Nepal will soon require all foreign visitors to digitally register their movements using a government-developed mobile app in a sweeping new policy aimed at balancing safety, immigration control and tourism growth.
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The Department of Immigration launched the NepaliPort Traveller and Foreign National Tracking Module on Tuesday, saying the move would allow authorities to better monitor visa compliance, streamline emergency responses and coordinate with tourism stakeholders.
The mobile app – which integrates QR code scans, real-time location tracking and automated visa alerts – will be mandatory for all foreign arrivals starting September 17, according to the Kathmandu Post.
Visitors must install the app on arrival and register with their passport and visa details. Each time they use approved services such as hotels or tour operators, they scan a QR code to log their location. The app also sends alerts when a visa is about to expire, along with instructions on how to extend it.
According to officials, the platform will allow the government to verify trekking permits, identify overstayers and generate heat maps of tourist flows filtered by visa type or nationality.
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“The system will facilitate search, rescue and ensure security in times of emergency,” said Department of Immigration spokesman Tikaram Dhakal, as quoted by the Online Khabar news portal.