Nepal: Officials imposing modified entry rules as of Jan. 22 due to COVID-19 /update 68

Event

Nepal authorities continue to adjust domestic and international travel restrictions as of Jan. 22. Foreigners who have not completed their vaccination may enter Nepal by obtaining a visa at Nepali consulates; on-arrival visas are not available. Arrivals who have not completed vaccination or are symptomatic must undergo on-arrival rapid antigen testing (RAT) and quarantine for five days at a designated isolation facility or self-paid hotel according to test results. Individuals may exit quarantine if they test negative on the sixth day. Asymptomatic vaccinated foreign arrivals must take a RAT within 24 hours of arrival before they can exit their accommodation; they must also take RATs every 72 hours thereafter. Entrants must pay for all testing, quarantine, and treatment costs.

The government has also lifted a ban affecting most entrants from Botswana, Eswatini, Hong Kong, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Domestic Restrictions
Tightened domestic measures are in effect nationwide. Transport services and retail businesses are operational with capacity restrictions. Gatherings are banned through at least Feb. 12; most permitted events may involve up to 25 people with negative pre-event rapid antigen test results. Most educational, sports, and entertainment facilities and open-air markets are closed through at least Jan. 29. Only fully vaccinated individuals may enter dine-in facilities, government offices, domestic flights, as well as recreational venues like cinemas and parks, effective Jan. 21. Unvaccinated foreigners may access airports. People must wear facemasks and adhere to social distancing rules in public places and on public transport, though enforcement and adherence are generally poor. Violators of COVID-19 curbs may face arrest and/or fines up to NPR 500,000.

An odd-even rule for vehicles is active across the Kathmandu Valley, comprising Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur districts until further notice. Vehicles with odd registration numbers can ply on odd dates and vice versa. Official, essential, and emergency vehicles are exempt. Other strict curbs such as long-distance transport bans are possible in case of increased disease activity.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities require all foreigners entering through either Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) or a land border crossing to provide a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry, proof of hotel booking, and a printed copy of the International Traveler Online Arrival Form available here, and trekking permits if applicable. Asymptomatic foreigners who also hold proof of completing vaccination at least 14 days before arrival do not need to undergo on-arrival testing or quarantine if entering via air. All entrants via land must undergo RATs at border checkpoints; Indian nationals who test positive may not enter Nepal. Travelers of other nationalities that test positive must quarantine for at least five days.

Officials permit international passenger flights to and from several destinations, such as China, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE. Land checkpoints are operational Authorities continue to advise Nepali citizens against nonessential international travel.

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)