COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Nepal is a developing country with extensive tourist facilities, which vary widely in quality and price. The capital is Kathmandu. The country is currently suffering increasing incidents of violence related to a brutal Maoist insurgency.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all other ports of entry. All foreigners also must pay an airport exit tax, regardless of the length of their stay. Travelers may obtain further information on entry/exit requirements by contacting the Royal Nepalese Embassy at 2131 Leroy Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 667-4550 or the Consulate General in New York at (212) 370-3988. The Internet address of the Embassy of Nepal is http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/.

Travelers occasionally report immigration difficulties with Chinese authorities when crossing the Nepal-China border overland in either direction. U.S. citizens planning to travel to Tibet from Nepal should contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for current information on the status of the border-crossing points. Travelers may also wish to check with the People's Republic of China Embassy in Nepal for current regulations for entry into Tibet.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

SAFETY/SECURITY: Since November 2001, violence from the Maoist insurgency in Nepal that began in 1996 has increased. The insurgents have escalated armed attacks throughout Nepal. Maoist cadres have engaged in a variety of guerrilla and terrorist tactics that have victimized, and in many cases brutalized, civilians. The insurgents have detonated explosive devices both within and outside the Kathmandu Valley, causing numerous injuries and some fatalities. The frequency of bombings has been increasing, and public areas, including a few frequented by tourists, have been targeted. The random, indiscriminate, and unpredictable nature of these attacks increases the likelihood that Americans in Nepal could be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In a November 2002 press release, the Maoists claimed responsibility for targeting and murdering two locally hired U.S. Embassy security guard employees in separate incidents. Included in the press release are threats of further violence against any party or "diplomatic communities…working against the Maoists," specifically mentioning the "American Diplomatic Mission." While the Maoist press release states that Maoist actions are not targeted at foreign tourists, its repeated threatening references to the "American Mission" may imply a heightened risk for both official and private Americans in Nepal. Moreover, increasing Maoist robberies of trekkers, attacks on the property of several businesses perceived to have an American affiliation, and continuing anti-American rhetoric by the Maoist leadership could portend a threat to Americans in Nepal, particularly outside the Kathmandu Valley. The Embassy cannot rule out the potential for violence anywhere, even in traditional tourist areas.

In most areas outside the Kathmandu Valley, the situation is tense and uncertain. Of Nepal's 75 Districts, all but one have suffered violence and/or armed conflicts relating to the Maoist insurgency. Maoist landmine explosions, armed attacks, and vehicle burnings occur sporadically on main highways, including the roads linking Kathmandu with the Tibetan and Indian borders and with the tourist destinations of Pokhara and Chitwan National Park. Visitors throughout Nepal, including in Kathmandu, should avoid public buses and use metered taxis. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu requires pre-clearance of all travel outside the Kathmandu Valley by U.S. Government employees and forbids official American travel to many districts outside Kathmandu. Private Americans who decide to travel outside the Valley are strongly urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu to discuss and register their planned itinerary and to receive the most recent security information before traveling. Nighttime road travel should be strictly avoided outside the Kathmandu Valley and minimized within Kathmandu.

Maoists have attacked the offices of non-governmental organizations (NGO's), their local partners, and multinational businesses working in Nepal. Since the fall of 2000, NGO workers have reported a substantial increase in Maoist intimidation and extortion. Many workers have left their projects in rural areas because of concerns about possible Maoist violence and in response to Maoist threats.

BANDHS (GENERAL STRIKES) - A "bandh" (general strike) is a longstanding form of political expression in Nepal used increasingly by the Maoist insurgency and enforced through intimidation and violence. Past bandhs have resulted in the shutdown of businesses, schools, offices and vehicular traffic. Both within and outside the Kathmandu Valley the Maoists have established a pattern of bombings, targeted assassinations (usually of security personnel), and other acts of intimidation prior to scheduled bandhs. In the lead-up to past bandhs, Maoists have attacked public buses, Nepalese Government vehicles, schools and private businesses with firebombs and explosive devices in an effort to terrorize the population into observing the strike. They have attacked civilian vehicles as well. In anticipation of a bandh planned for October 2002, for example, Maoists detonated three small bombs in the heart of Kathmandu, injuring four Nepalese.

Inside the Kathmandu Valley, American citizens are urged to pay attention to the volume of traffic on the roads, waiting until a pattern of traffic is well established before undertaking travel, and to maintain a low profile throughout bandh periods. Buses, taxis, and other forms of public transportation may not operate during a bandh. Observance of bandhs, particularly in the transportation sector, may be higher outside the Valley, where a number of private buses and trucks have been stopped and torched and their drivers beaten. Americans are strongly urged to avoid road travel outside the Kathmandu Valley during scheduled bandhs, and to exercise additional caution both during the lead-up to bandhs and during the bandhs. Americans planning air travel to or from Nepal during scheduled bandhs should be aware that transportation to and from airports throughout Nepal could be affected.

Americans are advised to consult the U.S. Embassy in Nepal's website at http://nepal.usembassy.gov for up-to-date information on upcoming bandhs as well as the latest security information. A link to the Embassy's website is provided in the Registration/Embassy Location section below.

CRIME INFORMATION: Although the rate of violent crime is low in Kathmandu relative to that in comparably sized American cities, minor street crime does occur in Kathmandu as well as in other areas frequented by foreigners. To avoid being victimized, visitors should avoid walking alone after dark and carrying large sums of cash or expensive jewelry. In addition, visitors should consider exchanging money only at banks and hotels and limiting shopping to daylight hours. Valuables should be stored in the hotel safety deposit box and should never be left unattended in hotel rooms. Travelers should be especially alert at or near major tourist sites, where most pick-pocketing occurs. Passports and cash should be carried in a protected neck pouch or money belt--not in a backpack. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of a crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South Asia" for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is limited and is generally not up to Western standards. Serious illnesses often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility (in Singapore, Bangkok or New Delhi). Illnesses and injuries suffered while on trek in remote areas often require evacuation by helicopter to Kathmandu. Travelers should be aware that emergency services like evacuations and rescues from remote areas have been compromised by Maoist attacks on helicopters and airfields and the destruction of regular phone service in most trekking areas.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policies apply overseas and whether they will cover emergency expenses such as helicopter rescues and other medical evacuations. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency rescue services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation on commercial airlines to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. An air ambulance medevac to Singapore costs in excess of $55,000. Helicopter evacuation from within Nepal to Kathmandu typically costs between $3,500 and $10,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Nepal is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

American citizens are strongly warned against undertaking any road travel outside the Kathmandu Valley at night or during or immediately preceding bandhs (general strikes). Additionally, American citizens should be extremely cautious when traveling overland in Nepal, especially by bus. A number of public buses have been held up and/or burned by Maoists over recent months. In general, roads are in poor condition and lack basic safety features. Many mountain and hill roads are impassable during monsoon season (June-September) due to landslides, and are hazardous even in the best weather. Avoid travel on night buses; fatal accidents are frequent. In the Kathmandu Valley, motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and animals, all traveling at different speeds, congest narrow roads. Traffic is poorly regulated, and the volume of vehicles on the roads has been increasing by 15 percent a year. Many drivers are neither properly licensed nor trained. Many vehicles are poorly maintained. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are non-existent in most areas, and drivers do not yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Pedestrians account for over 40% of all traffic fatalities in Nepal.

INFORMATION FOR TREKKERS: The past year has seen an increase in the number of foreign trekkers and climbers, including a number of American citizens, who have been robbed, extorted from and even assaulted by armed Maoists on the trails. Many formerly popular trekking routes traverse areas seriously affected by the Maoist insurgency and are no longer safe for travel. With the exceptions of the Everest region above Lukla, Upper Mustang and the Annapurna Circuit region (see further information below regarding incidents in the Annapurna area), trekking routes in Nepal pose security risks and should be avoided.

Reports indicate that nearly all trekkers traveling on formerly popular trails from Jiri (in Dolakha District), the trails to Makalu Base Camp (in Sankuwasabha District), and trekking routes in the Kanchenjunga area (in the eastern Taplejung District) encounter Maoists and enforced demands for payments. The Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang trails also traverse Maoist-affected areas.

The safest trekking area in Nepal has been Mustang District, where no incidents of robbery or Maoist encounters have been reported. (Note that trekking in Upper Mustang requires a special permit from the Nepal Government at a minimum cost of $700/person.) In terms of reported incidents of Maoist encounters, the second safest trekking area has been the Everest region above Lukla. There have been, however, a few incidents of Maoist violence in and above Lukla, including the bombing of Lukla Airport's control tower in March 2002 and the burning down of a Village Development Committee office in Cheplung (north of Lukla) in October 2002. Areas to the immediate east, west and south of Lukla have been affected by increasing Maoist violence and should be avoided.

Although thousands of Westerners trekked this year without incident in the Annapurna region, a growing number of Maoist robberies have been reported there. In addition, on at least two occasions, groups of Maoists attacked and destroyed offices and buildings in Ghandruk (also transliterated as Ghandrung), a gateway village for both the Annapurna Circuit and the route to the Annapurna Base Camp.

When confronted by Maoists' demands for "donations," some trekkers have reported success in negotiating downwards the amount of money and equipment they are forced to turn over to the Maoists. However, Americans are urged to refrain from arguing with or "talking back" to Maoists; any Maoist encounter involves a risk of violence. American citizens are advised never to hike alone or to become separated from larger traveling parties while on a trail.

Maoist destruction of telephone service to most trekking areas complicates efforts to locate Americans and make arrangements for medical evacuations. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest security information and to register their itinerary before undertaking treks outside the Kathmandu Valley (see Registration/Embassy Location below). Trekkers are also advised to leave their itinerary with family or friends in the U.S. and to check in at police checkpoints where trekking permits are logged.

Trekking in Nepal involves walking over rugged, steep terrain, where one is exposed to the elements, often at high altitudes. Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly advises all U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution when trekking at higher altitudes. Only experienced mountain travelers should tackle the Himalayas. Trekkers of all ages, experience, and fitness levels can experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can be deadly.

Trekkers should also be alert to the possibility of avalanches and landslides, even when trails are clear. Avalanches at the narrow gorge above Deurali on the route to the Annapurna Base Camp regularly result in the deaths of trekkers and climbers. Avalanches and landslides caused by severe storms have killed many foreign trekkers and their Nepalese guides, and have stranded hundreds of others.

More than any other factor, solo trekking contributes to injuries and deaths. The safest option for all trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm that provides an experienced guide and porters who communicate in both Nepali and English. Before leaving Kathmandu, trekkers can check with the U.S. Embassy or the Himalayan Rescue Association (phone (977) (1) 4440-292/4440-293) for good information about trail conditions and possible hazards in the high country.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Nepal, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.intl.faa.gov/.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at (703)-697-7288.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Nepalese customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning importation (even temporary) into or export from Nepal of items such as valuable metals, articles of archeological and religious importance, wildlife and related articles, drugs, arms and ammunition, and communications equipment. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Nepal in Washington or Nepal's Consulate General in New York for specific information regarding customs requirements.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than those in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Nepalese laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nepal are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Nepal is an earthquake-prone country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_ issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Nepal are strongly encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nepal and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Nepal. The U.S. Embassy is located at Pani Pokhari in Kathmandu, telephone (977) (1) 4411-179; fax (977) (1) 4419-963. Citizens may also register by accessing the U.S. Embassy's home page at http://nepal.usembassy.gov/ or by e-mail at amemb@cons.col.com.np. Please include the following information: full name; date of birth; U.S. passport number, date and place of issuance; home address and phone number; emergency contact person's name, phone number, fax or e-mail address; travel/medevac insurance information; address and phone number in Nepal; travel or trekking agency contact in Nepal; planned itinerary in Nepal; and traveling companions' names and nationalities. Finally, please indicate to whom, if anyone, the Embassy may divulge information regarding your welfare and whereabouts in Nepal.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Nepal dated November 4, 2002, to expand the sections on Safety/Security, Bandhs (general strikes), Medical Facilities, Medical Insurance, Road Conditions, and Information for Trekkers.

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