Nepal: Officials extend restrictions in Kathmandu Valley through July 15 /update 53

Event

Authorities have extended stricter COVID-19 rules in Kathmandu Valley - comprising Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur districts - through at least July 15, despite some easing in the protocols. Officials have lifted all measures, including odd-even rules, for public and private transport. Public transport can operate with protocols, like requiring drivers and passengers to wear facemasks and cleaning the vehicles daily. Shops can now open from early morning through 18:00 daily. Individuals must continue staying home to the extent possible. Authorities continue to ban nonessential gatherings and limit essential gatherings to 25 people. Delivery services are operational. Officials are mandating rapid antigen testing at entry points to the Kathmandu Valley. Travelers from the Kathmandu Valley to other regions in Nepal must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival at their destination, though local officials may amend the measures depending on the local situation. Local authorities in most other districts are also enforcing various movement, transport, and business controls.

Other nationwide measures continue. Most social and public gatherings remain banned. Educational institutions remain closed until further notice. Transport services are operational with limited passenger capacity in some areas. Residents must wear facemasks and adhere to social distancing guidelines while in public, though enforcement and adherence are generally poor. Violators of COVID-19 controls may face arrest and/or fines up to NPR 500,000. Airlines can operate domestic flights with protocols, including running half the number of services they ran before the May 3 flights suspension.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities are permitting limited international passenger flights to and from destinations such as China, India, Qatar, and Turkey, and may allow travel with additional nations to resume in the coming weeks. Arrivals must provide either a negative PCR test or its equivalent obtained within 72 hours before departure or a certificate confirming completion of vaccination. However, air carriers may mandate passengers – regardless of vaccination status – to submit negative PCR test results for boarding. 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. 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. Fully vaccinated arrivals can serve their 10-day quarantine at their residence; travelers who have not been vaccinated can undergo their seven-day quarantine at designated sites. Entry rules are subject to change at short notice.

Transit passengers traveling via Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu 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 before arrival and provide proof of quarantine hotel reservation. 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 available 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)