Asia and Oceania

Nepal

Still current at: 04 July 2009

Updated: 30 June 2009

All travellers to Nepal are advised to register with the Consular Section at the British Embassy via the LOCATE page. In addition travellers should inform their family and friends in the UK of their itinerary.

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  In recent years there have continued to be incidents of bomb attacks (small imporived explosive devices), shootings and violent clashes across Nepal, including in Kathmandu and areas frequented by foreigners These incidents frequently result in the death and injury of Nepalese civilians.  Tourists have only very occasionally been injured.  These actions are carried out by a variety of political and criminal groups.  Violent incidents, including bombings, have continued despite the cease-fire announced under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. You should exercise caution in public places and take local advice.

Recent significant incidents include:

• On 23 May, a bomb exploded during a service at the Church of the Assumption in Lalitpur (to the south of Kathmandu).  Two people were killed and fourteen people injured.  
  
• On 27 and 28 December 2008 and 1 January 2009, three small bombs (IEDs) exploded in Kathmandu (one near the airport, the second near Rani Pokhari and the third near Sundhara).  No-one was seriously injured.
• On 6 August 2008 a series of small bombs exploded in the town of Pokhara.  Five people were reported injured.
• On 28 May 2008 two bombs exploded within ten minutes of each other outside the venue of the Constituent Assembly meeting in Kathmandu.  At least four people were reported injured.
• On 27 May 2008 one bomb exploded at Ratna Park  Six people were reported injured. On 26 May, three pipe bombs exploded in Kathmandu, two in the New Baneshwor area.  There were no reported injuries.
• On 16 May 2008, at 1915, a small bomb exploded outside the Norwegian Embassy in Patan, to the south of Kathmandu. No one was hurt.
• On 7 April 2008 a pipe bomb exploded in the New Baneshwor area of Kathmandu.  There are reports that at least eight people were injured.  There were also bombings in Birgunj and in Sunsari district that injured a number of people.
• On 5 April 2008 there were two pipe bomb attacks in central Kathmandu.  No casualties have been reported.
  

The security situation in Nepal can and does change rapidly.  You should contact the British Embassy for advice on the latest security situation before going to areas not normally visited by tourists.

For further information and advice please read Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

There have been a number of unprovoked attacks on foreigners around Kathmandu. Incidents have been rising in a number of areas, particularly the Thamel, Sanepa and Bhukumdol areas of the city.

Bars and restaurants are now required to close at 2200 as part of a Government crack-down on illegal activities. This means that after this time the streets around the city are poorly lit and relatively few people are about.

British nationals are advised to exercise caution when walking around Kathmandu at night. Avoid walking on your own and keep valuables safe and out of sight.

There have been reports of trekkers being robbed where violence or the direct threat of violence has been used. Incidences of Maoist extortion of money from trekkers and climbers have been reported in the past. Trekkers and other individuals who resist extortion demands are threatened and have in the past been physically assaulted.

In 2005, there were several incidents of female tourists being attacked, including cases of rape, by bands of criminals.  If you are a female travelling alone, then refer to our Women Travellers section and also Rape, Sexual Assault and Assault.

If trekking, you are advised to use reputable trekking agencies, to remain on established routes, and to always walk in groups.  We recommend that you do not trek alone and avoid becoming separated from your group at any time (see section on Trekking in Nepal below).

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal often involves travelling to very remote areas. The availability of phone (including mobile phone reception) and internet services are extremely limited. It is likely that during a trek a traveller will be unable to contact their family and friends for a long period of time.

Treks often take longer than their expected duration by one or two days. In many cases friends and family become worried if they do not hear from a traveller when expected. 

The Government of Nepal has authorised the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to implement a system for foreign trekkers called the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS). Trekkers, including those not with organised groups, are required to have a valid TIMS card issued by TAAN, its member agencies, or NTB. In case of an emergency, the new system will help authorities ascertain the whereabouts of trekkers. TIMS cards are available free of charge through authorised trekking companies, the TAAN office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the NTB office.  For further information please visit www.taan.org.np or www.welcomenepal.com.

Advice for Trekkers:

• Make sure that your insurance covers you for the altitude you are due to be trekking at.
• Always use a reputable trekking company.
  Take a guide.
• Never trek alone.
• Make sure someone at home has a copy of your itinerary.
• Register your route at the entrance to the parks/conservation areas.
• Ensure that you register the itinerary of your trek with the British Embassy via LOCATE.
• If your plans change try and call or email home to let people know you are all right.
• Never venture from your planned route or itinerary without advising leaving someone a message to tell them what you plan.
• Be aware of the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Following these simple procedures ensures that trekking in Nepal will be a safer and rewarding experience. Making family and friends aware of the itinerary prevents undue worry especially when travelling in such a remote part of the world.

Political Situation

Nepal Country Profile

A peace agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists was signed in Kathmandu on 21 November 2006 thereby ending 11 years of conflict in Nepal. The two sides agreed a permanent ceasefire, which is being monitored by the UN.

Following the largely peaceful elections on 10 April 2008, a Constituent Assembly was sworn in on 27 May.  On 28 May the Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a republic. There were several bombs in Kathmandu in protest at the change to republicanism. In  September, the new Maoist-led coalition government finally took office with an agenda to deliver change.  On 4 May 2009 the Prime Minister announced his resignation, increasing political uncertainty. On 25 May 2009, a new Prime Minister was sworn in, supported by all parties except the Maoists; the process of government formation continues.

Tensions between political parties in Nepal remain significant, with the potential for violent clashes or extremely disruptive strike action. These clashes have, in some cases, resulted in injuries and deaths of party activists and candidates. Recent political protests by ethnic and religious groups in the Terai and Eastern region have, resulted in localised violence and disruption. Equally, there are other interests groups who use similar tactics to pursue their objections. For example, in January 2008, there were widespread demonstrations in Kathmandu and a number of other cities against government increases in fuel prices.  Many of these demonstrations became violent, with tyres burnt and vehicles, including those of foreigners, attacked. The situation in the Terai and Eastern region remains difficult, with political tensions over the region’s demand for significantly increased autonomy and serious problems in delivering law and order.  There are a number of militant groups operating in the Terai, as well as the tensions between political parties found in other parts of the country.

Local Travel

Major street demonstrations, disturbances and road blockades occur frequently in Kathmandu and elsewhere in the country, in particular in the Terai and Eastern region of Nepal, often at very short notice. In the past, such events have suddenly turned violent.  Transport can also be severely disrupted; roads and highways could be blocked.  You are therefore advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and remain vigilant at all times. You should also take local advice including from tour operators.

At times of political uncertainty the authorities may impose a curfew.  Travellers should comply with the conditions of such curfews.  Your tour operator or hotel will be able to give you further information should a curfew be in place.  You can also check the British Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest security advice.

Kathmandu Valley wide transport bans can be called at very short notice. When these bans are in place the Nepal Tourism Board in conjunction with the Nepal Tourist Police run Shuttle Bus Services between various hotels in Kathmandu and the Domestic and International Airports. The Tourist Police Hotline phone number is (01) 4247041. The Nepal Tourism Board Hotline phone number is (01) 4225709.

Transport usually operates freely in the Kathmandu valley, except during times of major demonstrations.  Traffic in Kathmandu normally flows reasonably well though there are sometimes major jams during rush-hour in the city. Access to the valley from the Pokhara direction has improved with the widening of the road at the major checkpoint entering Kathmandu.

As stated above, the situation outside the Kathmandu valley remains unpredictable.  It is therefore important that you keep a close watch on the local media for advance notice of upcoming developments.  Your hotel or guesthouse will also be able to advise you and the British Embassy website carries up-dated local security advice.

If you are concerned about the areas you are travelling to, please contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu on arrival for up-to-date adviceon the security situation, which can change rapidly.

Road Travel

You must have an international driving licence to drive a vehicle in Nepal.  You are advised to carry your licence with you at all times when driving as well as any documents relating to the vehicle itself.

Traffic in Nepal drives on the left, as in the UK.  The general standard of driving throughout the country is poor and badly regulated.  Roads in Kathmandu are very congested.  Many drivers are not properly licensed, trained or insured and vehicles are poorly maintained.  There are few pavements outside central Kathmandu and motorists do not yield right of way to pedestrians.

Bus travel is particularly hazardous and multiple-fatality accidents are common.  You should avoid travel on overnight buses.

Road conditions are generally poor and difficult even in the best of conditions.  During the monsoon season (June to September) many roads outside the Kathmandu valley are prone to landslides and become impassable.

For further information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

On Wednesday 8 October 2008 a Yeti airlines plane crashed at Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla. 18 people died in the accident.

There are several internal airlines operating in Nepal offering internal flights across Nepal.  You are advised to check weather conditions before travelling with internal airlines.  Bad weather conditions in mountainous and hill regions can increase the risk to safety.

You can research the safety and standards of a particular airline or aircraft through the International Civil Aviation Organisation www.icao.int and the UK Civil Aviation Authority www.caa.co.uk.

You should not become involved with drugs.  As recent examples have shown, being found in possession of even very small quantities will almost certainly lead to imprisonment.

You should respect local customs.  Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops in public places where this might be seen as inappropriate.

 

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Visas

Visas are required for travel to Nepal.  If you wish to stay for more than 60 days you can extend your visa up to 30 days by applying to the Nepalese Department of Immigration at Bhrikuti Mandap (adjacent to the Tourism Development Board and opposite City Hall) (Tel:  +977 1 4222453 or 4223590); (Fax:  +977 1 4223127).

Overstaying without authority is serious and you can be detained or refused permission to leave until a fine is paid.  For further information you should check with the Nepalese Embassy, 12A, Kensington Palace Gardens, London, W8 4QU (Tel:  +20 7229 1594 or 6231 or 5352); (Fax:  +20 7792 9861) Website: British Embassy Kathmandu

Passport Validity

Entry to Nepal may be refused, and airlines may not carry you if your passport has less than six months’ validity. 

Medical treatment is expensive at Western travellers' clinics in Nepal.  Healthcare is poor in most places outside Kathmandu valley and Pokhara.  You should be aware that it might be difficult to obtain rapid helicopter evacuation if you were to fall ill or suffer a serious accident in a remote area of the country.

In 2008, 329 cases of Japanese encephalitis were reported in Nepal resulting in 12 deaths.  Japanese encephalitis is known to occur in the Terai regions of Nepal.  Recent findings from the Word Health Organisation (WHO) have also shown the presence of Japanese encephalitis in Kathmandu Valley. 

The WHO advise short-term visitors to Nepal during the rainy season (June-September) and all long-term visitors to Nepal to obtain Japanese encephalitis vaccinations before travelling.

For further details please see the World Health Organisation Regional Office for South East Asia website.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 68,000 adults aged 15 or over in Nepal were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Nepal and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre  National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel  or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

For more general health information see Travel Health.

 

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

 

In January 2009 there were outbreaks of Avian Influenza in south eastern Nepal.  The Nepal Central Veterinary Laboratory and the UK's OIE reference Laboratory confirmed the strain as H5N1.  No human infections  were confirmed.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

 

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

 

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu has been confirmed in Nepal.  The Government of Nepal has advised that it is introducing surveillance measures at the international airport. On arrival in Nepal travellers from affected countries, including the UK should be prepared to be asked questions about their health or be checked for symptoms by medical staff.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk.

Insurance

 

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for activities you want to undertake. If you are intending to travel at altitude in Nepal, please check that your insurance policy provides cover. Many policies do not provide cover over 2,500 metres.  See Travel Insurance for more details.

 

You should take out full insurance cover for medical treatment, accidents and evacuation by helicopter (presently costing between 1,500 US Dollars and 2,500 US Dollars per flying hour).  It is advisable to have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen or lost cash, cards, passport, luggage and any loss damage or liability resulting from terrorist action.

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

 

Registration

 

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

 

Precautions

 

To make your trip as smooth and as safe as possible, the British Embassy recommends that you take the following precautions.

Poste Restante

For security reasons, the British Embassy in Kathmandu does not operate a Poste Restante facility.  Any such correspondence should be addressed to the Central Post Office, Kathmandu.

 

Money

 

ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.  Credit cards are also useful in most major hotels, restaurants and shops.  However, it is always prudent to check first that a particular card is acceptable.  Both Euro and US Dollar travellers’ cheques can be cashed relatively easily in most banks and major hotels throughout the country.