Nepal Passport Photo

Nepal Passport Photo -- DAO Offices, MRP Applications, and What Actually Gets Rejected

Nepal's passport system is administered by the Department of Passports (राहदानी विभाग), with applications processed through District Administration Offices (जिल्ला प्रशासन कार्यालय, DAO) across the country. The system transitioned from handwritten passports to Machine Readable Passports (MRP) in 2010, and the Department has been working toward full e-Passport implementation. The online application system at nepalpassport.gov.np handles the initial submission, but you must still visit a DAO or the Department of Passports office in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, for biometric enrollment.

Photo-related rejections at DAO offices are common, particularly in district offices outside the Kathmandu Valley where staff may apply standards inconsistently. Knowing the exact requirements and preparing correctly before your appointment saves a trip back.

Official Photo Specifications

Physical dimensions:

• 35 x 45 mm (413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Head height: 28 to 35 mm from chin to top of head
• Face horizontally centered

Background:

• Pure white -- no off-white, cream, or colored backgrounds
• Uniform brightness across the entire background
• No shadows, objects, or wall textures visible

Expression and pose:

• Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed
• Face facing directly forward -- no tilt or rotation
• Both ears visible (hair may cover ears only if it is your natural hairstyle)
• Full face from hairline to chin clearly visible

Glasses:

• Strongly discouraged by the Department of Passports
• If worn, lenses must be fully clear with zero glare
• Frames cannot touch or overlap the eyebrows or eyes
• Given the risk of rejection, removing glasses entirely is the practical recommendation

Head coverings:

• Dhaka topi (ढाका टोपी) is permitted as it is recognized as Nepal's national headwear
• The topi must not cast shadows on the face
• Religious head coverings are permitted with the same shadow-free requirement
• Casual hats, caps, and fashion headwear are not allowed

Print specifications:

• Glossy or matte photo paper
• Clear, sharp print at 300 DPI minimum
• No creases, staple marks, or damage

Recency: Taken within the last 6 months.

Nepal Document Photo Sizes

The MRP Application Process and Photos

Nepal's MRP application involves two stages where photos matter:

Online submission at nepalpassport.gov.np:

• You upload a digital photo during the online form
• Format: JPEG, minimum 413 x 531 pixels
• White background, no glasses, neutral expression
• The system does basic dimension validation but does not perform advanced compliance checking
• After completing the online form, you receive an appointment date and a reference number

In-person at DAO / Department of Passports:

• Bring the printed appointment confirmation and supporting documents
• Bring 2-4 printed passport photos (35x45mm, white background)
• Biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan) and a biometric photo are captured at the office using their equipment
• Your submitted printed photos are used for the file -- the biometric photo goes on the passport

Processing time: Regular service at the Department of Passports in Tripureshwor takes 5-7 working days after biometric enrollment. At district DAO offices, processing takes 15-45 working days depending on location and workload. Express service (available only in Kathmandu) takes 2-3 working days for an additional fee.

Taking Your Photo at Home in Nepal

Power outages (loadshedding, लोडशेडिंग) and variable lighting conditions in many Nepali homes require some practical adjustments:

Natural light is your best option: Nepal's strong daylight (especially in the Kathmandu Valley and Terai) provides excellent photo lighting. Position yourself facing a large window between 9 AM and 3 PM. The indirect light through a window produces soft, even illumination without the harsh shadows of direct sunlight.

White background solutions:

• Most Nepali homes have white or light-colored walls that work well
• If your walls are colored, a white bedsheet (चादर) pinned flat against the wall is effective
• Iron the sheet first -- wrinkles create shadows that can cause rejection
• Stand 15-20 cm away from the background to prevent your body shadow from falling on it

Camera tips:

• Smartphone cameras at 1.2-1.5 meters distance produce acceptable results
• Use the rear camera, not the selfie camera, for better resolution
• If photographing indoors without sufficient natural light, use two light sources at 45-degree angles -- even two LED bulbs in desk lamps work well
• Avoid overhead-only lighting (common in Nepali ceilings) which creates dark shadows under eyes and nose

For Dhaka topi wearers: If you want to wear a Dhaka topi in your photo, ensure the topi does not cast any shadow on your forehead. Tilting the light source slightly higher than usual eliminates topi shadows.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Nepal

• Studios near Tripureshwor Department of Passports -- NPR 100-200 (approximately $0.75-1.50 USD) for 4-8 photos. Multiple studios line the road approaching the Department of Passports office. They handle hundreds of applicants daily and know the exact specifications. This is the most reliable option in Nepal.
• New Road (नयाँ सडक) area, Kathmandu -- NPR 100-250 for photos + digital copy. The photography shops along New Road and in the Bishal Bazaar complex are established studios with proper lighting setups.
• District DAO areas -- NPR 50-150 in district capitals. Every DAO has nearby studios, though quality varies significantly between Kathmandu Valley and remote districts. In places like Jumla, Humla, or Dolpa, studios may be basic -- consider preparing your photo digitally before traveling to the DAO.
• Patan, Lalitpur -- Studios near the Lalitpur Metropolitan City office, NPR 100-200. Less crowded alternative to Kathmandu studios.
• Digital print shops in Kathmandu -- NPR 30-60 for printing only. If you have a compliant digital photo, print it at any computer/print shop. Shops in Putalisadak and Bagbazar areas are convenient and cheap.

Common Rejection Reasons at DAO Offices

Rejection rates vary significantly between offices. The Department of Passports in Tripureshwor has the most experienced staff and clearest standards. District DAOs can be inconsistent -- what passes in one district may be rejected in another. The most common issues nationwide:

1. Background not pure white -- Cream walls, off-white sheets, and shadows behind the head are the top rejection cause. DAO officers hold the photo against a white paper to compare.
2. Head size out of range -- Photos taken too close (head too large) or too far (head too small) fail the 28-35mm head height requirement.
3. Expression issues -- Any detectable smile, squint, or open mouth triggers rejection. Nepali DAO officers apply this strictly.
4. Photo quality -- Blurry photos, low resolution, visible pixelation, or ink smearing on prints from low-quality printers. This is more common with photos printed at computer shops using inkjet printers on plain paper.
5. Wrong number of photos -- Some DAOs request 4 photos while others ask for 2. Bring 4 to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I wear a Dhaka topi in my Nepali passport photo? A: Yes. The Dhaka topi (ढाका टोपी) is Nepal's national headwear and is explicitly permitted in passport photos. It must not cast shadows on your face. No other hats or casual headwear are allowed.

Q: I am applying at a DAO outside Kathmandu. Are the photo requirements different? A: The official requirements are identical nationwide. However, enforcement varies between DAOs. Some district offices are stricter about ear visibility or head height, while others are more lenient. Following all specifications exactly avoids problems at any office.

Q: How do I upload a photo on nepalpassport.gov.np? A: During the online application, there is a photo upload step. The system accepts JPEG files, minimum 413 x 531 pixels, white background. Upload a well-lit, properly sized photo -- the system does basic validation but the real scrutiny happens at the in-person appointment.

Q: Is e-Passport available in Nepal? A: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles consular passport services for Nepali citizens abroad. Nepal has been planning e-Passport implementation for several years. As of 2026, the MRP (Machine Readable Passport) remains the standard. When e-Passports are eventually introduced, photo requirements are expected to align more closely with ICAO biometric standards, which may introduce stricter automated screening.

Q: How long is a Nepali passport valid? A: 10 years for adults (16 and older), 5 years for children under 16. Renewal requires new photos that reflect your current appearance.