We get this question quite a lot: is it possible to drive in Nepal with a license from countries such as Europe, Australia, Dubai, Japan, the USA, and more? The straight answer is yes—you can. However, there is a simple step you need to take.

Before sharing anything, we’d like to add a disclaimer: this information was provided to us verbally by the Traffic Police at Baggi Khana. There is no online or written source to validate it. But if you are traveling to Nepal, please do the following. Here is a quick Q&A:

Q. We specifically asked: What can we do if a friend is coming from abroad and wants to drive here in Nepal?
A. They can—provided it is written on their license that they are eligible to drive in Nepal.

Q. But no license specifies the countries where you can drive.
A. Exactly—that’s why you can get an International Driving Permit. This permit will mention Nepal, and then you can drive.

Q. What happens if there is an offense?
A. We will take the license and the permit, and you will have to pay the fine or attend classes, depending on your offense.

So, for anyone traveling to Nepal, please make sure to obtain an International Driving Permit before you arrive. Please note: you may only drive in the categories specified on your permit. For example, if you drive a four‑wheeler abroad and have a permit for that category, you cannot drive a two‑wheeler in Nepal.

Where to get the International Driving Permit
There are many places where you can apply for an International Driving Permit—each country has its own authorized offices. You can also use third‑party services (though credibility may vary), but we highly recommend obtaining it from your country’s official issuing authority. It’s cheaper, authentic, and guaranteed valid.

• Third‑party link (if you cannot find an office in your country): Click here
• For USA: Click here
• For Australia: Click here
• IDP Locator: Click here

 

Getting your e-passport is actually a very easy process. We recently applied for one from the DAO Kathmandu, and the process was pretty seamless. Here’s how you can get your passport:

1. Filling Out the Application Form
The first step is to fill out the online application form. The form is very basic, and you can access it here. You can choose the application center as well as the date and time based on availability. Note that not all dates may be available. After completing the form, please print the application form details.

Website link: Click here.

2. Online Payment
After completing the form, you can either make the payment online or pay at the DAO office. (We chose to pay at the DAO office.)

• Online payment link: Click here.
• Complete Guide on Online Payment: Click here

3. Required Documents
Whether you’re applying for a new passport or renewing one, you’ll need to bring:

• A printout of the application form (make sure the barcode is readable).
• Original citizenship card.
• Old passport (if applicable).
• Marriage certificate (if you are married).
• For more details, refer to this image: Link to the image.

4. Visit the DAO Office
You’ll need to visit the DAO office in person, as they will take your photo and fingerprints. Ensure you bring all the required documents.

5. Submit the Documents
At the office, go to Room 132 with all your documents. They will inspect them and stamp the amount you need to pay.

6. Pay the Fee
If you haven’t paid online, you’ll need to pay at the NMB Bank located in Room 134. You will be required to fill out four vouchers at the bank.

7. Take Your Passport Photo
Next, go to Room 133, where they will take your photo, signature, and fingerprints. After this step, your application process is complete! You’ll receive a bank receipt and the stamped application form.

8. Getting the Passport
Before visiting the office to collect your passport, make sure you’ve received an SMS from the Department of Transport Management (DoTM). The SMS will look like this image: Link to the image.
You can also check the status via the app or website.

Tip: We recommend visiting the office a few days after receiving the SMS. We went the next day and found the passport wasn’t ready yet.

When collecting your passport, ensure you bring:

• Original citizenship card.
• Stamped application form.
• Bank receipt.
• Old passport (if you have one).

Website: Click here  (scroll down)
App: iOS / Android

9. Find Your Name in the Register
When you visit the office, you’ll need to manually check the lot paper to find your relevant number. Once you find it, proceed to Room 131 to collect your passport.

 

Notes:

• Avoid lunch time: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM.
• We went the next day to collect the passport after receiving the SMS, but it was not available. We were asked to come back after a few days.

 

 

Many people hire a third party to get their car or bike Bluebook renewed. Understandable, but the renewal process isn’t that difficult at all. For us, we usually get our Bluebook renewed at the Sano Bharyang Yatayat Karyalaya, and it takes about 15-30 minutes at most.

1. Visit the Yatayat Karyalaya at Sano Bharyang

Once you arrive at the Yatayat Karyalaya, go to “Kota No. 5” or the one next to it and submit your Bluebook (they accept both car and bike Bluebooks). You will also be asked to show your insurance (third-party insurance is mandatory), so make sure to bring a physical copy as they do not accept digital versions shown on mobile devices.

If you’re renewing your Pollution certificate, inform them when you submit the form.

Summer Opening Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Tips:

• Avoid visiting Nepal government offices right at 10:00 AM, as it’s a busy time. We recommend visiting around 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM (15-20 minutes before closing time).
• Try to avoid visiting the office the day after a public holiday (e.g., avoid Sunday, and also do not visit after any holiday).

2. Wait Until Your Vehicle Number is Called:

Now, wait until your vehicle number is called. It may be called from counter No. 1 to 4. Once called, go to the corresponding counter and make the payment. You will receive a receipt along with your Bluebook.

If you’re also renewing your Pollution certificate, you will receive a form (as shown in step 4) as well.

Tips:

• It’s recommended to bring cash, but QR scan payments are also accepted.
• Always double-check the receipt to ensure your vehicle number is correct.

3. Final Step for Renewal:

After receiving the receipt, proceed to the final counter and submit the documents: Bluebook, receipt, and insurance paper. Then wait for your Bluebook to be stamped. They will call the vehicle number.

Tips:

• Make sure the dates and stamps on your Bluebook are correct.

 

4. Only for Pollution – Green Sticker
If you are only renewing your Pollution sticker, you can skip step 3. You will then join a queue where they will examine your vehicle. Once approved, they will issue the sticker and update your Bluebook.

Tips:

• Bring a friend so one can wait in the queue while the other handles payments (Step 1 and 2).
• This process might take some time, and the inspection is usually available for an hour after the counters close (e.g., if the counter closes at 3:00 PM, inspections may continue until 4:00 PM).
• You can pay a day earlier and get your vehicle inspected the following day by arriving around 3:30 PM (usually, there’s no queue at that time) – they payment receipt is valid for 7 Days.
• Bring the Rs. 10 ticket (you will be charged Rs. 15 for a Rs. 10 ticket at the transport office).

 

Disclaimer: This information is NOT an official governmental announcement rather is shared on the basis of our experience!

On Dec 7th 2021, one of our friends was travelling to the UK from Nepal, so we thought it might be useful to anyone travelling to the UK and may any other countries abroad! However, please note that these protocols, and requirements might change anytime. So please follow the respective official sites for concrete information.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, travelling abroad has lot more requirements than ever and every country has its own rules, regulations to be followed. If you are travelling to the UK from Nepal then here’s what you need to do (this is on our experience travelling to the UK on Permanent resident status):

BEFORE 24-48 Hours

• PCR TEST IN NEPAL : It’s mandatory to get a PCR test if you are travelling outside Nepal via airways as you will need to show the PCR document (Certificate at the airport).Travel abroad from England : “People aged 12 years and over must COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad.”
• BOOK A PCR TEST IN THE UK : You must book and pay for a COVID-19 PCR test before you fly to the UK. Depending which vaccine you have taken you might have to take PCR test on 2 days only or 2 and 8 days (i.e. twice).
• FILL UP THE PASSENGER LOCATOR FORM: You must fill up the passenger locator form before flying to the UK. This can only be filled before 48 hours. Here is the link to fill up the passenger locator form.
• Is vaccination from Nepal validated? It really depends which vaccine you have taken in Nepal for instance Janssen (single dose vaccine), AstraZeneca Covishield (our friend had taken Covishield). But sadly we couldn’t get much information on Verocel. The vaccine certificate (online) is enough. Click here to see the approved COVID-19 vaccinesAdvantage of approved vaccine is basically the quarantine days. While it’s mandatory to stay 2 days quarantine (and additional days before the PCR results are out in the UK) for those whose vaccines are not approved need to stay on quarantine and again take another PCR test on the 8th day. (More info on travelling to England : click here)

When at the Nepal airport:

1.  When we were at the airport, the TIA was under construction, that’s why going towards the departure section with cabs or private cars weren’t possible. We are asked to drop  at the point before moving to the departure section (this means you’ll have to carry your luggage) Or you can use this parking or this – both means you’ll have to walk to the departure.
2.  PCR test: Make sure you have the PCR report (not on your mobile devices rather a hardcopy). WHY because there is a PCR verification desk where you will need to show the PCR report (copy or original) and the concerned authorities will stamp it and verify. They might also check the QR code.
3. That’s about it ! After getting stamped then go to the respective departure gates, show your passport and ticket or e-ticket and you are ready to fly.

 

More TIA photos

The Cabinet meeting held on Saturday has decided to extend the COVID-19 lockdown until June 14 in the wake of increasing number of infections in the country.

Furthermore, it has also been learnt that the Nepali Army will be mobilised in highly affected and required areas to effectively implement the lockdown.

A meeting of the national security council had taken place prior to the meeting of the council of ministers.

The prior imposed nationwide lockdown, decreed to curtail the potential spread of of the COVID-19 contagion, was to mature on June 2.

Furthermore, all domestic and international flights have been suspended till June 30.

Source: thehimalayantimes.com