COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Nepal (27 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• International passengers in certain employment categories and their dependents are allowed to enter Nepal.

• The government of Nepal is planning to reopen the country for foreign tourists and tourism activities.

• Foreigners may enter for mountaineering expeditions and trekking.

• Travellers who are not citizens of Nepal should contact their air carrier for information on whether they qualify for entry.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• A test certificate issued by another country is accepted.

• Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has stated that it would allow the PCR test report only from the government labs for travellers to Hong Kong.

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 arrival.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• All travellers are subject to a 2 to 14-day quarantine.

• Trekkers and mountaineers must have a hotel booking for 7 days quarantine in Nepal. On the fifth day of the quarantine, trekkers and mountaineers must take a PCR test at their own expense before proceeding with their trek or expedition.

Insurance required?

• No with exceptions

• Trekkers and mountaineers must possess insurance of at least $5,000 USD against COVID-19 expenses.

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

• International commercial flights are operating. Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority has approved international air carriers to operate an unlimited number of flights.

• Domestic flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• The government of Nepal is planning to reopen the country for foreign tourists and tourism activities. Travellers must provide a negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours before arriving in Nepal and stay in quarantine for seven days in a hotel in capital Kathmandu.

• The government of Nepal has decided to extend the ban on cross-border travel with India and China until 15 December.

• Travellers must present a “Passengers Locator Card” at the “health desk” upon arrival.

• Trekkers and mountaineers must obtain a visa before arrival through their travel and trekking agencies.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• The government has imposed a partial lockdown in several districts of the country due to a rise in COVID-19 infections.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• The government has banned public and religious gatherings in the capital, Kathmandu, and surrounding areas due to a recent spike in COVID-19 infections.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Travels for essential purposes, such as purchasing food or emergency services, are allowed. Police are strictly enforcing the restrictions and detaining anyone who is violating these.

• The inter-district vehicular movement has resumed.

• Buses are allowed to operate at reduced capacity.

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

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Shopping malls and luxury goods stores are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

• Retail shops, construction and agricultural industries, and other types of services are allowed to resume with social distancing restrictions.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Many restaurants are open for take-out orders.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars remain closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No, with exceptions

• Nepal has currently closed its border for tourism. Some mountaineering expeditions may be operating.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• No

Personal care services open?

• No

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