COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Nepal (2 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter through a limited number of border points.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Most international passengers will not be permitted to enter Nepal until at least 15 December. All foreigners excluding those in the categories below will need a pre-approval recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, or the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. Exceptions are:

• Foreigners may enter for mountaineering expeditions and trekking if they have the required documents and official and approved bookings with approved guide services or trekking agencies.

• Those who work at diplomatic missions in Nepal, those who work for international non-governmental organizations, and other international organizations and their families may enter.

• Those of Nepali origin and their families may enter.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• A test certificate issued by another country is accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Anyone who is eligible to enter Nepal must have a certificate for a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure from the point of origin. Children under the age of 5 are exempt.

• Trekkers and mountaineers who have made official and approved bookings are required to have a certificate showing a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

• The government requires negative PCR test results and a permit from a Chief District Officer to enter the Kathmandu Valley from other districts outside the Valley. 

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• Depending on the port of entry, travellers may be subject to a quarantine ranging from 2 to 14 days.

• Trekkers and mountaineers must have a hotel booking for a 7-day quarantine on arrival in Nepal.

Insurance required?

• No with exceptions

• Anyone entering Nepal must have insurance coverage of at least US $5,000 per person against COVID-19 illness.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Travellers must complete a form before departure and present a printed copy of the form with a barcode at check-in.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Commercial flights to and from Nepal are operating but remain limited.

• Domestic flights are operating.

• Flights between Kathmandu and New Delhi will resume under the “air bubble” agreement on or after 7 December.

• For departing international flights, as well as some domestic flights, many air carriers now require valid COVID-19 negative PCR tests, taken within 72 hours prior to the flight.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Borders are closed to most foreigners until at least 15 December.

• Anyone allowed to enter Nepal at this time, must have a visa or prior approval document and a hotel booking that allows at least seven days for quarantine. These requirements are in addition to the PCR test certificate and health insurance.

• There are reports that Nepal may open for tourism after 15 December.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• There is no national lockdown or curfew at this time.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Public transportation, including taxis and buses, may operate at reduced occupancy.

• Long-range public bus transportation is operating on a limited basis and at reduced capacity.

• There are no restrictions on vehicle movement within or among most districts, with the exception of Kathmandu Valley.

• To enter the Kathmandu Valley from other districts, the government requires a negative PCR test result and a permit from a Chief District Officer.

• In Kathmandu, private vehicles can circulate based on the last digit of the license plate. An alternating even/odd system is in place.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• Social distancing and face masks are required in public, and there is a ban on large gatherings.

• Local administrations are allowed to impose or lift restrictions as needed.

• Restrictions may be introduced at short notice.

• Anyone not following COVID-19 restrictions may face penalties, and the rules are rigorously enforced.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Most non-essential shops, stores, and services are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Many restaurants are operating normally.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars remain closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No, with exceptions

• Most tourist sites are closed. Tourist facilities related to mountaineering and trekking are open.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• No

• Museums are clased.

Personal care services open?

• No

• Salons, hair stylists, spas are closed.

Places of worship open?

• No

• Temples will remain closed.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Masks are required in public spaces.

Aconselhamento

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.

To reduce the risk of infection by this virus if travelling in or from affected areas:

• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.

• Wearing a mask (face covering) is recommended in public places and when social distancing is not possible.

• Wash hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Travellers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).

• Older travellers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affected areas with their healthcare provider.

• Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop after visiting affected areas where transmission is occurring