Nepal: Officials implementing tightened domestic rules as of April 21 /update 39

Event

Nepal is tightening domestic COVID-19 curbs as of April 21. Officials have banned all gatherings involving more than 25 people and closed all recreational facilities nationwide. Educational institutions in urban areas will shut through at least May 14. Transport services are operational with limited passenger capacity, while eateries are open 08:00-20:00 daily. Residents must wear protective face coverings and adhere to social distancing guidelines while in public. Enforcement and adherence are generally poor.

Officials are mandating rapid antigen testing at entry points of the Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur districts comprising Kathmandu Valley. Vehicle restrictions such as the odd-even system are no longer applicable in Kathmandu Valley. Local authorities in areas with increased COVID-19 cases may enact enhanced localized curbs such as restrictions on movement, transport services, entry and exit, as well as nonessential businesses for up to 14 days. Such curbs are most likely in designated high-risk districts; such locations as of April 21 are Baglung, Banke, Bara, Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Dang, Kailali, Kaski, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Morang, Parsa, Rupandehi, and Surkhet.

Travel Restrictions
International flights from select destinations are operational. On-arrival and electronic visa issuance remains suspended, except for pre-approved travelers, foreigners of Nepali origin and their relatives, as well as those officially affiliated with international development organizations and diplomatic missions. Foreigners already in Nepal may obtain visa extensions. Foreign tourists must apply for visas at Nepali diplomatic facilities abroad; air passengers without access to Nepali missions may obtain approval letters from the Nepali government to avail on-arrival visas at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Foreigners above five years of age must present negative results from a reverse transcription-polymerase chain (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test issued no more than 72 hours before departure; vaccinated entrants may carry certificates confirming completion of vaccination instead. Additionally, pre-approved entrants must hold a hotel booking, a barcode generated upon completion of an online form on the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) portal, and travel insurance. International passengers no longer require medical insurance for COVID-19. Entrants only need to quarantine at a hotel until they receive results of on-arrival testing. Those who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival must continue to quarantine at a hotel or medical facility; such passengers will typically complete up to 10 days' quarantine and undergo additional testing. Travelers will bear the costs of testing and quarantine. Entry rules are subject to change at short notice.

Officials continue to advise Nepali citizens against nonessential international travel. Health checks are mandatory at all entry points. Approved passengers and repatriates may enter Nepal via 29 land border crossings.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconfirm nonemergency health appointments, business appointments, deliveries, and travel arrangements in case of enhanced curbs.

Resources

Nepal Department of Immigration
Nepal COVID-19 Crisis Management Center
World Health Organization (WHO)