Nepal: Officials maintaining COVID-19 domestic, travel restrictions nationwide as of Jan. 3 /update 66

Event

Nepal authorities continue to enforce domestic and international travel restrictions nationwide as of Jan. 3.

Domestic Restrictions
Domestic measures are still in effect nationwide. Large social and public gatherings remain banned. Transport services are operational with capacity restrictions. People must wear facemasks and adhere to social distancing rules 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 require all foreigners entering through either Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) or a land border crossing to prove that they received their second vaccination dose at least 14 days before arrival. These individuals must also provide a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry, proof that they have already booked hotel arrangements, and a printed copy of the International Traveler Online Arrival Form, which people may access after registering by clicking here. Foreigners who satisfy these requirements do not need to undergo quarantine. Nepali nationals and arrivals with a diplomatic visa do not need to be fully vaccinated in the last 14 days to enter the country. Arrivals who are not fully vaccinated must undergo quarantine at a designated hotel at their own cost and must test negative on the 11th day before leaving quarantine.

The government continues to ban most entrants from Botswana, Eswatini, Hong Kong, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The ban includes passengers who transited through those areas as well as individuals who travelled there in the last 21 days. Authorities are allowing entry for Nepali citizens and foreigners with diplomatic passports or residential visas. Asymptomatic entrants who have completed vaccination at least 14 days before entry and provide a negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours before entry must quarantine at home for 10 days. Unvaccinated arrivals must undergo a RAT test upon entry and quarantine either at a hotel or at home.

Officials 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)