The Department of Immigration Nepal has reviewed the implementation progress of the Foreign National Monitoring Information System (FNMIS), a digital platform introduced to strengthen monitoring and record management of foreign nationals in Nepal.
During a discussion programme held on Tuesday, the department informed that a total of 1,543 service providers, including hotels, travel agencies, domestic airlines, and institutions providing services to foreign nationals, have so far been integrated into the system.
Around 125,000 Foreign Visitor Records Collected
According to the department, nearly 125,000 traveler records have already been collected through the system. However, only 94 hotels have currently been linked to the platform, highlighting the need for broader participation from the hospitality sector.
The FNMIS has been implemented in phases. The system became mandatory for star hotels in Kathmandu from January 1, 2026, and from March 1, 2026, it was extended to all service providers catering to foreign nationals.
Department spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal said the system was introduced with the objective of ensuring the safety of foreign nationals, strengthening national security, monitoring the activities of foreign visitors, controlling crime, and conveying the message that Nepal is a safe destination for tourism.
Awareness and Hotel Participation Remain Key Challenges
During the review meeting, serious discussions were held regarding the low number of hotels integrated into the system. Officials noted that many hotels are not affiliated with hotel associations, awareness regarding the system remains limited, and smaller hotels have faced difficulties in joining the platform.
Spokesperson Dhakal said monitoring agencies, including the Department of Tourism Nepal and other regulatory bodies overseeing service providers for foreign nationals, have decided to intensify inspections and monitoring activities.
Government Planning Wider Awareness Campaigns
Authorities also decided to conduct awareness programmes in different locations to encourage hotels and other service providers to integrate into the system. “This system is also linked to national security concerns, and the department is exploring additional measures to ensure wider participation,” Dhakal stated.
The discussion was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, Department of Tourism, Inland Revenue Department, Hotel Association Nepal, Hotel Entrepreneurs Federation, Tourist Police, and other related agencies.
Officials also discussed the possible integration of the system with services provided by the Inland Revenue Department and the Department of Tourism. Another proposal under discussion includes publishing the list of FNMIS-integrated hotels on the immigration portal, allowing foreign visitors to select hotels directly while applying for visas.
