Nepal: Officials resume visa-on-arrival and lifted quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated entrants as of Sept. 24 /update 61

Event

Authorities have resumed visa-on-arrival and lifted quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated entrants as of Sept. 24 amid continued COVID-19 curbs. Fully vaccinated foreign travelers must have completed vaccination at least 14 days before arriving, present a negative result from an RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry and obtain a negative result from an on-arrival antigen test. Passengers who obtain a positive result from the on-arrival antigen test must quarantine at a designated facility until they test negative. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine at designated facilities for at least 10 days and test negative from COVID-19 before they can leave the quarantine premises.

Officials are maintaining COVID-19 restrictions in the Kathmandu Valley, which includes Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur districts, until further notice. Public gatherings, social events, and demonstrations remain suspended, though festivals can occur with minimum participation. All businesses may operate with health and safety measures. Transport vehicles can run with shortened operating hours and other restrictions; transport of goods may occur 09:00-11:00 and 16:00-19:00 daily.

Authorities are mandating rapid antigen testing at entry points to Kathmandu Valley. Local officials may require domestic travelers from Kathmandu Valley to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival at their destination. The central government also allows local authorities the discretion to enforce additional movement, transport, and business controls.

Nationwide measures remain in force. Most social and public gatherings remain banned. Transport services are largely operational with capacity and other restrictions. People must wear facemasks and adhere to social distancing rules while in public, 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
Authorities permit international passenger flights to and from several destinations, such as China, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE. Reports indicate that land checkpoints are operational, though it is unclear whether officials allow entry for all passengers regardless of nationality. 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)