Nepal: Officials tightening transit and quarantine rules as of April 28 due to COVID-19 activity /update 41

Event

Officials will tighten entry meausres for transit passengers via Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) from 23:59 April 28; such travelers cannot avail pre-departure testing in Nepal to proceed to their final destination. Exempted categories include Nepali citizens, residents, diplomats, and approved passengers under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements. Entry for foreigners making Nepal their final destination and for people departing the country will proceed as usual. The government is requiring all arrivals via land and air to complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. Officials are banning entry for all foreigners arriving by land except people from China and India. Indian citizens must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test obtained within 72 hours of arrival and provide proof of hotel reservation for the 10-day quarantine. Chinese nationals must provide a negative test result, hotel reservation, as well as an entry permit.

Other measures continue throughout Nepal. All gatherings involving more than 25 people remain banned, and recreational facilities are closed nationwide. Educational institutions in urban areas are shut through at least May 14. Transport services are operational with limited passenger capacity in most 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. Enforcement and adherence are generally poor.

Officials are tightening measures in several areas to curb COVID-19 activity. Authorities will impose enhanced gathering, business, and transport controls in the districts comprising Kathmandu Valley - specifically Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur. From April 29 through May 5, nonessential businesses will be closed and nonessential gatherings banned in the Kathmandu Valley. Individuals will only be allowed to leave their homes for specific purposes, such as working in essential industries, seeking medical care, or purchasing essential goods. Public and private transport will be suspended. Only vehicles delivering goods and carrying out essential government functions will be allowed on roads; drivers will need to obtain permits to operate. Shops selling food and other essential items will only be allowed to operate from 06:00-10:00 and 17:00-19:00 daily. Officials are mandating rapid antigen testing at entry points of the Kathmandu Valley. Local authorities in other areas with increased COVID-19 cases are enacting restrictions on movement, transport services, entry and exit, and nonessential business operations for up to 14 days. As of April 28, such curbs are active in Bardiya, Kailai, Kanchanpur, and Surkhet. Similar curbs are planned in other high-risk areas like Parsa from April 29. Additional measures are likely if cases increase.

International Travel Restrictions
International flights from select destinations are operational. On-arrival and electronic visa issuance remains 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 already in Nepal may obtain visa extensions. Foreign tourists must apply for visas at Nepali diplomatic facilities abroad; air passengers without access to Nepali missions may request approval letters from the Nepali government to obtain on-arrival visas at KTM. Foreigners above five years of age must present negative results from a reverse transcription-polymerase chain (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure; vaccinated travelers may carry certificates confirming completion of vaccination instead. Additionally, pre-approved 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. International passengers no longer require medical insurance for COVID-19. Persons entering Nepal only need to quarantine at a hotel until they receive the results of on-arrival testing. Those who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival must continue to quarantine at a hotel or medical facility; such passengers must quarantine for up to 10 days at a hotel or medical facility and undergo additional testing. The costs of testing and quarantine are at the traveler's own expense. Entry rules are subject to change at short notice. Officials continue to advise Nepali citizens against nonessential international travel. Health checks are mandatory at all entry points. Approved passengers and repatriates may enter Nepal via 29 land border crossings.

Officials continue to advise Nepali citizens against nonessential international travel. Health checks are mandatory at all entry points. Approved passengers and repatriates may enter Nepal via 29 land border crossings.

Advice

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