The Department of Immigration (DoI) has made it mandatory for foreign visitors to register on a new digital system starting January 1, 2026, citing the need to enhance visitor safety and monitoring.
Issuing a public notice on Monday, the department stated that organizations providing services to foreign nationals—such as hotels, airlines, travel agencies, and money exchangers—will be required under the new rule to use the Foreign Nationals Management Information System (FNMIS), an online platform introduced by the DoI.
The system is designed to record and monitor foreign nationals visiting Nepal on tourist visas. Through this platform, authorities will be able to collect details of visitors in a single database, improving coordination, security, and tourism management.
The DoI has also made it compulsory for foreign visitors to download a mobile application linked to the system. After registering on the app, visitors will receive a QR code, which will be used for digital identification and monitoring during their stay.
According to the DoI, the system will provide reminders about visa expiry dates and extension procedures, and help track visitors in real time, particularly enhancing safety in remote areas.
The mandatory use of the system will begin in phases. In the first phase, starting January 1, 2026, five-star hotels operating in the Kathmandu Valley will be required to enforce the rule, while other related agencies may join voluntarily.
In the second phase, beginning March 1, 2026, the department plans to expand the system to all hotels, guest houses, and both public and private institutions providing services to foreign nationals.
The DoI stated that the digital system is expected to support better management of foreign visitors and contribute to the recovery of Nepal’s tourism sector.
