Nepal: Officials ease several COVID-19 restrictions in Kathmandu Valley until at least Sept. 16 /update 59

Event

Authorities have eased some COVID-19 restrictions in the Kathmandu Valley - comprising Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur districts – but other measures remain in place through at least Sept. 16. Authorities are allowing district officials to decide whether to reopen schools. Public gatherings, social events, and demonstrations remain suspended, though festivals can occur with minimum participation. Cinemas, dance clubs, museums, and swimming pools may resume operations following health protocols. Transport vehicles can run with shortened operating hours and other restrictions.

Officials are mandating rapid antigen testing at entry points to the Kathmandu Valley. Individuals traveling 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 situation within their individual jurisdictions. The central government allows local authorities in districts the discretion to enforce various additional movement, transport, and business controls.

Nationwide measures are still in force. Most social and public gatherings remain banned, though schools may operate on-site in some areas. Transport services are operational with capacity and other restrictions 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.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities permit limited international passenger flights to and from destinations such as China, India, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE. Officials may allow travel with additional nations to resume in the coming weeks. Arrivals must provide either a negative COVID-19 PCR test or its equivalent obtained within 72 hours before departure or a certificate confirming completion of vaccination. However, air carriers may require 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. 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 a 10-day quarantine at their residence, while unvaccinated travelers can quarantine at designated sites.

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. Entry for all foreigners arriving by land except Chinese and Indian nationals is banned. Indian citizens must present a negative result from a COVID-19 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)