Nepal has introduced a major new system called the Foreign Nationals Management Information System (FNMIS) that affects all foreign visitors in 2026 and beyond. If you are planning a trek to the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Upper Mustang, Dolpo, or any other adventure route, this change matters to you.
In simple terms, FNMIS records and tracks foreign visitors from the moment you apply for your visa until you leave Nepal. It connects immigration with hotels, airlines, travel and trekking agencies, currency exchange counters, and other service providers so your stay, movements, and activities are logged in real time.
The government says the system will improve tourist safety, emergency response capabilities, visa compliance, and tourism data quality. It was first proposed eight years ago, and the Department of Immigration has now made it mandatory in phases beginning January 1, 2026.
This guide breaks down everything trekkers need to know.
1. What Is FNMIS and Why Does It Matter?
FNMIS stands for Foreign Nationals Management Information System. At its core, it is a central digital database that collects and updates information on all foreign citizens in Nepal. It includes details on your visa, accommodation, travel plans, and service usage in Nepal.
Here’s why it matters for trekkers:
- Safety and Emergency Response: If you go missing on a trail, authorities and service providers can see your last check-ins and planned route, helping rescue teams act faster.
- Visa Compliance: The system alerts you before your visa expires and tracks your exits and entries to support legal stays.
- Less Manual Registration: When the system is fully rolled out, you will not need to fill out separate check-in books at lodges or trekking agencies. The information will be shared digitally.
Importantly, it should be noted that the system is not intended for constant GPS tracking. It is a check-in-based system where data is updated only when you interact with a registered service provider (hotel, airline, or agency).
For trekkers who often move between towns, stay in guesthouses, and take domestic flights or jeep rides, FNMIS creates a single digital footprint for your stay instead of disconnected manual records.
2. How the Rollout Works
The new system is being introduced in phases, not all at once:
- Phase 1 (From January 1, 2026): FNMIS is mandatory for star-rated hotels in the Kathmandu Valley.
- Phase 2 (From March 1, 2026): The system will be extended nationwide to include all hotels, guest houses, domestic airlines, travel and trekking agencies, and money exchange providers.
By the second phase, service providers across Nepal’s main tourism and trekking hubs will be connected. That means from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Jomsom to Lukla, you will likely interact with FNMIS through your bookings and stays.
3. How Trekkers Will Use FNMIS
Step-by-Step Registration
Here’s how foreign visitors register in the system:
- Visa Stage: You begin registration when you apply for or receive your Nepal visa online or on arrival.
- Upload Details: You provide your passport, visa details, and contact information on the Department of Immigration’s official portal or mobile app.
- Verification: The Department of Immigration verifies your info and creates a profile.
- QR Code: Once approved, you receive a unique QR code linked to your identity and visa. This is your key identifier across Nepal.
How You Will Use the QR Code
- At your hotel or guest house check-in, the provider will scan your QR code to update the system.
- If you take a domestic flight or book a trekking package with an agency, those services will also update your visit in the database.
- You may also be asked to show the QR code at entry points to national parks or restricted areas.
- The system sends SMS reminders before your visa expires so you can apply for extension if needed.
The idea is to automatically capture your movements at key service points rather than asking you to fill out multiple paper forms.
4. What Trekkers Should Prepare Before Arrival
Here are the key things to do before you travel:
Get Your Visa Ready: Start your FNMIS registration when you apply for the visa. Have digital copies of your passport, visa, and travel plan or itinerary. This saves time at arrival and ensures your QR code is ready.
Install the Mobile App: Download the Department of Immigration’s app to manage your FNMIS registration and to receive QR codes and alerts easier.
Keep Your QR Code Accessible: Save your QR code to your phone and also print a copy. Service providers across Nepal will need it when you check in or receive services.
Communicate With Your Trekking Agency: Most agencies are expected to integrate with FNMIS soon as it rolls out from March 1, 2026. Confirm with your agency that they are registered so they can serve you the best way.
5. How FNMIS Helps During Emergency Situations
One of the strongest benefits for trekkers is improved emergency response.
If someone goes missing or needs urgent help, authorities will have:
- Last registered hotel or guest house check-in
- Date and location of your travel services
- Visa status and contact information
This digital trail accelerates coordination between agencies, police, and rescue teams in remote areas. Before FNMIS, missing person reports often had gaps because information was scattered across hotels, agencies, and permits.
With digital tracking, responders can see a clearer picture of your itinerary sooner.
Conclusion: Better Safety and Simpler Logistics for Trekkers
FNMIS is Nepal’s most significant update to foreign visitor management in recent years. For trekkers, it brings benefits in safety, emergency coordination, and digital convenience. By understanding how it works and taking a few simple steps before and during your trip, you will be ready for Nepal’s new tourism environment in 2026.
This system is designed to make your journey smoother and safer from the moment you land in Kathmandu to the time you finish your trek and head home. Get registered, keep your QR code handy, and enjoy the Himalayas with one less thing to worry about.
