Latest News: Suspension of international flights extended until 31 May (Khabarhub, 12.05.2021). Authorities extend lockdown in Kathmandu and surrounding districts until 27 May (RT, 11.05.2021). Nepali government suspends all domestic flights and international flights with Brazil, India, South Africa (China.org, 02.05.2021). Indian-Nepal Border will be closed from 24 April because of health and security issues (Tegulu Bulletin, 12.04.2021).
International Restrictions:
*Entry to Nepal: The Government of Nepal has extended its suspension of almost all scheduled international flights until at least midnight on 31 May 2021. You should liaise with your airline or travel provider for more information and for re-booking.
When inward flights resume, the Government of Nepal may continue to require specific conditions of entry for passengers originating from the UK. Those seeking to enter Nepal were previously required to present certain documentation:
• a certificate showing a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, taken within 72 hours of flight of first departure or a complete vaccination against COVID-19
• a visa or prior approval document
• a hotel booking that allows at least ten days’ quarantine in Nepal (if not vaccinated)
• a travel insurance document which covers health, immediate crisis, or rescue for the duration of your travel
The Department of Immigration has fuller information.
You should arrange to take a private test. Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Nepal: The Nepali authorities have imposed temporary restrictions to control the COVID-19 outbreak, including requiring public and private transport services to cease operating, and limiting other non-essential movements. Non-essential services are partially closed, and restrictions may be introduced or extended at short notice. The current lockdown is in effect until at least 27 May. You must wear face masks to access essential services (including access to medical care, to shop, and to access the airport for outbound flights). There are penalties for people who do not observe these rules, which will be rigorously enforced.
*Accommodation: Although some hotels in the Kathmandu valley are open, this can change at short notice. Local administrations in other districts are free to adapt a different model, and more restrictive lockdowns are still in place in other parts of the country.
• public spaces and services are now currently operating a restricted service in the Kathmandu valley to control outbreaks of COVID-19, and other districts may operate more restrictive models. The lockdown is in effect until at least 27 May. Shops and services when open will only serve customers wearing some form of face mask. Shop openings may vary by location, as local administrations in other districts are free to adapt a different model, and more restrictive lockdowns are still in place in other parts of the country.
• people are required to maintain social distancing and wear masks in public, and there is a ban on large gatherings.
• entertainment centres such as cinema halls and dance bars, health clubs and swimming clubs, salons, beauty parlours, spas, libraries, zoos, and museums are currently closed.
There have been reports of some incidents in parts of Nepal of foreign tourists being threatened or intimidated by locals, allegedly in relation to coronavirus. Such incidents are rare. If you experience such problems, return immediately to your accommodation (if safe), or to the local law enforcement agencies (phone 100), or contact the British Embassy at +977 (0)1 423 7100.