Short answer
Yes. A Nepali bringing one phone for personal use doesn't have to register it at customs, but should register it online in the Nepal Telecommunications Authority's device system (MDMS) at mdms.nta.gov.np with the IMEI, passport and travel details. Migrant workers with a labour permit can bring two. Extra phones are charged VAT and other duties at customs. Duty-free phones can't be resold. NTA blocked unregistered phones in 2023, but enforcement was later paused, so register anyway to be safe.
The details
What you can bring
| Who | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Nepali bringing a phone for personal use | One phone, register it yourself in MDMS |
| Migrant worker with a labour permit, six months or more abroad | Two phones without customs duty |
| Extra phones, students and others | Duty and VAT at customs |
| Foreign visitor | Own phone for a short stay, register for longer |
Common problems
How do I register?
On mdms.nta.gov.np, enter the IMEI (dial *#06# to see it), brand and model, verify your email, then add your passport, arrival details and a scan of your passport and entry stamp or boarding pass. Approval isn't instant.
Will my phone stop working?
In 2023 NTA cut service to unregistered phones after a grace period of about 15 days, starting with high-end models. The blocking was later reported to be on hold during an investigation into the system, but the rules haven't been withdrawn.
I'm a foreign visitor.
Visitors can use their phone for a short period without registering. For longer stays, register with your passport and visa.
Should I buy a cheaper grey-market phone in Nepal?
Phones imported without paying duty may be blacklisted when blocking is enforced. Buy from authorised sellers and keep the bill.
Real experiences
Been through this recently? Tell the next person which office you went to and what they asked for. Reports are published as community notes, apart from the official information.
Share your experienceSources
- Nepal Telecommunications Authority: MDMS portalmdms.nta.gov.np
- Techlekh: how to register an IMEI in MDMStechlekh.com
- The Kathmandu Post: over 800 SIMs on iPhone 15 deactivated (November 2023)kathmandupost.com
- Onlinekhabar: migrant workers allowed to bring a second phoneenglish.onlinekhabar.com
Written from the sources above and last checked on 8 Oct 2026. Some details aren't confirmed against an official page yet, so check fees and documents with the office before you go.
Spotted something out of date?Related