Nepal Rolls Out Digital Visitor Tracking for Foreign Nationals — What Travelers Must Know
Nepal’s Department of Immigration has activated a new digital visitor-tracking system, phasing out manual paper logbooks at most international airports and major border crossings. The change affects foreign tourists, trekkers, and even Indian nationals staying overnight.
“The goal is real-time visibility into visitor movements, faster emergency response, and smoother departures at Tribhuvan International Airport.”
Who Must Register?
- All foreign passport holders — visa, permit, or entry stamp holders
- Indian nationals — now included if staying overnight (previously exempt from detailed tracking)
- Transit passengers — only if leaving the airside zone
How Registration Works
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Complete online pre-registration 48 hours before arrival |
| 2 | Receive a QR-linked digital entry pass |
| 3 | Scan QR at airport/land-port kiosk |
| 4 | Update location if changing districts |
What Changes at the Airport
Immigration counters now feature biometric scanners linked to the central database. Paper forms are still available as a backup, but digital registration is strongly encouraged — it reduces wait times by an estimated 40% during peak seasons.
Data Privacy Concerns
The Ministry says data will be retained for **five years** and shared only with law enforcement and disaster-management agencies. No commercial reuse is planned.
FAQ
Q: Do I need internet on my phone to show the QR?
A: No. Print or screenshot the QR before arrival. Offline scans are supported.
Q: What if I’m trekking in a remote area with no signal?
A: You should update your location whenever you regain connectivity. The system tolerates 72-hour gaps in remote zones.
Q: Does this affect visa on arrival?
A: No. Visa on arrival remains, but you’ll complete digital tracking immediately after passport stamping.
Stay current with Nepal travel policy at TravellingNepal.com.
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