Nepal: Officials extend international flight ban through May 31, control measures in Kathmandu Valley until at least May 27 /update 44

Event

Officials have extended an international flight ban and localized domestic controls in Nepal in response to increased COVID-19 activity in the country. While authorities have extended the existing ban on international commercial flights through May 31, twice-weekly "air bubble" flights connecting airports serving Kathmandu (KTM) and Delhi (DEL) continue.

Authorities have also extended restrictions on gatherings, businesses, and transport in the districts comprising Kathmandu Valley - specifically, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur - until at least May 27. Individuals traveling from the Kathmandu Valley to other regions in Nepal must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival at their destination. Individuals in the region are only allowed to leave their homes for specific purposes, such as working in essential industries, seeking medical care, or purchasing essential goods.

Officials have also closed nonessential businesses and banned nonessential gatherings in the Kathmandu Valley. Public and private transport is suspended; officials have canceled previously issued vehicle passes, though banks and financial institutions continue to issue a limited number of vehicle permits. Only vehicles used for essential government functions are allowed on roads; vehicles transporting food supplies may operate only until 10:00.

Shops selling food and other essential items may operate 06:00-09:00. Banks and financial institutions in the Kathmandu Valley may only operate 25 percent of branches. Officials are mandating rapid antigen testing at entry points to the Kathmandu Valley. Local authorities in other areas experiencing increasing COVID-19 cases have implemented similar restrictions on movement, transport, and business. As of May 11, such curbs have been imposed in Humla, Bardiya, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Parsa, and Surkhet. Similar localized measures are likely if cases increase.

Other measures remain in effect throughout Nepal. Officials have banned gatherings of more than 25 people. Educational institutions in urban areas are shut through at least May 14. Transport services are operational with limited passenger capacity in some 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, though enforcement and adherence are generally poor. Authorities have also banned scheduled domestic commercial flights.

International Travel Restrictions
On-arrival and electronic visa issuance remain 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 a negative result 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 KTM 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 result from a PCR test taken 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 individuals repatriating to Nepal may enter the country via 29 land border crossings.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying travel 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)