Nepal Travel Information

Restrictions on entry into Nepal have been imposed. Tribhuvan International Airport is closed for scheduled flights from 22 March to 31 May. Nepal has also adopted a nationwide curfew from March 24 to May 18. This involves strict restrictions on freedom of movement outside the home, with the exception of medical needs and necessary food purchases. Norwegian citizens wishing to leave Nepal are requested to contact the embassy in Kathmandu by email emb.kathmandu@mfa.no with name and contact information. For more information on travel restrictions and coronavirus, see the entry Entry and Health section. According to Abbreviationfinder, NPL stands for Nepal in geography.

Safety

Nepal was hit by heavy earthquakes on April 25 and May 12, 2015. These have led to massive devastation. 14 districts are severely affected. Much work related to emergency distribution and reconstruction is underway. This makes parts of the country inaccessible. Especially during the monsoon period there is a danger of landslides.

The embassy emphasizes that large parts of the country are in a particularly difficult situation. More info can be found at http://www.unocha.org/nepal

Norwegian citizens staying in or planning to travel to Nepal are encouraged to stay up to date via the Embassy’s website, as well as to register their journey via http://www.reiseregistrering.no/

Until the earthquake in April 2015, most trips to Nepal were undertaken without any particular problems. The greatest risk was related to poor infrastructure and transport safety.

Political conditions in Nepal are stable, but the country is still in a vulnerable situation after the ten-year internal conflict from 1996 – 2006. Nepal has seen a positive development since the peace agreement in 2006, and a new constitution is under preparation. There may occasionally be political demonstrations, but such demonstrations are rarely violent.

The embassy will remind you that it is generally important to be careful and pay attention in areas with public gatherings and demonstrations. For example, if being stopped in a roadblock, one should remain calm and wait for the activists and police or locals to come to an agreement.

  • Countryaah: Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

Crime in the Kathmandu Valley is generally low. Beyond ordinary care, especially in the handling of passports, money and credit cards, no special precautions are necessary.

Nepal is located in an active seismic zone, which means that there is the possibility of earthquakes, avalanches, landslides and floods. Visitors are requested to take necessary precautions.

When traveling around the country, one should investigate in advance the security situation in the relevant areas. Feel free to contact the embassy for further information. The BBC’s profile page on Nepal also has useful links to Nepalese online newspapers that provide up-to-date information on the political situation in the country.

Traveling in Nepal by road or air can be dangerous. International driving license is required to drive in Nepal. Nepal has left-hand traffic. Great care should be taken in traffic, both as a motorist, cyclist and pedestrian. Roads are mostly in poor condition and there are few sidewalks outside Kathmandu city center. It is not recommended to take public transport other than the organized “green lines” tourist buses. In Kathmandu it is common to take a taxi.

Travel with Nepalese airlines can be at risk. It is recommended to examine the list of airlines without permission to land in the EU due to poor flight safety. Departures to the mountain areas are often canceled, sometimes several days in a row, due to poor weather conditions. It is wise to take this into account when planning trips in and out of the country. Unfortunately, aviation accidents in Nepal’s mountainous areas are not uncommon due to difficult operating conditions and non-compliance with safety standards.

Precautions for Hiking Tourists in Nepal: Tourists walking alone in designated mountain areas may be subject to crime. It is recommended that you do not go out alone. It is also recommended to use a local guide where possible.

For Norwegians who are going on trekking and other tour activities, the embassy is encouraged to buy travel insurance and any other insurance that covers the activities (extreme sports) that they plan to undertake in Nepal. Ordinary travel insurance will not normally cover trekking above 4000 meters. Carefully check if you are covered for all your activities while in Nepal.

It is important to know the weather conditions before hiking in the mountains, and to keep up to date with developments along the way. During the last two years, unstable weather has caused heavy rain and snow showers in some mountain areas during the trekking season. In October 2014, dozens of people from different nations who were hiking in the Annapurna area died as a result.

Storm and snow avalanche danger: In the last two years, cyclones in the Bay of Bengal have caused major rain and snow showers in the mountains. Dozens of people have died in storms and landslides in the Mount Everest and Annapurna areas in 2014. In the wake of the April/May 2015 earthquakes, there have been several landslides and snowfalls. In connection with the monsoon in the summer, more landslides are expected.

Flood Hazard: Large parts of the Himalayas are located in Nepal, and the melting of glaciers as well as much rainfall, creates great danger of flooding and flooding. Almost every year, parts of Nepal are affected by these types of natural disasters, which often have serious consequences. Human lives are lost and many lose their homes. We recommend that all travelers to Nepal familiarize themselves with the embassy’s recommendations on emergency preparedness and emergencies.

Earthquake hazard: Nepal is located in an earthquake-prone area. The Himalayas are a relatively young mountain range located in a seismically active zone. In 1934, Nepal experienced a major earthquake, which had 8.4 on Richter’s scale. Nepal was hit by an earthquake of 7.8 on April 25, 2015 and an earthquake of 7.4 on May 12, 2015. It is believed that more earthquakes could hit Nepal in the future.

The Embassy encourages all travelers to become aware of natural conditions that may affect their stay in Nepal and take the necessary precautions.

The Embassy encourages all Norwegian travelers to register at http://www.reiseregistrering.no/. If you are registered, you will receive information from the embassy, ​​including in connection with any emergency situation.

Major Landmarks in Nepal

Entry

Tribhuvan International Airport is closed for scheduled flights from 22 March to 31 May. Nepal has also adopted a nationwide curfew from March 24 to May 18. This involves strict restrictions on freedom of movement outside the home with the exception of medical needs and necessary food purchases. Norwegian citizens wishing to leave Nepal are requested to contact the embassy in Kathmandu by email emb.kathmandu@mfa.no with name and contact information.

Travelers who are at risk of overstaying their visa due to lack of flight offers must apply for an extension of the visa before it expires. Violation of the visa rules can result in fines and imprisonment. The Department of Immigration has decided to close the reception. Travelers who need to apply for an extension are asked to contact the Department of Immigration when they open again. If the current visa is valid until March 21, you can renew your visa, provided that you apply immediately after the office reopens. See information on Nepal’s website.

Nepal has further canceled its visa-on-arrival scheme. When the airport opens, all travelers will have to quarantine on arrival in Nepal. All entry into Nepal should be via Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. The borders of China and India are closed to entry for third-country nationals (this includes Norwegians).

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible for whether the above information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

The embassy refers to Nepal’s visa website for more information.

When entering Nepal, the traveler’s passport must be valid for more than six months beyond the time of departure. Travelers are themselves responsible for verifying that the visa is valid for the period they plan to stay in Nepal.

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): Coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the spread of the coronavirus. Nepal has taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Nepali authorities have banned congregations with more than 25 people. This applies to temples, monasteries, mosques and churches. In addition, cinemas, cultural centers, sports arenas, gyms, museums and entertainment venues will be closed until 30 April.

If there is a covid 19 epidemic in Nepal, the ability of the authorities and the capacity of hospitals to care for the sick will be severely limited as the health care system in Nepal has limited resources. Reference is also made to entry information.

From other countries it is known that the situation can change quickly. Follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation.

You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.

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Travelers to Nepal should take precautions to avoid health problems during their stay. Recommended vaccination varies with the time of year and length of stay. There is reason to exercise caution when it comes to certain foods and water.

Prior to departure, you should contact the Public Health Institute or the nearest health station to check which vaccines are recommended for travel and stay in Nepal.

Stomach infections are easy to contract in Nepal. Tap water should not be drunk. The water must be boiled and filtered or bottled. Fruits and vegetables must be peeled or put in iodine water. Otherwise, the food must be well cooked or cooked. Larger hotels and restaurants in the upper price range usually have adequate food hygiene. Further down the price ladder, one should exercise caution and avoid eating salads and uncooked vegetables. Outside the tourist areas, one should adhere to the Nepalese national dish dal bhat (boiled rice, vegetables and lentil soup).

Sanitary conditions are generally poor, and paper handkerchiefs and wipes may be handy. The air pollution is high, especially in the Kathmandu valley. Soot, smoke, exhaust and dust can cause health problems, especially for people with respiratory disorders. The embassy encourages anyone who seeks out the Nepalese mountain areas to be careful and spend the necessary time on the ascent to avoid altitude sickness. Even if one has previously tolerated heights well, a small cold, a stomach ache or other conditions can cause acclimatization to take longer. If you get symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches and nausea, the rule is that you go down at least a couple of hundred meters as quickly as possible.

In the wake of the earthquakes in Nepal in April/May 2015, many had to move from their homes. Large groups in the affected areas live temporarily and easily with poor access to clean water and sanitation. Particularly in connection with the monsoon period, epidemics may occur. Travelers are advised to seek information locally about potential epidemic threats.

The general standard of local medical offices and hospitals in Nepal is poor, and access to proper health care is limited outside the Kathmandu Valley. In Kathmandu there is an international clinic of high standard, the Ciwec Clinic. Ciwec is located just across the road from the British Embassy in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, tel (977-1) 4424111. On Ciwec’s website, useful advice has been published for the prevention of the most common travel diseases, including altitude sickness.

The quality and access to dental health is good in Kathmandu. The dental office “Healthy Smiles” can be found in Lazimpat, tel. 4420800/4444689.

The Embassy recommends all Norwegians in Nepal to register by visiting the following website: http://www.reiseregistrering.no/. This applies to both residents and visitors. This is to enable Norwegians in Nepal to receive information from the embassy, ​​including in connection with a possible emergency or evacuation.

Practical information

Traditions, as well as customs and customs are rooted in the country’s two major religions; Hinduism and Buddhism. Nepalese society is largely traditionally bound and conservative.

Respect for local customs and customs means that you try to adhere to some simple rules: Traditionally, you do not greet people in Nepal. Instead, hold the palms facing each other in front of the chest (with your fingertips pointing up towards your face) and use the Nepali greeting word Namaste. Namaste means “I salute the holy in you”. The greeting is more respectful the higher one holds hands in relation to the body.

Nepalese are friendly and hospitable. When you enter a Nepali home or temple, you take off your shoes at the front door. The feet are considered to be unclean. It is therefore good practice to keep your legs gathered underneath when you sit so that others do not have to cross other people’s legs when you may need to pass. Similarly, the left hand is also regarded as unclean and one should avoid touching others, or touching things others should eat, with the left hand.

Nepalese have a different relationship to the private sphere than Norwegians. Being curious about others is perfectly normal and should not be taken badly – rather take it as a compliment when strangers stare at you, contact, or ask questions of a private nature.

It is considered natural to share one’s wealth and give to the needy. If you want to help, donating to a local humanitarian organization will be more helpful than giving to beggars and street children.

Nepal has over 50 recognized languages. English is only widely used in the Kathmandu Valley and where tourists travel, so learning some simple words in Nepali is useful.

Foreigners must be able to identify themselves on request and passports should be brought (if necessary, a copy).

Nepal has very severe penalties for possession of drugs. It is important to be aware that when you are a tourist in the country, you are subject to the laws and regulations of the country.

The embassy recommends that all Norwegians in Nepal register via reiseregistrering.no. This applies to both residents and visitors. This is to enable Norwegians in Nepal to receive information from the embassy, ​​including in connection with a possible emergency or evacuation.

Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance. The embassy in Kathmandu can issue a passport. See separate passport page.

The embassy in Kathmandu is not authorized to make marriages. See separate pages on marriage and marriage in Nepal.

Other practical information: The power supply is 220 volts with a 3-pin socket. There are large voltage variations and sometimes power outages. It is recommended to use voltage stabilizer on all technical equipment. Stabilizers can be purchased locally.

Kathmandu and Pokhara have established an ATM system that operates 24 hours a day and takes the most important bank and credit cards, including American Express, Mastercard and Visa. Credit cards can also be increasingly used in shops, travel agencies and in larger restaurants and hotels. However, it is advisable to have a suitable reserve in the US Dollar. Otherwise, one can get local currency against credit cards in all major banks

Opening hours vary, but mainly the following apply to banks and public offices – summer: 10 am – 5 pm (Friday 3 pm), winter: 10 am – 4 pm (Friday 3 pm), shops: 10 am – 7 pm. Banks, public offices and some shops are closed on Saturday. Authorized exchange offices have longer opening hours, usually as for shops.

Saturday is the holiday of the week in Nepal. In addition, a number of holidays come throughout the year that are often associated with or have religious origins. The dates vary from year to year.

Emergency telephone numbers are: Police 100, Fire Department 101, Ambulance: Red Cross, Lalitpur 5545666, Red Cross, Kathmandu 4228094, Tourist Police 4223681 The
Embassy in Nepal can be contacted on tel : +977 15 545 307 or by e-mail: emb.kathmandu@mfa. no.

Opening hours: 08.30-16.30, Fridays 08.30-14.00

Outside the embassy’s working hours, travelers can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center on Tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no

The time difference to Norway is 3¾ hours when there is summer time in Norway, and 4¾ hours when there is winter time in Norway. According to allcitycodes, the area code for calls from Norway to Nepal is +977.