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SAFETY/SECURITY ADVICE
The situation in Nepal has always been tourist friendly. Due
to some sporadic reporting of Maoist activities in some parts
of the Kingdom, extra measures for security were adopted which
has indeed improved the law and order situation. Major tourist
places continue to welcome tourists in large numbers. Tourists
have never been directly targeted by the Maoists. Moreover,
the Maoist leaders have categorically stated time and again
that they would not disturb the tourism sanctity neither target
the tourist in future. Hence, tourists have never been the
victims of insurgency activities in Nepal. Travel to and within
Nepal is a safe and enjoyable experience provided sensible
precaution is taken. Tourists are advised to use the services
of registered and reputed travel/trekking companies and hotels
only. By using the services of government registered service
providers, you will be ensuring the most comfortable and reliable
holiday possible. Public demonstrations and strikes are popular
forms of political expression in Nepal, as in other parts
of the world and they may occur on short notice. These demonstrations
are usually nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners.
During general strikes (called "Bandh" in Nepal),
many businesses close, and transportation and city services
may be disrupted. Tourist buses, airport downtown-airport
shuttle service and rickshaws are the only means of transportation
available during bandhs. Travelers are requested to stay either
at their hotel or homes or at the most in prominent touristic
areas, where no any untoward incidents have taken place, so
far. Tourists can also visit places of tourist interest within
walking distance from their hotels.
ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS
A passport and visa are required for visitors other than Indian
nationals. Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival at
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all other
ports of entry. All foreigners must pay an airport exit tax,
regardless of the length of their stay. Travelers may contact
nearest Royal Nepalese Embassy/Consulates for further information.
Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective from
October 1, 2000 Indians travelling to Nepal by air will have
to show upon arrival at entry point either a passport, voter's
identity card issued by Election Commission of India, or an
identity card with photograph issued by the Central or State
Government of India. Children under 10 years need not show
any identification.
INFORMATION
FOR TRAVELERS
Nepal has abundance of offers to establish it as a round the
year travel destination. Based on this fact, many international
tourists are indeed incorporating Nepal in their wishful travel
itinerary. Popular tourist areas in Nepal like Kathmandu,
Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang
Region, Lumbini, Janakpur and others are absolutely free from
any sorts of disturbances. This is a clear testimony that
travel safety in Nepal is more a perception problem than the
actual state of affairs. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) always
recommends travelers to get services through the registered
companies which guarantee you safe, reliable, standard and
value for money travel services. Travelling in Nepal typically
involves walking for an extended time over rugged, steep terrain,
to various luxurious stays during the course of their trip.
Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high
as 18,000 feet. The Nepal Tourism Board requests all existing
and potential travelers to exercise extreme caution while
trekking at higher altitudes. The safest option for all trekkers
is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm
that provides an experienced guide and porter who communicates
in both Nepali and English.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical care is widely available in the District head quarters
and the towns and cities. Moreover, Kathmandu has the most
modern medi-care facilities, equipment and most qualified
doctors in order to provide a quality care. Serious illnesses
often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility.
Illnesses and injuries suffered while on trek in remote areas
often require rescue by helicopter. Various private Helicopter
Companies including the Royal Nepal Army (at the Airport)
provide rescue services. The cost is typically not much. For
further information, please contact Himalayan Rescue Association
(Phone: 4262746, Kathmandu) or your local travel or trekking
agent.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
After the establishment of various international Insurance
Companies in the form of joint venture (JV), medical insurance
is becoming popular in Nepal. Hence, all travelers are requested
to insure through the reputed agencies. However, travelling
within Nepal is adequately safe except in some remote government
cautioned areas. Please check with your own insurance company
to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including
provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage.
Supplemental health insurance that specifically covers overseas
treatment and air evacuation to the nearest adequate medical
facility is strongly recommended.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
AND ROAD CONDITIONS
In major tourist destinations the condition of the Roads are
fairly well maintained. Those travelling by their own vehicles
must carry valid road maps. The East West Highway connects
all major cities and towns. Further information may be sought
from NTB or local agents. The accident rate in Nepal is comparatively
very minimal and relatively fatalities from such accidents
are rare as compared to other big cities of the globe. Likewise,
there are several domestic private airlines operating within
the nation, which has tremendously helped to connect the remote
part of the country to the capital.
AIR TRAVEL
Travelling to Nepal by air is considered safe. Nepal is well
connected by a dozen of international airlines from all major
cities of Europe and Asia. It also has a fair no of domestic
airlines, which cater to the needs of the travelers domestically.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) infrastructures have
been duly extended in order to meet the rising demand of the
air travelers.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
All travelers are requested to abide by the custom regulations
of Nepal. The facilities that are given to travelers are of
international norms except in the cases of heavy-duty import
such as valuable metals, articles of archeological and religious
importance, wildlife and related articles, drugs, arms and
ammunition, and communications equipment.
ENVIRONMENT
His Majesty's Government (HMG) is very conscious about maintaining
the ecological balance. The preservation of the natural resources
and conservation of the national heritages has been our prime
concern. In order to give a fillip to this concept, His Majesty's
Government of Nepal (HMG/N) has already brought in to effect
the emission control norms for the vehicles. Similarly HMG
is coordinating with various experts, donors, INGOs and NGOs
and others to manage the Solid waste management and also controlling
the effluents discharged by the industries. As far as conservation
and preservation is concerned, Annapurna Conservation (ACAP)
area and Nepal's densely populated forests are greatly appreciated
models in the world.
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