At some point, there was such a situation where Nepalis used to travel to Germany without a visa and then obtain the entry permit after arriving there.
But today, the circumstance has altered. Obtaining a German visa costs Nepalis a significant amount of money. This is because the Nepali passport has become weaker. It is weaker than 98 other nations out of a total of 199 nations making it weaker than North Korea which has strained relations with the rest of the world. Nepali passport holders can only travel to 127 countries out of 199 and they need a visa to visit 89 destinations, making it challenging to travel freely.
In the past some Nepalis used to violate visa rules frequently not just ordinary people but also diplomats and government officials who misused passports. Those who went abroad often got involved in criminal and illegal activities resulting in spending a significant amount of money to go to the USA and Europe. As a result, the news of Nepalis reaching America became widespread.
The developed countries now perceive Nepalis as not returning due to the behavior displayed in the past. According to reliable sources Nepalis can now enter only 38 countries without a visa. Nepal ranks 99th in terms of passport strength. Singapore is at the top of the list with its citizens having visa free access to 191 countries.
The open border between Nepal and India is one of the reasons why only ten countries require visas for Nepali citizens. Countries such as Singapore Pakistan the Philippines and others do not require visas for Nepalis to enter. However Nepal requires visas to enter 27 countries. Even in the priority list Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, and others have weaker passports than Nepal, meaning they have more visa restrictions. Even the birthplace of Buddha Nepal is not exempt from foreign restrictions.
The strength of the passport is connected to the credibility (branch) of the country. The occurrence of fake passports and the illegal sale of (red) diplomatic passports have contributed to the decline in the reputation of the Nepali passport on the international stage. This indicates that the status of the Nepali passport is quite weak.
Countries that are more powerful economically and have a stronger financial system tend to grant more visa-free access to their citizens. Countries with lower risks of terrorist activities and more transparent reasons for people’s travel are more likely to grant visa-free access. However, Nepal is not a strong country economically and politically, which affects the status of its passport.
As Nepal becomes a more prosperous and developed country, the world perspective on Nepal and its citizens is changing. Educated, civilized, and law-abiding Nepalis are more likely to be recognized and their passports will gain more strength. The weak status of the passport is also an inheritance from the past. Former Prime Minister Dinesh Bhattarai points out that the weakness of the passport is an indication of Nepal political study and its presence in the international arena.
In summary the weak status of the Nepali passport is a reflection of Nepal international relations and political studies. The misuse of passports, involvement in illegal activities abroad, and criminal activities have weakened the reputation of Nepali passport holders. As the country progresses and becomes more prosperous, the perspective on Nepalis and their passport may change.
The color of the passport has changed but the status remains the same.
Before the month of Mangsir in the year 2078 (November-December 2021), the Nepali passport was green. Green passport holders used to have a different perspective while traveling abroad. In the world there are four common passport colors: red, green, blue, and black. Green passports are usually associated with Muslim countries.
There have been many satirical songs and poems written about the green passport in Nepal. The official notice to apply for a new passport started from the publication of the Rahanai Niyamawali 2077 in the Nepal Gazette on 26th of Sawan, 2077 (August 10, 2020). The end date for obtaining the green passport was from the 1st of Mangsir, 2078 (November 17, 2021). The first person to hold the green passport was late Satyamohan Joshi. At that time, the passport was issued from the Chatu Place.
The power of a passport is associated with the country’s profile. Nepal has been facing conflicts and crises for a long time which makes it difficult to present a very positive image to the world. The message is about the prevalence of conflicts and instability.
In addition to the color of the passport, the behavior of Nepalis traveling to different countries has also affected our image positively or negatively. Visa overstaying and engaging in illegal activities in some countries by Nepalis led to the closure of entry without a visa in many countries.
During the same period, the government could not control corruption, misuse of medicines, and organized crime. This weakness also affected the country’s image. Corruption has increased even more in recent times. Such activities have tarnished Nepal’s image. It has become difficult for Nepalis to travel to other countries due to suspicions and restrictions even when traveling for necessary work or accompanying family members.
Fascinating Passport Facts:
After the death of British Queen Elizabeth King Charles III is allowed to travel the world without a passport. This facility was also available to Queen Elizabeth before.
Only after the First World War, photos were made mandatory in passports. After the same war, it became necessary to have a visa to travel to another country.
The person who got the passport after death is Ramses. He was the ancient Pharaoh of Egypt. In 1970 his mummy was taken from Egypt to France for restoration and an Egyptian passport was made for the trip.
A person who has tattoos on their face or undergoes facial surgery needs to get a new passport.
Some countries’ presidents have lifelong diplomatic passports.
Since 2004, smiling photos are prohibited in passports.
Details of the Nepali Passport:
Validity: 10 years
Cost:
NPR 5,000 for 34 pages
NPR 10,000 for 66 pages
NPR 12,000 for 34 pages (Fast Track Service)
NPR 20,000 for 66 pages (Fast Track Service)
Types of passports:
Regular: Chocolate brown color
Diplomatic: Simrik (maroon) color
Official: Sky blue color
Service: Orange color
Travel permit: Black color
Temporary: Chocolate brown color
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