Nepal

Översikt

Nepal’s long history of insurgency has centred on the armed struggle of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist, or CPN-(M), which officially concluded in 2006, resulting in the later abolition of the monarchy. The end of the insurgency has resulted in a peace settlement that is fractious and unstable, but that has left the country significantly more secure than in previous years. Key security risks relate to this settlement, particularly the high risk of civil unrest and the sporadic incidence of small bomb attacks.

Two major earthquakes in 2015 damaged a number of buildings and infrastructures in the country particularly in northern parts of Gorkha, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchok and Dolakha districts. Reconstruction efforts are continuing but remain slow. Road conditions are often considered as poor and risk of landslides or avalanches still persists. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

It is recommended that travellers consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) six to eight weeks before departure to determine the need for immunisations and preventative medication, and to discuss precautions that can be taken to avoid disease. In general, obtaining the following vaccinations is advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio and Diptheria (DPT).

Certificate of a yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving within five days from, or transiting in, an infected area.

Foreigners are often prone to contracting attacks of diarrhoea in Nepal, which can result in dehydration in particularly severe cases. Although there is minimal risk of malaria in the Kathmandu Valley, there have been several reported cases in the Terai region. To reduce the risk of infection travellers are strongly advised to obtain one of the anti-malarial medications: mefloquine, doxycycline and atovaquone/proguanil.

Additionally, those travelling to high altitude areas may be at risk from altitude sickness.

Medical care in Nepal is limited. Minor complaints can be addressed by the clinics in Kathmandu, and some surgeries can also be performed in the capital. However, serious illnesses often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility (in Singapore, Bangkok or New Delhi). Illnesses and injuries suffered while hiking in remote areas often require evacuation by helicopter to Kathmandu. Those trekking in remote areas of Nepal are advised to make financial arrangements for a potential helicopter evacuation,  purchasing comprehensive  medical insurance is strongly advised.

Pass

Travellers to the country must carry passports with at least six months validity.

Visum

All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, require visas for entry into Nepal.  British, Canadian, Australian, US and EU citizens are eligible to obtain tourist visas at the airport upon arrival in country, provided they are in possession of valid travel documents, two passport photos and the relevant fee. 

Visas are valid for up to six months from date of issue, and then for 60 days from date of first entry into the country in one visa year (1 Jan – 31 Dec). Visa extensions can be obtained from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara.

Applications for business visas must include 1) letter from the company explaining nature and duration of the business trip and 2) letter of invitation from a host company in Nepal.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of travellers arriving from infected areas.