Nepal Travel Guide

Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
British	Yes	Yes	No
Australian	Yes	Yes	No
Canadian	Yes	Yes	No
USA	Yes	Yes	No
Other EU	Yes	Yes	No

Valid passport for a minimum of six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft on the same day provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Visa Note

(a) All nationals referred to in the chart above may obtain tourist visas on arrival at the airport. (b) Business can be conducted on a tourist visa for up to 30 days. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see ImportantAddresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Multiple entry: £20 (15 days), £35 (30 days), £75 (90 days).

Validity

Visas are valid for up to six months from date of issue. Visas are valid for 60 days on first visit to Nepal in a visa year (1 January-31 December), but only valid for 30 days when national is visiting Nepal for the second or more time in a visa year. Visas may be extended in Nepal at the Department of Immigration, Kathmandu (tel: 494 273 or 337), or the Immigration Office, Pokhara. Maximum stay in Nepal is 150 days in any calendar year. For full conditions on visa extension (including charges and conditions), contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Important Addresses.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy). Visas can also be obtained on arrival from the immigration authorities at all entry points (with fees payable in US Dollars) provided travelers are in possession of valid travel documents, two passport photos and the relevant fee. Applications for business visas must be made to the Department of Immigration (see above under Validity for contact details).

Working Days Required

Minimum 24 hours if applying in person; two weeks if applying by post.

Travel Warnings

Political tensions in Nepal remain high. There are frequent bandhs (shutdowns), rallies and demonstrations, which can be violent and cause widespread disruption. If you are traveling in Nepal, you should remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations, and stay in close touch with your tour operator.

Bars and restaurants are now required to close at 2300 as part of a Government crackdown on illegal activities. This means that after this time the streets around the city are poorly lit and relatively few people are about.

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Since 2006, a number of bombings, shootings and armed clashes have taken place across Nepal. On 14 January 2008, a small bomb was thrown at a moving micro-van (public transport) close to the venue of a mass political gathering in central Kathmandu, injuring several people. On 1 November 2007, a bomb exploded at the Ghantaghar chowk area in Birgunj. One person was killed and five people were injured. On 1 October 2007, a bomb exploded outside the Japanese Embassy in Panipokhari.

Since January 2007 there has been civil unrest and violence in the Terai district. Riots and roadblocks in the Terai severely disrupted transport and prevented supplies reaching the rest of the country. Tensions remain high between rival political groups and occasional clashes have broken out. In March 2007, at least 28 Maoists were killed during a clash with the Madhesis People's Rights Forum (MJF) cadres in Gaur, central Terai. The security situation in general throughout the Terai appears to be steadily deteriorating.

The Government of Nepal has announced that elections will be held on 10 April 2008. Related bandhs (shutdowns), rallies and demonstrations are likely to take place in the run-up. These events can cause widespread disruption and can be called at short notice. Transport can be severely disrupted, roads and major highways could be blocked. Travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and remain vigilant at all times. In January 2008, demonstrations, related to an increase in fuel prices, turned violent.

Following the murder of a political group leader, a number of violent incidents have occurred around the Kapilbastu district since 16 September 2007. Curfews are still in force in some areas around the Kapilbastu district, including Krishnagar and around the Chandrota Highway.

On 29 October 2007, an earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale affected parts of central Nepal, including the Kathmandu Valley.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

The most convenient hospital for visitor care is Patan Hospital in Lagankhel. Other hospitals include the Western Regional Hospital and the Manipal Hospital in Pokhara and the Mission Hospital in Tansen. Pharmacies in Kathmandu offer a wide range of Western drugs at low prices. In Kathmandu, you can get certain vaccinations free at the Infectious Diseases Clinic. Full medical insurance is essential.

Vaccinations

Vaccination	Special Precaution
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Sometimes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Yellow Fever	No*
Typhoid and Polio	Yes

Special Notes

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas.