
- Select the appointment location and time slot. Options typically include the central Department of Passports office in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, a District or Area Administration Office, or a Nepali embassy or consulate for applicants abroad.
- Complete the demographic and citizenship details, matching them exactly to the citizenship certificate to avoid delays at verification.
- Upload the required supporting documents and complete the online payment.
- Attend the appointment in person. This step cannot be completed remotely, since fingerprints, a live photograph and a digital signature must be captured at the counter.
- Verification is carried out at the counter. If the original citizenship certificate cannot be produced, verification with the issuing authority may take longer.
- Collect the passport once notified or check the application status through the tracking option on the official portal.
Documents Required to Replace a Lost Passport in Nepal
The exact document list can differ depending on whether the application is made inside Nepal or through a mission abroad, and whether the applicant is a minor, an adult, or a Non-Resident Nepali. As a general starting point, applicants are commonly asked to provide:
- Original citizenship certificate and a clear photocopy of both sides
- Police report confirming the passport was reported lost or stolen
- Printed copy of the online application form and appointment confirmation
- Photocopy of the lost passport's data page, if available
- National Identity Number details, where applicable
- For minors: Minor Identity Card or birth certificate, along with a parent's citizenship certificate
- For applicants abroad: proof of legal status in the country of residence, such as a visa or residence permit
This list should be treated as a starting point rather than a final requirement. Confirm the current document list for your specific case with the office where you intend to apply before your appointment.
Lost Passport Replacement Fee in Nepal
Passport fees in Nepal are set by the Department of Passports and published on https://nepalpassport.gov.np/ . Fees generally vary according to three factors: the passport type (34 pages or 66 pages), the processing speed selected (ordinary or fast-track, where available), and whether the application is made inside Nepal or through a mission abroad, since embassy fees are usually set in the local currency or US dollars and differ by mission.
Lost-passport replacement has commonly carried an additional charge above the standard passport fee, reflecting the extra verification involved. Published figures for this additional charge vary across secondary sources online, so no specific amount is stated in this article. Confirm the current fee for your passport type, processing speed and application location directly on the official portal or with the Department of Passports before making payment
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Passport in Nepal?
Processing time depends on the application location, the service selected, and how quickly the applicant's documents can be verified. Applications made inside Nepal, particularly at the central Department of Passports office, are generally processed faster than applications made through missions abroad, since data from embassy applications must be transmitted to Kathmandu for personalization before the finished passport is returned to the mission.
Lost-passport cases can also take somewhat longer than routine renewal, since the loss record and citizenship details require verification before the replacement is personalized. Appointment availability is a separate factor, as popular offices can be fully booked well in advance, so it is advisable to book as soon as the police report has been obtained. Published processing timelines can change and vary by office, so confirm the current expected timeline at the point of booking.
|
Situation |
What to Do |
|
Passport lost in Nepal |
Report the loss and follow the replacement procedure |
|
Passport lost abroad |
Contact the nearest Nepali diplomatic mission |
|
Passport found after reporting loss |
Confirm its status before attempting to use it |
|
Passport needed urgently |
Check whether expedited service is currently available |
What Happens to Your Lost Passport?
Once a passport is reported missing, it is considered an invalid travel document from that point on. The Department of Passports explicitly specifies that a passport reported as lost or stolen cannot be used for travel, even if it is later recovered. In practice, after the loss is reported, the previous passport number is identified in official records, and this record is used to verify the replacement application. A retrieved passport should not be considered useful again; its administrative status has changed regardless of whether the physical document has been located.
This is not merely an administrative convention. Under Chapter 15 of the Passport Act, 2076, a report by the holder that the passport has been lost is itself one of the recognized statutory grounds for cancellation, alongside grounds such as loss of citizenship or a court order. For a fuller account of the Act's provisions on passport categories, cancellation and related offences, see our article on Nepali passports under the Passport Act, 2076.
What If You Find Your Passport After Reporting It Lost?
Do not use it as a travel or official ID. When a passport is reported missing, it is generally considered canceled, and attempting to use it at an airport, a border crossing, or for identity verification elsewhere might result in major issues, as the document may be marked as invalid in official systems. If the old passport is recovered after the loss has been reported, notify the office where the report was made or the Department of Passports, and use the newly issued passport for any future travel and official purposes.
What If Your Nepali Passport Is Lost Abroad?
Losing a passport outside Nepal requires an additional step, since the process begins with the nearest Nepali mission rather than the Department of Passports directly.
- Contact the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate as soon as possible. This is the correct first point of contact for a citizen abroad.
- Report the loss, typically to the local police in the country where the passport was lost and obtain a written police report referencing the applicant's name and passport number.
- Verify identity with the mission using the citizenship certificate and any other available identification.
- Ask about emergency travel documentation. In appropriate circumstances, missions can issue a one-way travel document for return to Nepal while a full replacement passport is processed separately.
- If travel is imminent, contact the relevant airline and immigration authorities to confirm what documentation will be accepted for departure.
- Check the specific mission's requirements, since procedures and required documents are not identical across every Nepali embassy or consulate.
Can You Travel After Losing Your Passport?
Not on the actual lost document. International travel necessitates the use of a legitimate, approved travel document, and a lost passport falls short of this requirement. The actual options are to wait for the new passport to be provided or, for applicants abroad with urgent travel needs, to contact the nearest Nepali mission to see whether an emergency travel document may be issued for the specific circumstances. Airlines and immigration authorities at the places of departure and arrival will also have their own criteria, which should be confirmed immediately if travel dates are approaching
What If Your Lost Passport Is Misused?
Passport loss carries some risk of misuse, though this does not automatically result in identity theft. Reasonable precautions include the following:
- Report the loss promptly, so an official record exists from the earliest possible date
- Retain the police report and any reference numbers in a secure place
- Watch unusual activity connected to your identity, such as unexpected correspondence referencing the passport number
- Inform the police and the Department of Passports if there is specific reason to suspect the old passport is being used by someone else
- Keep secure copies, physical or digital, of the citizenship certificate and the passport's data page for future reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I do immediately after losing my Nepalese passport?
Before beginning the replacement application process, report the loss to the nearest police station and acquire a written report.
Q. Is it necessary to file a police report for a missing passport in Nepal?
Yes. A police report is a typical requirement for missing passport replacement applications, both within Nepal and through foreign missions.
Q. How much does it cost to replace a lost Nepalese passport?
Fees vary according to passport type, processing speed, and application location, and missing passport situations may incur an additional charge. Before applying, visit nepalpassport.gov.np to confirm the current fee.
Q. Can I apply for a new passport if my previous one is lost?
Yes. Instead of renewing, select "Replacement (Lost/Stolen)" in the online pre-enrollment application.
Q. What happens if I discover my passport after reporting it as lost?
It should not be used when traveling. Inform the appropriate agency and continue to rely on your replacement passport.
Q. Can I replace my Nepalese passport while abroad?
Yes, through the Nepali embassy or consulate with jurisdiction in your area, following the mission's specific procedure.
Q. Can I travel without my Nepalese passport?
No, not for the lost paperwork. A replacement passport or, in urgent instances overseas, an emergency travel permit issued by a Nepali mission would be necessary.
Conclusion
Where a lost passport leads to a more complicated situation, such as suspected misuse of the holder's identity, a dispute over citizenship or identity documents, an immigration issue connected to travel plans, or a delay that affects a legal deadline, professional legal advice is worth seeking rather than managing the matter alone. Nepal Lawyer can connect applicants with lawyers experienced in immigration and administrative matters in Nepal.
Reporting the loss promptly, applying under the correct replacement category, preparing the required documents in advance, and confirming current fees and processing times directly with the Department of Passports are the steps that keep this process moving without unnecessary delay.
Need Legal Help in Nepal?
Whether you need help with land registration, property documents, contracts, family matters, disputes, or any other legal issue, Nepal Lawyer connects you with experienced legal practitioners in Nepal.
- Book a Consultation: Schedule an appointment with a qualified lawyer for your specific legal matter.
- Get Legal Guidance: Understand your rights, options, required documents, and next steps.
- Personalized Legal Support: Get professional advice tailored to your circumstances, whether you are an individual, NRN, business owner, or investor.
Need legal help? Connect with a qualified lawyer through Nepal Lawyer today!
📞 Direct Legal Hotline: 9801884499 / 01-4542864
📧 Email: [email protected]
📍 Office: Nirajan Bikram Marg-31, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
Sources
- Department of Passports, Government of Nepal. https://nepalpassport.gov.np/
- U.S. Embassy in Nepal. "Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Passport Replacement." https://np.usembassy.gov/lost-stolen-or-mutilated-passport-replacement/
- Australian Embassy in Nepal. "Lost and Stolen Passports." https://nepal.embassy.gov.au/kmdu/012LostStolenPassports.html
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal and administrative information and should not be treated as individualized legal advice. Government requirements, fees and procedures may change. Readers should confirm current rules with the Department of Passports, the relevant District Administration Office, or the appropriate Nepali embassy or consulate before applying.
