KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that although there is currently a limited number of passport booklets due to high demand, the issue is being addressed and is not as severe as some external reports suggest.

The Department of Passports under the ministry has already signed a procurement agreement with a new supplier for electronic passports in July 2025.

According to the agreement, infrastructure and system preparations are being expedited to resume full passport services from February 23, 2026.

While essential passport services will continue during this transition, the ministry has requested that only individuals with urgent needs—such as emergency medical treatment, immediate employment, or critical situations abroad—apply for passports at this time.

The ministry has also urged the public to remain patient and support the government during this period.

To ensure there is no shortage of passports during the transition, the ministry has arranged to accept 1,000 applications per day from 5 PM on November 3, excluding the day before public holidays.

This arrangement is expected to meet the current urgent demand.

Full passport services will resume on February 23 next year and until then, the ministry requests that applications be submitted only for urgent cases.