After widespread misuse, the Government of Nepal has banned the use of blue license plates by honorary consuls based in Nepal. The decision follows repeated incidents of diplomatic plates being abused for smuggling and illegal activities.

Foreign nationals appointed as unpaid honorary consuls in Nepal had previously been granted diplomatic license plates, but the government has now revoked this privilege and instructed them to use regular license plates instead. According to available information, their diplomatic passports are also under investigation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed that such consuls’ vehicles must now bear red license plates, rather than blue ones. The ministry confirmed that the decision was made on Friday.

In Nepal, vehicles belonging to foreign embassies and diplomatic missions use blue license plates with white lettering, marked with the letters “CD” (Corps Diplomatique). However, from October 10, 2025, the Government of Nepal has ended the use of such plates for honorary consuls. They are now required to use standard red plates for private vehicles.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision was made in accordance with international law concerning honorary consuls, the principle of reciprocity, and the Rules on Unpaid Consuls, 2039 (1983), as well as current practice. Ministry spokesperson Poudel said the decision was based on repeated complaints of misuse of blue-plated vehicles.

Although the vehicles with blue plates and related privileges are now revoked, honorary consuls will still be allowed to maintain their offices and display their respective countries’ flags. There are currently 67 honorary consuls in Nepal, about 50 of whom are believed to have been using vehicles with blue plates. Apart from a few businesspeople, more than 60% of them were politically connected individuals who used these privileges for personal benefit, including extensive misuse at customs and airports.

The blue-plated vehicles currently in use will now be converted into private vehicles, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate with relevant agencies for the implementation of this decision.

Unpaid Consuls General will still be permitted to display their country’s national flag during certain official events—such as Nepal’s National Day, the appointing country’s National Day, official visits by the head of state, head of government, or foreign minister of the appointing country, and during the visits of that country’s ambassador to Nepal.

Most of Nepal’s honorary consuls are prominent figures in the country’s business community. The government had made a similar decision in the past, but during the tenure of former Foreign Minister Dr. Narayan Khadka, the provision allowing unpaid honorary consuls to use blue diplomatic plates had been reinstated.