15th October 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant move aimed at dramatically reducing the long queues and processing delays that have historically plagued passport application services, the District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu, has implemented a sweeping change to its service schedule.
Passport Application Services Extended
Effective from October 15 (Wednesday), the DAO has adopted a continuous, two-shift operating model that extends the service window from a remarkably early 7:00 AM all the way to 7:00 PM every day. This extension is a welcome relief for thousands of service seekers, particularly those needing to renew or apply for the new e-passport, who previously faced immense challenges securing a timely appointment and navigating crowded daytime hours. The DAO’s commitment to continuous service, provided from its dedicated section in the old building in Babarmahal, signals a strong government effort to streamline and modernize essential public services.
The decision to nearly double the operational time frame for passport applications directly addresses the surge in demand, which has been escalating due to global travel liberalization and the mandatory switch to the electronic passport (e-passport). By breaking the service day into extended shifts, the DAO can manage a much larger volume of applicants, thereby cutting down the overall waiting period for an appointment and ensuring a smoother in-person verification and biometric enrollment process. This move mirrors similar successful initiatives in other District Administration Offices, such as Kapilvastu, which previously introduced extended hours to manage high applicant flow. For residents of the capital city, this means greater flexibility and a tangible improvement in the accessibility of this vital government service.
The Golden Hour for Booking: New Online Appointment Rule
While the extended hours promise more service capacity, the bottleneck often remains at the initial stage: booking the online appointment. The Kathmandu DAO has provided a crucial piece of information that all applicants must note: New online appointment slots will open every day at 5:00 PM.
This 5:00 PM release time is the “golden hour” for securing a coveted slot. The process for booking an e-passport appointment is a critical first step, and understanding the specific time the new slots become available is essential for success. Applicants must complete the entire pre-enrollment process on the official portal, usually found at the Department of Passport’s website, before they can select their desired date and time at the Kathmandu DAO.
The online application process generally requires careful attention to detail and timely completion. Users must visit the official e-passport application portal, fill out all demographic, family, and citizenship information, and then proceed to the appointment booking section. The daily 5:00 PM release means applicants must be ready precisely at this time, with all their information prepared and documents scanned, to quickly secure an available slot in one of the new, extended shifts (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM). Given the high demand for passport services in Kathmandu, these new slots are expected to be filled rapidly, making preparedness and promptness absolutely key. Missing the 5:00 PM window often means waiting another 24 hours for the next batch of appointments to be released.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your DAO Passport Appointment
Navigating the digital landscape for a government service can be daunting, but a systematic approach significantly increases your chances of securing an appointment at the Kathmandu DAO.
- Preparation is Paramount: Before 5:00 PM, ensure you have all necessary documents scanned and saved, ready for upload. This includes the original Nepali Citizenship Certificate, clear scans of previous passports (if applicable), and any other required supporting documents. The image files for these documents must meet the specified size and format requirements, typically a file size not exceeding 300kb in JPEG or PNG format.
- Access the Official Portal: Go directly to the official e-passport pre-enrollment portal well before the 5:00 PM release time. Make sure you are logged in or have your session ready to jump straight to the appointment booking page. Technical issues are common, and preparing in advance minimizes delays.
- The 5:00 PM Rush: Log in exactly at 5:00 PM to check for newly opened slots. Look for the Kathmandu DAO as your preferred location and select a date and time that falls within the new 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM operational window. The extended hours should offer a wider selection of slots, including the quieter morning (7:00 AM onwards) and evening (after 5:00 PM) shifts, which can mean less time spent waiting on your actual appointment day.
- Confirm and Print: Once you secure an appointment date and time, finalize the application, pay any applicable fees online (using services like eSewa, Khalti, or bank transfers), and most importantly, download and print the final pre-enrollment application form containing the barcode and appointment details. This printed form is mandatory for your in-person visit.
Maximizing Your Appointment Success: Tips for the New Schedule
The two-shift system, while providing increased capacity, requires applicants to adapt to the new timings.
- Choose Your Shift Wisely: The new schedule effectively splits the working day. The early morning shift, likely from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and the afternoon/evening shift, from approximately 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, should help distribute the crowd. If you prefer avoiding the peak midday heat and rush, the early morning or late afternoon slots might offer a more comfortable experience.
- Adhere to Your Time Slot: The DAO explicitly states that applicants must book their time slot online and appear accordingly. While older practices sometimes allowed people to arrive early regardless of their appointment time, the new system, implemented to manage a high flow of applicants, will likely enforce strict adherence to the booked time to prevent a breakdown of the new shift system. Arriving too early or too late could jeopardize your application process. Aim to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
- What to Bring: Always carry all your original documents, including your Nepali Citizenship Certificate, the old passport (if renewing), and the essential printed application form. Verification and biometric enrollment, which includes high-resolution photography and fingerprint scanning, will be conducted during your scheduled appointment time at the DAO office in Babarmahal.
The move by the Kathmandu DAO to a two-shift, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM service model for passport applications is a progressive step towards better governance and citizen convenience. By understanding the critical 5:00 PM online appointment release time and preparing thoroughly for the online booking, applicants can successfully utilize these extended hours to secure their e-passport with greater ease and reduced waiting times. This enhanced service capacity is a vital upgrade for all Kathmandu residents planning their future travel.
For More: Passport Application Services Extended