{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1710874992,"date":"2024-03-19 15:03:12"}},"data":{"country-iso":"NP","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"Nepal","url-slug":"nepal","geo-group":"Asia","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 13, 2024 14:52 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution","recent-updates":"The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)","advisories":"
Exercise a high degree of caution<\/a> in Nepal due to the fragile political and security situation.<\/p><\/div>","security":" Petty theft is common, particularly near tourist sites, on buses and in hotel rooms.<\/p> Take particular care when walking around Kupandol, Sanepa and Thamel, popular tourist spots in Kathmandu, where pickpocketing is common.<\/p> There is a significant increase in crime, including thefts, purse and bag snatchings, pickpocketing and break-ins, during the festival season, which extends from September to November. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness and ensure that your personal belongings and your passports are secure.<\/p> Women are vulnerable to harassment and verbal abuse. Dress conservatively, particularly in remote areas.<\/p> Female tourists travelling alone are more at risk of violent attacks.<\/p> Advice for women travellers<\/a><\/p> While Nepal continues its transition to a stable democracy, the political situation remains fragile and tensions can increase with little notice.<\/p> Small-scale, politically-motivated attacks occasionally occur, especially in Kathmandu. Past attacks have led to injuries and sometimes caused deaths. Foreigners have not been targeted. Further attacks are likely.<\/p> Political protests are common in Nepal and sometimes result in violence. Transport and public services may be disrupted at short notice.<\/p> Politically motivated protests have been particularly volatile in Kathmandu as well as in Nepal’s southern region bordering India, which has at times resulted in supply shortages and affected border crossings.<\/p> Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> General strikes (locally referred to as bandhs) are a popular form of political expression and can occur on short notice throughout the country. Such strike action can affect access to services. While bandhs are usually peaceful, riots and violence are possible. During a bandh, businesses and roads may close and transportation services may be unavailable or severely disrupted.<\/p> Avoid travelling on public transportation during or immediately preceding bandhs, as tourists have been injured. Transportation to and from airports throughout Nepal could be affected. Army and police checkpoints are frequent, especially at night.<\/p> Follow the advice of local authorities and respect curfews and roadblocks.<\/p> Many popular trekking trails ascend higher than 5,500 metres.<\/p> A number of hikers and guides have been stranded, injured or killed while trekking. You may experience acute mountain sickness at high altitudes and should be well informed on possible hazards in the high mountains.<\/p> Drops in temperature and changes in weather conditions, including blizzards and avalanches can occur suddenly in mountainous regions at any time of year.<\/p> If you intend to trek:<\/p> Emergency services such as evacuations and rescues from remote areas are available but can be hindered by:<\/p> There have been helicopter rescue scams in the past. Ensure that you are dealing with reputable helicopter companies. Check with your trekking agency for updates on the security situation in the area.<\/p> All trekkers must purchase a trekkers’ information management system (TIMS) card from one of the following entities:<\/p> You must obtain a national park entry permit before entering official trekking regions or routes such as those in the Annapurna, Everest and Langtang regions.<\/p> Permits may be obtained from the national tourism board after arrival in Kathmandu or Pokhara.<\/p> More about trekking permits<\/a> - Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal<\/p> Organize white-water rafting excursions through reputable agencies only.<\/p> Due to an energy shortage, electric power cuts, termed “load shedding,” are a year-round occurrence. They occur frequently for short periods and without advance notice. <\/p> Most public buses are often poorly maintained and accidents involving buses, often causing injuries and fatalities, are common.<\/p> Avoid travelling on overnight buses.<\/p> Tourist buses are generally safe.<\/p> Boat accidents are common due to the overloading and poor maintenance of vessels. Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unfit, especially where there are strong currents.<\/p> Exercise caution when travelling by road as road conditions and driving standards are poor and traffic laws are not enforced.<\/p> Drivers often drive at excessive speed and often do not yield right-of-way to pedestrians.<\/p> Many mountain and hill roads, which can be hazardous even in the best weather, are intermittently impassable during the monsoon season due to landslides.<\/p> Traffic is congested in the Kathmandu Valley.<\/p> Landmines and unexploded ordnance constitute a risk in parts of the country, including in some trekking areas. Follow the advice of local authorities, and only travel on well-used roads and paths.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the Nepalese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Nepal.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: required You can purchase a tourist visa, valid for up to 60 days, at:<\/p> You will need to supply a recent passport-size photo. Ensure that you have the necessary amount of funds (Canadian and U.S. dollars are accepted) with you if you wish to obtain a visa upon arrival. Check with the closest Nepalese embassy or consulate for the latest visa fees.<\/p> Tourist Visa<\/a> - Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal<\/p> Overstaying your visa is an offence and immigration authorities can detain you until you pay a fine. In addition to fines and detention, overstays can result in a 7-year ban on re-entry.<\/p> If you intend to travel to Tibet from Nepal, contact the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu for current entry regulations.<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> <\/span>is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a> Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> Japanese encephalitis<\/a> is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.<\/span><\/p>\n Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:<\/span><\/p>\n Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Typhoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Travellers going to countries in South Asia should speak to a health care professional about getting vaccinated.<\/span><\/p><\/details> Malaria<\/a> is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. Antimalarial medication may be recommended<\/a> depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. In this destination, rabies<\/a> is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions<\/a>, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.<\/p>\n If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.<\/strong> <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). <\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Travellers' diarrhea<\/a> is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.<\/p>\n Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.<\/p>\n The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.<\/p><\/details> Typhoid<\/a> <\/span>is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.<\/p>\n Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. <\/p><\/details> Risk<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Cholera<\/a> is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.<\/p>\r\n To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:<\/p>\r\n Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.<\/p><\/details> Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:<\/p>\n To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.<\/p> There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya<\/a> is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.<\/p><\/details> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.<\/p>\n Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> Tuberculosis<\/a> is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.<\/p>\n For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.<\/p>\n Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.<\/p>\n High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.<\/p><\/details> Outside the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, medical services and facilities do not meet standards you might expect in Canada.<\/p> Most hospitals require up-front payment or confirmation of insurance coverage prior to commencing treatment. Following an incident or accident, you should contact your travel insurance company without delay.<\/p> Trekkers may experience frostbite and acute mountain sickness (AMS) at high altitudes. AMS can be deadly. <\/span>Medical evacuation to Bangkok, Thailand, New Delhi, India, or Singapore is often necessary for serious conditions. Carry medical and first aid kits.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, including life imprisonment, and heavy fines.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> Photography of military installations and personnel is prohibited.<\/p> You may not bring any kind of firearm into Nepal. Violators who bring in firearms or ammunition may be prosecuted. This includes firearm imitations or in jewellery form.<\/p> Traffic drives on the left.<\/p> There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.<\/p> Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle drivers.<\/p> You must carry an international driving permit.<\/p> International Driving Permit<\/a><\/p> Women should dress conservatively in public.<\/p> Public displays of affection are considered to be inappropriate at many of Nepal’s religious sites.<\/p> Commercial surrogacy services for foreigners is banned in Nepal. If you have already entered into such an arrangement, you should seek advice from a local lawyer on how this ban could affect your situation and, in particular, on any exit requirement.<\/p> Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Nepal.<\/p> If local authorities consider you a citizen of Nepal, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.<\/p> Travellers with dual citizenship<\/a><\/p> The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Nepal.<\/p> If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Nepal by an abducting parent:<\/p> If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.<\/p> Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.<\/p> The currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR).<\/p> The economy is largely cash-based; however, credit cards can be used in major stores, hotels and restaurants. ATMs are available in larger cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. <\/p> It is illegal to take NPR banknotes out of the country.<\/p> Any amount over US$5,000 in cash (or equivalent in foreign currencies) must be declared at customs upon arrival in Nepal.<\/p>","disasters-climate":" Nepal is located in an active seismic zone and there is a continued risk of earthquakes, aftershocks and landslides.<\/p> Become familiar with local earthquake safety procedures. In the event of an earthquake, exercise caution, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.<\/p> The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to September. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and hampering the provision of essential services.<\/p>Crime<\/h3>
Festival season<\/h4>
Women’s safety<\/h3>
Political tensions<\/h3>
Acts of violence<\/h4>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Strikes<\/h4>
Trekking and mountain climbing<\/h3>
Trekkers’ Information Management System<\/h4>
National park permit<\/h4>
Rafting<\/h3>
Power cuts<\/h3>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Landmines<\/h3>
Air travel<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: required (only issued in Nepal)
Student visa: required<\/p>Visa overstays<\/h4>
Travel to Tibet<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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* It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p><\/details>Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Japanese encephalitis<\/summary>
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Hepatitis B<\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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Measles <\/summary>
Typhoid <\/summary>
Malaria <\/summary>
There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and\/or during a certain time of year in this destination. <\/strong><\/p>\n
Protect yourself from mosquito bites<\/a> at all times:
• Cover your skin and use an approved<\/a> insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and\/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing.
If you develop symptoms<\/a> similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. <\/p><\/details>Rabies <\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Travellers' diarrhea<\/summary>
Typhoid <\/summary>
Cholera<\/summary>
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Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
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Chikungunya<\/summary>
Dengue <\/summary>
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Dengue <\/summary>
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Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
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Tuberculosis<\/summary>
Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Drugs<\/h3>
Photography<\/h3>
Firearms<\/h3>
Driving<\/h3>
Dress and behaviour<\/h3>
Commercial surrogacy<\/h3>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>
International Child Abduction<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Money<\/h3>
Earthquakes<\/h3>
Monsoon season<\/h3>