As tourist numbers climb back towards record highs, Nepal is rolling out a new digital registration system to track every foreign visitor, in a move officials say will boost safety and curb visa misuse.
Starting from January 1, all foreign visitors will be required to register detailed accommodation information through the government’s new digital platform, replacing the earlier system that allowed only partial disclosures.
Authorities say the measure will modernise an overstretched immigration network while giving authorities faster access to location data during emergencies.
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“This system enables us to have details of all visitors who have entered Nepal,” said Teekaram Dhakal, director of the Department of Immigration. “It will allow us to use that information during emergency rescue operations and keep track of their movements without compromising their privacy.”
The roll-out builds on the NepaliPort portal launched earlier this year, which integrates visa applications, trekking permits and other travel services into a single online system. Its companion mobile app uses a QR code to streamline airport clearance, hotel check-ins and visa extensions.
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