Kathmandu: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the ongoing issue of passport booklet shortages is being actively addressed. Although there is currently a limited supply of passport booklets due to high demand from service seekers, measures are being put in place to resolve this situation.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Ministry has clarified that the public perception of the passport booklet shortage has been exaggerated. The Department of Passport, under the Ministry, has already entered into a purchase agreement with a new supplier for electronic passports, with the agreement signed in Saun 2082. This move aims to streamline the production and availability of passports.
As per the agreement, the Ministry stated that the installation of infrastructure and systems is progressing swiftly, with the goal of commencing passport services by February 23, 2026. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, mentioned, “We are currently in a transitional period of handover-takeover between the new supplier and the current supplier. According to the new purchase agreement, the new service provider is confirmed to start passport production from February 23.”
In the interim, while essential passport services will continue to operate, the Ministry has advised that only individuals requiring urgent treatment, immediate employment, or facing difficulties abroad should proceed with the current passport application process. The Ministry has also called for public patience and cooperation during this transitional phase.
Spokesperson Chhetri assured that necessary measures are being taken to prevent any shortage of passports during the current transition. Arrangements have been made to accept applications from one thousand people daily, starting from 5 pm on November 3, excluding the day before a public holiday. The Ministry believes this arrangement will meet the urgent demand for passports and has urged the public to apply for passports only if absolutely necessary until full passport services resume by February 23.