Passport Department public holiday service notice
18th February 2026, Kathmandu
The Government of Nepal has taken a proactive step toward administrative efficiency by ensuring that the Department of Passports remains operational during the national holidays of Gyalpo Lhosar and National Democracy Day in Falgun 2082. This decision, aimed at addressing the high demand for travel documents, highlights the essential nature of passport services in a country where international mobility is a key driver of the economy. While most government offices remain closed to observe these cultural and democratic milestones, the Passport Department in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, has committed to providing a specialized service window to assist citizens with urgent documentation needs. This initiative reflects a significant shift in public administration, prioritizing the needs of migrant workers, students, and travelers over the traditional holiday calendar.
Passport Department public holiday
The service schedule for these public holidays has been carefully structured to manage the high volume of applicants while ensuring a smooth workflow. On the first day of the holiday window, coinciding with Gyalpo Lhosar on February 18, 2026 (Falgun 6, 2082), the department focused exclusively on the distribution of printed passports. This allowed thousands of applicants who had already completed their biometrics and processing to collect their documents without further delay. By dedicating a specific day to distribution, the department effectively reduced the backlog of ready to collect passports, ensuring that those with immediate travel dates could obtain their documents in time for their flights.
On the second day, National Democracy Day on February 19, 2026 (Falgun 7, 2082), the department shifted its focus to the collection of new application forms. This included the enrollment of biometrics and the verification of necessary documentation such as National ID numbers and citizenship certificates. By keeping the enrollment center open, the department provided an opportunity for those who find it difficult to visit during regular working days—such as professionals and students—to initiate their passport applications. The limited operating hours from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM were optimized to handle a significant number of tokens, proving that even a shortened service window can provide immense relief to the general public during holiday periods.
The strategic importance of maintaining passport services cannot be overstated in the context of Nepal’s current socio economic landscape. Passport issuance is categorized as an essential service because it is the primary gateway for foreign employment, which contributes nearly a quarter of the country’s GDP through remittances. Any delay in passport processing can result in the loss of employment contracts, the expiration of work visas, or the forfeiture of academic scholarships for students heading abroad. Furthermore, for individuals requiring urgent medical treatment in foreign countries, a passport is a life saving document. By operating during public holidays, the government is directly supporting the livelihood and well being of its citizens who are navigating tight international deadlines.
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This holiday service also comes at a time when the Department of Passports is operating at a heightened capacity. Following the recent arrival of nearly 400,000 new passport booklets, the department has announced its commitment to issuing passports within two working days for urgent cases. The arrival of these fresh stocks has resolved the previous shortages that had caused significant anxiety among applicants. The decision to work through public holidays ensures that the momentum of this high speed processing is maintained, preventing the accumulation of a new backlog that often occurs after a long holiday weekend.
In addition to the physical operations at the Tripureshwor office, the department continues to encourage the use of its digital appointment system. Citizens are advised to pre book their slots through the official nepalpassport gov np portal to ensure they are seen during the holiday service hours. This digital integration allows for better crowd management and ensures that only those with valid appointments are present at the facility, maintaining a secure and orderly environment. The department’s transition to the e passport system has already significantly improved the security and international acceptance of Nepali travel documents, and these holiday operations further validate the reliability of the new system.
From a governance perspective, the Passport Department’s holiday operation sets a positive precedent for other essential public service providers. It signals a move toward a more responsive and citizen centric bureaucracy. When institutions like the Department of Passports and the Department of Immigration remain open during national breaks, it demonstrates an understanding of the globalized nature of modern life, where international travel and commitments do not stop for local holidays. This flexibility is expected to increase public trust in government services and enhance the overall efficiency of the administrative system.
In conclusion, the continuation of services at the Department of Passports during the Gyalpo Lhosar and Democracy Day holidays in 2082 is a commendable initiative that directly serves the public interest. By providing structured hours for both distribution and application collection, the department has ensured that the essential needs of Nepali travelers are met without interruption. As Nepal continues to integrate more deeply with the global economy, such administrative agility will be crucial in supporting the aspirations of its citizens. Applicants are encouraged to stay updated with official notices and utilize the scheduled holiday windows to complete their passport requirements efficiently.
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