Nepal passport application and photo for a baby

When applying for a Nepali child passport, even small details - such as consent forms or the child’s photo - must meet official standards.

This article outlines the full procedure in clear steps, from preparing documents to applying. It also covers practical tips for taking an approved baby passport photo at home.

Table of contents

• Types of passports for minors in Nepal
• Is it possible to apply for a Nepal passport online?
• Baby passport application process in Nepal
• Documents required for a minor's passport application
• Is a photo required for a child's passport application?
• Baby passport photo requirements in Nepal
• Online passport photo maker
• Passport photo app
• How to take a compliant baby passport photo at home: tips
• Nepal minor passport fees
• Nepal passport processing time
• FAQ

Types of passports for minors in Nepal

Nepal issues several passport categories, each serves a specific purpose depending on travel needs. Minors in Nepal obtain the same types of passports as adults. Here you’ll find the available options:

• Ordinary e-passport: This document, available in 34 or 66 pages, is suitable for general travel by the public, including children.
• Diplomatic passport: Reserved for eligible officials and their dependents.
• Official passport: Issued to certain government personnel and their dependents.
• Special passports, such as those for peacekeepers, are not typically issued to ordinary minors.

For minors, the focus is on obtaining an Ordinary e-passport, which is available to any applicant under the age of 16, including newborns, upon first issuance. A passport for a child in Nepal can be obtained from the Department of Passports or District Administration Offices, or from diplomatic missions abroad.

The validity periods are as follows:

• For children under 10, the ordinary e-passport is valid for 5 years within Nepal and at some overseas embassies.
• For children aged 10 to under 16, passports are often valid for 10 years when issued by embassies, but the application follows minor-specific procedures and fees.

Is it possible to apply for a Nepal passport online?

No, it is not possible to apply for a Nepal passport entirely online. Here you’ll learn which parts can be done digitally and what still requires an in-office visit.

Applicants must complete an online pre-enrollment form, after which they must visit in person for biometric enrollment at a Department of Passport office, District Administration Office, or Nepalese embassy or consulate. Personal attendance is crucial for collecting fingerprints, photos, and identity verification. For children under 5, some embassies offer special provisions that may waive the need for in-person biometric collection.

Baby passport application process in Nepal

Applying for a baby’s passport in Nepal involves several essential steps that parents must complete with the child present. Here is how to make a baby passport in Nepal, from registration to final submission.

1. Visit the MOFA Passport Pre-enrollment portal. Click on “Apply for Passport” and select the appropriate application type, such as First Issuance or Renewal.
2. Fill out the form with accurate information and upload necessary documents in JPEG/PNG format, ensuring sizes do not exceed 400 KB. Choose “Minor” for applicants under 16 years old.
3. For the appointment, select “Other” for the appointment country, then pick your desired location, date, and time.
4. Record your Request Number and click “Finish”.
5. Download the PDF form, print it, and present it at the Embassy on your selected date and time.

Documents required for a minor's passport application

Before applying for a minor's passport, parents must gather essential identification and support documents. But what documents are required for a baby passport in Nepal? Here is a list of required items:

For children under 5 who cannot visit the Embassy for in-person enrolment:

• Completed pre-enrollment form signed by parents.
• Minor Citizenship Certificate or Birth Registration Certificate from the country of birth.
• Colour copy of Parents’ Marriage Registration Certificate.
• Original Parents’ Passports.
• Colour copies of Parents’ Citizenship Certificates.
• Valid Visas for parents (first and second page).
• Two high-resolution, borderless 35 × 45 mm photos with a white background.

For renewing a minor's passport:

• Minor Citizenship Certificate (first and second page) or Birth Registration Certificate.
• Current passport's front and back pages.
• Valid Visa.

All documents should be in JPEG/PNG format, max 400 KB size.

Is a photo required for a child's passport application?

Biometric photos are mandatory for minor ordinary passports, even when applying for a newborn baby passport in Nepal. You will need to submit two recent photos of the child, 35 × 45 mm in size, with a white background and neutral expression.

Baby passport photo requirements in Nepal

When applying for a baby's passport in Nepal, the photos must adhere to certain standards, with some leniency allowed for infants. Here are the main criteria:

• Photos must be 35 × 45 mm in colour, with a plain white background. They should be borderless and free of patterns or shadows.
• The baby's face should occupy 70–80% of the photo, with a head height of approximately 31-33 mm from chin to crown, positioned centred and straight to the camera.
• Aim for a neutral expression. Avoid including pacifiers, toys, hats, or other people.
• Photos must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), sharp, in focus, free from red-eye. If submitting hard copies, use high-resolution photo paper.

Here is an example of Nepali passport photo:

Online passport photo maker

Read on to find out how to take a passport photo that meets the official Nepal requirements. Create professional passport photos at home without visiting a studio. Use Visafoto.com to get a compliant baby passport photo in Nepal. Follow these straightforward steps:

1. Take a photo of your child in natural daylight.
2. Upload it to Visafoto, which will adjust the format, background, size, and dimensions as needed.

Example of a photo you can upload:

You'll receive both a digital copy for online applications and a print-ready version. With a 99.7% acceptance rate and over 500,000 approved photos, Visafoto guarantees compliance with official standards or a full refund. Our tech support is available 24/7 for assistance.

Passport photo app

Another handy solution is the 7ID app, which is available for both iPhones and Android devices. The 7ID App offers another convenient way to create passport photos, available for both iPhone and Android. This app automatically crops images, adjusts the background, and generates printable templates, ensuring proper lighting and proportions to meet official requirements.

7ID provides 24/7 quality support and is suitable for both online and print submissions.

How to take a compliant baby passport photo at home: tips

As far as there is no minimum age to make a passport in Nepal, a passport can be obtained from birth (for a newborn/baby) as long as the required birth and parental documents are available. Capturing a compliant passport photo of your baby at home is straightforward if you know a few key techniques. Below are some guidelines on what is acceptable for a baby passport photo, along with practical advice on achieving the right lighting and positioning, and on keeping your baby still.

• Lay a blanket on a hard floor, then cover it with a white sheet. Ensure the room is well-lit for clear photo quality.
• Dress your baby in dark clothing to contrast well with the white background. Place them on the prepared blanket.
• Use a toy near the camera lens to attract your child's gaze directly toward the camera. Keep taking photos until you capture one with the baby's eyes open, looking straight at the lens, with both ears visible.
• It is acceptable for infants to have their eyes partially closed, but their face should still be clearly visible.
• If your baby cries or becomes restless, pause until they calm down, as you'll need their mouth closed for the picture. If holding the baby, ensure only the baby is visible, without your hands or other objects.
• Mornings are ideal for taking photos, as babies are generally calmer and the natural light is better.
• Capture several shots to choose the best one.

Once you have a suitable photo, upload it to Visafoto.com or use the 7ID app to finalise your passport photo.

Nepal minor passport fees

Passport fees for minors in Nepal vary based on service type, age, location, and delivery speed. Below are the standard ordinary e‑passport fees inside Nepal.

For adults:

• Normal processing, 34‑page ordinary passport (adult): about NPR 5,000.​
• Normal processing, 66‑page ordinary passport (adult): about NPR 10,000.
• Fees abroad may differ.

Minors pay discounted fees compared with adult rates. Always verify the current fee with the Department of Passports or the relevant District Administration Office directly.

Expedited processing options:

• Rush processing (7 days): Additional NPR 2,000.
• Emergency processing (3 days): Additional NPR 5,000.
• Same-day service: Additional NPR 10,000 (available at select locations).

Nepal passport processing time

Passport processing for Nepali minors varies based on workload, location, and chosen service type. Here are the typical timelines and factors affecting processing speed:

In-Country processing (Department of Passport):

• Regular service: 15-21 days total, including 7–21 days after biometric enrollment at a passport office or District Administration Office.
• Rush options: 7 days, emergency 3 days, or same-day service available.

Track your application's status online using your reference number or the Nepal ePassport app.

Embassy/Consulate abroad:

• Expect longer times due to shipping to/from Kathmandu: 5–6 weeks after biometrics at US honorary consulates, 2 months in Canberra, or 45–60 days in Hong Kong.

Track your application using the Nepal ePassport app. No updates available until the passport reaches the location. “Passport has been issued” indicates readiness for collection.

FAQ

Can a baby travel internationally before receiving a passport?

No, babies cannot travel internationally without a valid passport. Every child, including newborns, requires a Nepali passport for international flights, independent of adult companions.

Do both parents need to be present when applying for a baby’s passport?

No, both parents don't need to be physically present. Parental consent via signed documents suffices. Typically, one parent may attend in person for biometrics, while the application can be posted for babies under 5 in certain embassies.

Can I take my baby's passport photo at home?

Yes, you can take your baby's passport photo by yourself if it meets Nepal’s requirements: 35×45 mm size, plain white background, no shadows, and clear visibility of the baby's face. Use online photo editing tools such as Visafoto and the 7ID app to ensure your photo will be accepted.

What happens if a baby’s appearance changes before the passport expires?

A new photo isn't needed unless there are significant changes like facial surgery or trauma. Normal growth does not require a reissue. However, once the child turns 5 or gets a Minor Citizenship Certificate, a passport renewal is needed, as the initial validity is typically 5 years.