Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, a passport is a vital document required for international travel.
The Department of Passport (DoP) is the governing authority responsible for issuing passports to eligible Nepali citizens.
The Passport Book Number holds significant importance within the realm of passport-related processes.
In this article, we will explore the intricacies of the Passport Book Number in Nepal, its correlation with the Passport Number and how it contributes to passport details.
What is my Passport book?
The passport book is a term used to refer to the physical document that serves as an official means of identification and travel authorization.
It is a standardized document issued by a government’s passport authority, such as the Department of Passport in Nepal.
The passport book contains essential personal information, including the holder’s name, date of birth, nationality, and photograph.
In addition to personal information, the passport book includes pages for visa endorsements and stamps, which are necessary for entering certain countries.
What makes you eligible for a Nepalese Passport?
Obtaining a Nepalese passport comes with specific eligibility criteria that must be met.
The Department of Passports in Nepal has defined these requirements to ensure that only eligible individuals are granted passports.
Age Requirements
You must meet the minimum age requirement to be eligible for a Nepalese passport. Generally, individuals who have reached the age of 16 can apply for an ordinary passport, also known as an E-passport.
This green-coloured passport is issued to Nepalese citizens for personal travel purposes.
However, there is a separate provision for minors under the age of 16.
According to the new regulations, passports issued to minors have a validity period of 5 years instead of the standard ten years.
It is essential to note this distinction when applying for a passport for a minor.
Types of Passports in Nepal
In Nepal, different passports are available to cater to varying needs. Understanding these types can help determine the appropriate passport for your specific circumstances.
E-passport (Ordinary Passport)
The E-passport, the ordinary passport, is the most common type issued to Nepalese citizens. It is intended for personal travel and is green in colour. This passport allows individuals to travel internationally and is proof of identity and nationality.
Diplomatic Passport
Diplomatic passports are granted to government officials travelling abroad for official governmental purposes.
These passports are specifically requested by the concerned ministry and are given to individuals such as Prime Ministers, Chief Justices, Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Ministers, Speakers, and other high-ranking officials.
Validity and Distribution of Passports
The validity of a Nepalese passport is generally ten years from the date of issue. The Central Administration Office and Nepalese Embassies and Consulates abroad are authorized to distribute passports to eligible individuals.
It is essential to remember that the validity period for passports issued to minors (under 16) is five years, per the new regulations.
This ensures that the passport remains valid throughout the child’s growing years.
Application Process and Documentation
To apply for a Nepalese passport, you must follow the application process outlined by the Department of Passport.
This typically involves submitting the required documentation, such as proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and other supporting documents as specified by the authorities.
Where can I find the Passport book number?
The Passport Book Number, a unique identifier for your passport book, can be found in a specific location within the passport document.
To locate the Passport Book Number, follow these steps:
- Open your passport to the second page, which is commonly referred to as the biodata page. This is the page that contains important personal information about the passport holder.
- Look for the upper right-hand side corner of the second page. Here, you will find a 9-digit numerical code: the Passport Book Number. It is typically displayed alongside other crucial information, such as your full name, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- The Passport Book Number is usually printed in a clear and legible font, allowing easy identification. Accurate recording and providing this number when required for various passport-related transactions is essential.
Is the passport Book number the same as the passport number?
No, the Passport Book Number is different from the Passport Number. These two numbers serve different purposes and have distinct formats depending on the country of issuance.
Passport Number
The Passport Number is a unique identifier assigned to an individual passport document. A combination of alphabets and numbers uniquely identifies the passport itself.
The format and composition of the Passport Number can vary between countries, but it typically consists of a combination of alphabets and numerals.
For example, in the United States, a passport card number usually starts with the letter “C”, followed by eight numerals.
This alphanumeric combination serves as the unique identifier for the passport card.
Passport Book Number
The Passport Book Number, also known as the inventory control or booklet number, is a distinct identifier for the passport book.
This number is specific to each individual and is assigned to the passport book at the time of issuance.
The format and structure of the Passport Book Number can vary depending on the country that issued the passport.
For example, the Passport Book Number in the United States consists of nine digits. It is unique to the passport book and is an inventory control number for tracking and managing passport records.
Note: It is important to note that the Passport Book Number differs from the Passport Number, as it identifies explicitly the passport book itself, while the Passport Number identifies the passport document as a whole.
Passport book number vs passport number
Passport Book Number
The Passport Book Number is a unique identifier specific to the passport book itself. It is assigned to the passport book at issuance and is an inventory control number for tracking and managing passport records.
In some countries, particularly in South America, such as Argentina and Venezuela, the Passport Book Number is the primary identifier for issuing visas.
Passport Number
The Passport Number, however, is a unique identifier assigned to the passport document itself. A combination of alphabets and numerals uniquely identifies the passport.
In some countries, the availability of the Passport Number may be limited, and only the Passport Book Number is used for identification and administrative purposes.
How to Check Nepali passport details online? Passport Book Number Nepal
Checking your Nepali passport details online is a convenient way to access and verify your passport information without visiting the passport office.
Although there is no provision for receiving a scanned version of the passport or utilizing a platform like Digilocker in Nepal, there are alternative methods to check your passport details. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official website of the Department of Passport, Nepal. Ensure that you are accessing the official and legitimate website.
- Look for the section or tab related to passport services or passport details. It may be labelled as “Passport Inquiry” or something similar.
- Click the provided link or tab to access the passport details inquiry page.
- On the inquiry page, you will be required to enter certain information. This typically includes details such as your full name, date of birth, citizenship number, and other personal information.
- Double-check the information you have entered to ensure accuracy.
- After confirming the accuracy of the entered information, click on the “Submit” or “Check” button to initiate the inquiry process.
- The system will process your request and retrieve the corresponding passport details associated with the provided information.
- Once the inquiry is complete, you will be presented with the passport details. This may include information such as your passport book number, passport expiration date, and any endorsements or observations made on the passport.
Frequently Asked Questions on Topic – Passport Book Number in Nepal
The passport book number is a unique identifier assigned to your passport book. You can find it on your passport’s second page, typically in the upper right-hand corner.
No, the passport book number is different from the passport number. The passport book number specifically identifies your passport book, while the passport number is a unique identifier for the passport document itself.
Yes, in many cases, you can use your passport book number to check your passport details online. Different countries have different systems, so it’s best to check the official website of the passport authority in your country for online passport inquiry services.
The passport book number is essential as it serves as a unique identifier for your passport book.
It helps in tracking and managing passport records, which may be required for various passport-related transactions, such as updating passport details or renewing your passport.
No, you cannot change your passport book number. It is assigned to your passport book at the time of issuance and remains the same throughout the validity period of your passport.
If you need to update or make changes to your passport details, you may need to follow the specific procedures outlined by the passport authority in the country.