KATHMANDU, Feb 10: The Department of Immigration (DoI) has initiated the issuance of e-Visas and enabled online payments for visa services.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha officially launched the e-visa system and online payment facility for obtaining new visas, extending existing visas, and applying for e-visas on Friday.
The DoI has transitioned to fully automated services for immigration administration, starting from Friday. This move towards digitization means that both service recipients and providers can now facilitate and avail services from the comfort of their homes.
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The DoI announced that starting from the Nepali month of Magh, digital signatures would replace handwritten signatures to further streamline the process.
Nilhari Bastola, President of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), was honored as the first customer to use the newly-launched online payment service and an e-Visa was issued to a foreign citizen.
With these services now in place, the necessity for customers to physically visit the immigration office for applying, paying fee, and obtaining new visas, seeking visa extensions and travel permits has been eliminated. This does not apply to non-tourist visas based on relationships and marriages, for which a visit to the customer service department of the DoI is still required.
However, all other processes can be completed online, and the visa sticker can be obtained from the DoI or any immigration office in Nepal.
The DoI has also facilitated the payment of service fees, visa fees, and fines through online platforms. Payments can be made using the QR codes of mobile banking apps from all Nepali banks, as well as wallet service providers such as Connect IPS, eSewa, and Khalti accounts.
