KATHMANDU: Nepal is preparing to launch the Foreign Nationals Registration and Tracking System (FNRTS) this month, a move aimed at making travel safer and more organized for international visitors.

Starting September 17, 2025, the system will be applied in all star-rated hotels within the Kathmandu Valley. By November 16, it will be expanded to airlines, tours and travel companies, money exchangers, and later to guest houses and other hospitality services across the country.

The Department of Immigration said the initiative will help maintain proper records of visitors’ stays and activities, ensuring quick response during emergencies such as search and rescue operations. It will also allow better coordination among tourism operators, security agencies, and local authorities. Officials believe the system will not only strengthen Nepal’s reputation as a safe destination but also support the long-term growth of tourism by balancing security and hospitality.

To make the new system easy for travelers, the Department of Immigration has introduced a mobile application:

App Installation & Setup
Foreign nationals can download the Department of Immigration (DOI) Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Registration requires passport details and visa information.

Scanning QR codes
At check-in counters, tour bookings, or other service points, visitors can open the app and use the “Scan QR Code” feature to scan the unique QR codes generated through the immigration portal by the service providers. The scanned record is stored in the user’s activity log, ensuring their stay and activities are securely documented.

Visa expiry alerts
The system sends SMS and push notification reminders 7 days and 2 days before visa expiry, helping travelers avoid overstays.

It is expected to simplify procedures for foreign visitors, while also providing peace of mind through timely updates and enhanced safety measures.