KATHMANDU, Nov 28: The government is set to launch the Foreign Nationals Management Information System (FNMIS) on January 1, 2026, after a two-month delay. The digital platform is designed to track foreign nationals visiting Nepal on tourist visas.
While the system will facilitate systematic registration and monitoring of all foreign visitors, it aims to enhance security, streamline data sharing, and improve tourism management by requiring hotels, airlines, travel agencies and money exchangers to integrate with it.
The real-time tracking system will also send automated reminders about visa expiry dates, extension procedures, and compliance requirements. The system is expected to improve visitor safety, particularly in remote areas.
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In a public notice issued Thursday, the Department of Immigration (DoI) stated that the FNMIS will be mandatory from the stipulated date. Earlier, the government had attempted to implement the provision from September 17, but it was delayed due to the Gen Z movement and associated unrest.
The DoI has made it mandatory for all foreign visitors to use its mobile app. Upon downloading, each visitor receives a QR code, which the department will use to track them digitally.
Under the government’s manual, visitors must submit their details at entry points before arriving at their hotels, while the system will relay relevant information to tourism service providers. The system will initially be introduced in star hotels in Kathmandu before being extended to other areas.
Foreign nationals must provide their details before reaching their booked hotels. If a visitor fails to do so, hotel staff are required to update the information online. Eventually, the system will cover star hotels, airlines, tour and travel companies, and money exchange services across the country. The department plans to expand it to all types of hotels, guest houses, and public and private institutions in a second phase, beginning March 1, 2026.
Tikaram Dhakal, spokesperson for the DoI, said the government is enforcing the provision in line with international norms and protocols. “International laws also require countries to manage all immigration-related records,” Dhakal said, adding that authorities must remain informed about the activities of immigrants to maintain the country’s reputation, promote tourism, and attract foreign direct investment.
By integrating digital monitoring into tourism management, Nepal demonstrates adaptability and foresight—qualities that reassure international investors and visitors alike. According to the DoI, the FNMIS could play a key role in rebuilding the country’s tourism sector.
