The Department of Immigration has introduced e-visas, an office automation system, and online payment starting today. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Honorable Narayan Kaji Shrestha launched the service at the department's office in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

Mr. Rudrasing Tamang, Director General of the department, stated that the service will commence on February 13th, operating from 8 am to 8 pm. He mentioned, "Currently, the office is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; starting February 13th, it will be open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. After the launch of e-visas, the office will be open every day in shifts from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm."

The Department has informed that 'Electronic Travel Authorization' (ETA) has been implemented as a preliminary step towards introducing 'e-Visas'. Through this, foreign nationals from anywhere in the world can apply for a visa online and pay the visa fee electronically. However, the payment should be made from within Nepal. According to DG Tamang, the Department has been working to introduce a cross-border payment system.

For the time being, all service fees and fines can be paid through mobile banking and various wallet service providers who are integrated into the Financial Comptroller General Office. The Department has also announced that customers can track the status of their applications and view payment details online.

The Department has arranged to provide information through email and SMS regarding the status of their application and to assist users with low digital literacy through their employees. Director General Tamang stated that an automated service system has been launched entirely online to provide simple, fast, and transparent immigration administration. He mentioned that digital signatures will also be introduced from this month, and a new website has also been launched today.

Director General Tamang stated, "All immigration offices are now connected to the automated system network. With all services provided online, there is no need for customers to physically visit the office to apply for or extend visas or obtain trekking permits."

The Department has specified that, except for customers applying for non-tourist visas based on relationships or marriage, no other customers should physically visit the department. "All processes will now be conducted online; customers can visit the department or any immigration office in Nepal to affix the visa sticker," he added.

The department's online system has been integrated with the online systems of various other government agencies including the Department of Passport, Department of Industry, Department of Consular Service, Department of Customs, Interpol, Department of Foreign Employment, Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, and Financial Comptroller General Office for payments and other purposes.

The department mentioned that it is preparing for a mutual agreement with the National Identity Card and Registration Department. It also mentioned ongoing coordination with the Comptroller General's Office to connect the department's system through an international payment provider for cross-border e-visa payments.

Starting February 13th, trekking permits required for foreign nationals for trekking in prohibited areas of Nepal will be processed through the 'Automate Trekking Agency system'. After the applicant makes payment through the Nepali banking system, an electronically signed permit will be issued through the Department of Immigration's system, and the relevant agency can print the permit themselves.