Nepal: Officials ban domestic flights from May 3 due to COVID-19 activity; most international flights suspended May 7-14 /update 42

Event

Officials in Nepal are tightening travel restrictions amid increased COVID-19 activity in the country. Authorities have banned regularly scheduled domestic commercial passenger flights from 00:01 May 4. Furthermore, international flights, except for designated "air bubble" flights connecting Nepal and India, will be suspended from 23:59 May 6 to 23:59 May 14.

Other measures remain in effect throughout Nepal. All gatherings involving more than 25 people are banned and recreational facilities are closed nationwide. Educational institutions in urban areas are shut through at least May 14. Transport services are operational with limited passenger capacity in most areas, while eateries may 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 have extended stricter controls in several areas. Enhanced gathering, business, and transport restrictions in the districts comprising Kathmandu Valley - specifically Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur - will remain in effect through at least May 13. Nonessential businesses are closed and nonessential gatherings banned in the Kathmandu Valley. Individuals are only allowed to leave their homes for specific purposes, such as working in essential industries, seeking medical care, or purchasing essential goods. Public and private transport is suspended. Only vehicles delivering goods and carrying out essential government functions are allowed on roads; drivers must obtain permits to operate. Shops selling food and other essential items may operate from 06:00-10:00 and 17:00-19:00 daily. Officials are mandating rapid antigen testing at entry points of the Kathmandu Valley. Local authorities in other areas with increased COVID-19 cases have implemented similar restrictions on movement, transport services, entry and exit, and nonessential business operations for up to 14 days. As of May 3, such curbs are active in Bardiya, Kailai, Kanchanpur, Parsa, and Surkhet. Additional measures are likely if cases increase.

International Travel Restrictions
On-arrival and electronic visa issuance remains suspended, except for pre-approved travelers, foreigners of Nepali origin and their relatives, and those officially affiliated with international development organizations and diplomatic missions. Foreigners above five years of age must present negative results from a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure; vaccinated travelers may carry certificates confirming completion of vaccination instead. Additionally, foreign entrants must have a hotel booking, a barcode from completing the requisite online form at the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) portal, and travel insurance. The government requires all arrivals to complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. The costs of testing and quarantine are at the traveler's own expense. Entry rules are subject to change at short notice.

Transit passengers traveling via Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) cannot obtain pre-departure testing in Nepal to proceed to their final destination. However, exemptions are in place for Nepali citizens, residents, diplomats, and approved passengers under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements. Officials are banning entry for all foreigners arriving by land except Chinese and Indian nationals. Indian citizens must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test obtained within 72 hours of arrival and provide proof of hotel reservation for the 10-day quarantine. Chinese nationals must provide a negative COVID-19 test result, hotel reservations, and entry permits.

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)