- Nepal now accepts international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Alipay) for government revenue payments.
- Initially, this applies to immigration fees, with expansion to other services planned.
- The system aims for paperless transactions, 24/7 service, and boosted digital economy.
From now on, Nepalese living abroad and tourists can make their government revenue payment via Master Card, Visa Card, Ali Pay, etc. The digital revenue payment facility has become possible after the start of an international card network in Nepal.
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Finance Minister Rameshwar Prasad Khanal and the government’s Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal inaugurated the interoperability of ICN in the government’s Revenue Management Information System (RMIS). Financial Controller General Office (FCGO), Department of Immigration (DOI), and Nepal Clearing House Ltd. (NCHL) collaborated to enable the international card payment gateway for government revenue payment.
Interoperability of payment networks and payment cards connects banks and payment service providers. The network authorizes payment, provides security, and facilitates transaction settlements. Of all, it enhances international payment and broadens payment services for customers who can pay regardless of the region and payment card they use.
Also: FonePay and NIPL launch cross-border QR payment between Nepal and India
Immigration service payment via Master Card, Visa, and Alipay
Nepalis living abroad and foreign nationals in Nepal can avail themselves of and pay revenue for the services provided by the Department of Immigration, such as e-Visa on Master Card and other international payment cards. This requires international payment cards to be a member of the international payment network.
The Office of the Auditor General says that the facility will facilitate tourists’ arrival in Nepal through Tribhuvan International Airport and other entry points.
At the moment, the payment network interoperability has been enabled for immigration revenue payments only. But the government plans to expand the facility to other services shortly.
Check out: The digital payment limit in Nepal for mobile banking, wallets, more
The Office of the Auditor General says the facility to pay for immigration department services makes it paperless and contactless, and also ensures 24/7 service delivery. The government also expects that faster, transparent, and more user-friendly revenue collection will promote a digital economy for the country.
