Nepal
Summary
Flights
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Nepal’s current entry restrictions and requirements. Due to COVID-19 these may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country on your journey, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
At certain times of year, there can be outbreaks of dengue fever in certain parts of Nepal. A number of cases were also recorded in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley in 2022. If you’re travelling in any area where dengue is prevalent, take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites. For up to date information see guidance on the TravelHealthPro website.
The monsoon season normally runs from June to September. Flooding and landslides often occur during this time. Road travel anywhere can be hazardous, particularly in rural areas. See Monsoon season
Nepal is in a major earthquake zone and remains at risk from further earthquakes and aftershocks. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake. See Earthquakes
Small scale political protests, demonstrations or strikes are fairly common in Nepal. They can occur at short notice and clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies may occur. In November 2022 a suspected Improvised Explosive Device was also dealt with by the authorities in Kathmandu (this incident was likely in relation to elections). You should exercise caution, avoid any demonstrations, follow the direction of local authorities, and report anything suspicious to the police.
You’ll need a visa to enter Nepal. There are requirements for vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers. See Visas
NeverYou should never trek alone.alone and from 1 April Nepal requires all solo trekkers to use a local guide or porter when trekking in Nepal’s national parks. Use a reputable agency, remain on established routes and walk with at least one other person. Take note of weather conditions and forecasts, and come prepared. There are rules in place that regulate the location and group size for treks. Please familiarise yourself with the Department of Immigration guidance, and make sure you are in touch with your trekking guide. Altitude sickness is a risk in all trekking regions. See Trekking in Nepal
Travellers should be aware that allthere have been a number of fatal air accidents (which have included aeroplane and helicopter crashes) in Nepal. All Nepal-certified air carriers are included on the UK Air Safety List (ASL). See Air travel.
Car and motorbike accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury and death overseas. If possible, avoid travelling at night. Always travel in a well-maintained vehicle with seatbelts. If you travel by motorbike, wear a helmet and proper footwear. See Road travel
High levels of air pollution can occur in Nepal. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected by poor air quality. You can check the pollution index levels for real-time information, and the WHO factsheet on air quality.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Nepal. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
If you need to contact the emergency services, call 100 (police) and 101 (fire). There is no central public ambulance service, though some private providers operate in the main cities. In an emergency, you should call the local hospital.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Update history
2024-10-04 11:25
Information on potential disruption to domestic and international air travel at Kathmandu airport (See ‘Air travel’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page)
2024-10-02 11:08
Additional information on disruption to domestic travel following recent flooding and landslides (See ‘Monsoon’ on the ‘Safety and Security’ page)
2024-09-30 15:49
This travel advice was reviewed for accuracy and there are no significant updates.
2024-04-23 16:03
Removal of information related to an avalanche near Manslu on 21 April, as the risks have reduced. General risks related to avalanches, flooding and natural disasters in Nepal remain (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-04-21 14:38
Information on avalanche near Manslu and risk of flooding in and around Budhigandaki river.
2024-04-18 11:40
Information on air pollution risks and building safety considerations in Nepal (‘Safety and Security’ and ‘Health’ pages).
2024-01-31 14:17
Routine assessment that although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Nepal attacks can’t be ruled out (‘Safety and security’ page). Updated information on Tourist Police contact numbers if you encounter difficulties (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-01-09 09:24
Information on what to do during an earthquake and on the potential for protests (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-11-24 10:31
Removal of information about a protest in Kathmandu on 23 November, disruption may continue (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-11-22 12:51
Protests in a number of locations in Kathmandu on 23 November could lead to disruptions across the city. Avoid protests and follow direction of the police (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-08-25 13:15
Information on aviation safety, advising travellers to consult the UK Air Safety List, which currently identifies that all airlines in Nepal do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-07-12 13:52
Information on a helicopter crash in Nepal (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-06-22 10:09
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-21 11:30
Government of Nepal has removed the requirement for visitors to prove COVID-19 vaccine status or provide a negative PCR test at ports of entry (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry Requirements’ pages).
2023-05-24 11:29
Information on the risks associated with altitude sickness and terrorism in Nepal (‘Safety and security’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages).
2023-03-30 16:11
New Nepalese Government requirements for trekkers to use a guide or porter; the risks of delays to flights in remote and trekking destinations (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages). Road traffic accidents being a major cause of death and disability in Nepal (‘Safety and security’ page). Updated information on the notary and documentation services that British Embassy Kathmandu is able to provide (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2023-01-21 11:34
Update to information on flights and air safety in Nepal following fatal plane crash near Pokhara on 15 January (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and Security’ page)
2023-01-15 09:29
Plane crash near Pokhara on 15 January (‘Summary’ page).
2023-01-04 16:26
Removal of information related to the November 2022 elections. Travellers are still however advised to exercise caution and to avoid protests and demonstrations if they occur (‘Summary’ page).
2022-12-22 10:07
Updates related to removal of a number of restrictions related to COVID-19 and clarification of vaccination requirements related to those 5 years of age and over (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages).
2022-12-21 11:29
Updates related to removal of a number of restrictions related to COVID-19 and clarification of vaccination requirements related to those 5 years of age and over (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages).
2022-11-21 11:33
Removal of information on travel restrictions on Nepal’s Election Day (20 November 2022) (‘Summary’ page).
2022-11-18 14:56
Update to reflect security incident (suspected IED) in the Kathmandu area in the lead-up to elections on 20 November and continued risk of further incidents. There is likely to be significant restrictions on travel within the country on the day of elections and possibly days either side (‘Summary’ page).
2022-11-15 15:01
Update related to Nepal’s elections on 20 November. There is likely to be significant restrictions on travel within the country on the day and possibly days either side (‘Summary’ page). Updates to entry requirements and documentation following Government of Nepal removing the requirement to complete an online arrival form in advance of travel (‘Entry requirements’).
2022-09-22 14:14
New information advising travellers to ensure their passport is valid for the length of their stay in Nepal and to complete the emergency contact details page in their passport (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-09-05 12:08
Updated information on recorded cases of dengue fever in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley (‘summary’ and ‘health’ pages)
2022-07-06 15:56
Updated information on domestic COVID-19 restrictions and air accidents in Nepal (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-04-08 15:58
Updated information on visas for unvaccinated travellers and risks of possession of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Nepal. (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-15 16:33
Updated information on PCR test requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers to Nepal (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-08 10:29
Update to information on entry rules (‘Entry requirements’ page)