Nepal: Officials ease quarantine and pre-departure COVID-19 testing rules as of March 11 /update 71

Event

Nepal authorities continue to adjust COVID-19 restrictions as of March 11 amid reduced disease activity. Fully vaccinated international arrivals entering via air or land routes may submit their vaccination certificate instead of a pre-departure COVID-19 test. Others must continue submitting negative results of a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure. International passengers no longer need to quarantine; officials may require symptomatic entrants to undergo on-arrival rapid antigen testing and quarantine if positive results are returned.

Domestic Restrictions
Officials have lifted all COVID-19 curbs in Kathmandu Valley comprising Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur districts, except the mandatory facemask rule in public. The odd-even rule for vehicles, capacity limits for venues, and gathering curbs are no longer in effect.

Relaxed measures continue in areas outside Kathmandu Valley with local variations. Transport services and retail businesses are operational with social distancing rules; time limits are no longer in effect for venues like dine-in facilities requiring night operations. Large gatherings are banned; permitted events may involve participants with vaccination certificates or negative pre-event rapid antigen test results.

Nationwide rules limit entry to dine-in facilities, government offices, domestic flights, and recreational venues like cinemas and parks to fully vaccinated individuals. 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.

International Travel Restrictions
International passenger flights and land checkpoints are operational. Authorities require all foreigners entering through either Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) or a land border crossing to provide a vaccination certificate or negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry, as well as proof of hotel booking, a printed copy of the International Traveler Online Arrival Form available by clicking here, and trekking permits if applicable. On-arrival visas are limited to vaccinated arrivals and passengers with special permission.

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 the recurrence of disruptive measures. 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)