Nepal’s Foreign National Tracking System to Be Implemented After January 2026

The Department of Immigration (DoI) in Nepal is currently preparing to implement the Foreign National Registration and Tracking System (FNRTS), a measure designed to systematically register and manage foreign citizens entering the country.

Department Spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal acknowledged that although the system had been a part of the annual program for the past four or five fiscal years, its rollout was repeatedly delayed due to technical challenges. However, he confirmed that final preparations are now underway to develop and introduce the FNRTS this year.

Dhakal explained that the primary goals of the system are to improve record management for foreign nationals, regulate their free movement, and promote tourism. In accordance with international agreements and laws, the system is expected to assist with foreign citizens’ security, tracking, and emergency rescue operations.

He stated, “This system will help track the stay, visa period, and activities of foreign citizens, which will, in turn, help control immigration crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and foreign exchange embezzlement.”

The system is also designed to send pop-up notifications when a foreign national’s visa expires, which is anticipated to streamline deportation and investigation processes.

The Department had initially planned a phased implementation, beginning in mid-September in star-rated hotels in the Kathmandu Valley, followed by a mandatory rollout in mid-November for money exchangers, airlines, and tour and travel companies, and finally, for all service providers.

Consultations were held with key stakeholders, including the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) and trekking agencies. However, due to the impact on the hotel and private sector from protests in September and subsequent technical issues, stakeholders formally requested the mandatory implementation be delayed until January 2026.

The DoI has decided not to enforce the system immediately. Dhakal clarified, “We have requested stakeholders to operate this, as it is a government policy. But we have not put in place a mandatory provision for action and penalty right now.”

While the mandatory requirement is deferred, some hotels and institutions have already begun utilizing the FNRTS. Dhakal also noted that the system will be crucial in tracking the last known location of foreigners who are deported annually for immigration offenses, especially those who try to exit the country via India, thereby aiding in search and rescue efforts.

Dhakal clarified that the FNRTS will also apply to Indian citizens who are required to submit documents and register their details when staying in hotels, noting that third-country nationals entering via India obtain visas directly from immigration.

While various embassies have expressed interest, Dhakal assured that the system will not track every single activity but will focus on the security and tourism promotion of foreign nationals, particularly by facilitating rescue in emergency situations during trekking and expeditions.