Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• Political tensions in Nepal remain high.  In light of this, you should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. Bandhs (shutdowns), rallies and demonstrations can cause widespread disruption and are often called at short notice, leaving transport severely disrupted and blocking roads and major highways.  See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The wider security situation in Nepal remains subject to change due to the political volatility in the country. Since March, there has been a wave of demonstrations and strikes, at times violent, in the Terai and Eastern region of Nepal. If you intend to travel to Nepal, you should remain vigilant and remain in close touch with your tour operator.  See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 18 British nationals required consular assistance in Nepal in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (3 cases); hospitalisations (1 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (20 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (305 cases).  You are advised to use a reputable travel agent and only trek with an experienced guide and in a group.
  
  
• We also recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you plan to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and the Travel Insurance for more details.