Nepal is a country that is completely Open to Travel for all. Though the country was closed for a certain time due to the COVID pandemic, it has now opened for all of its normal life. The post-COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the life of people. But, now people are ready to travel again, and they are doing it with pleasure. You can travel to Nepal but you just have to go with caution!

Despite there being no huge restriction currently, you must remember that even though we've been able to safely travel around Nepal since COVID-19 ended, we still need to take precautions when traveling to places, especially places where there may still be some infected individuals around. The Home of Affairs, Covid Crisis Management, and other relevant authorities worked together to create new travel guidelines and restrictions in Nepal for all foreigners, Nepalese, and nonresidential Nepalese.

Nepal has been previously ranked 117 economies on a range of factors that are crucial to the development, sustainability, and resiliency of their travel and tourism industry. Nepal is still restoring confidence in itself as a travel destination, hence, you have to keep in mind the restrictions and travel with the precaution specified.

If you're looking for an adventure in Nepal and don't mind a little risk, trekking is always the best thing to do in Nepal. Some of the famous trekking destinations in Nepal include Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and many others. 

Langtang Valley Trek or Manaslu Region Trek can be the best option for you if you want to go for a less-fancy trip but still want to experience some culture with a mixture of beautiful lakes and mountains. Besides, if you want to take a huge adventure and challenge yourself, try participating in Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can also check some of the short treks to go for a short trek in Nepal in 2023.

The tourism industry is one of the largest industries in Nepal. International tourism and business travel have experienced a prolonged recovery since Covid-19 hit in 2019 which has caused a huge impact on the life of people. Still, overall international tourism and business travel are below pre-pandemic levels, the sector recovery has been bolstered by greater vaccination rates. This has resulted in more open travel and growing demand for domestic and nature-based tourism. If you are vaccinated completely, you can travel to Nepal without any restrictions.

Travel Guidelines in Nepal

The pandemic has hit the entire world for a long time. Especially in Nepal, people faced the first, second, and third phases of the COVID pandemic. Hence, decisions have been made regarding the new travel guideline and regulations in Nepal for all foreigners, Nepalese and nonresidential Nepalese with the collaboration of the Home of Affairs, Covid Crisis Management, and other concerned authorities.

The government has just issued new travel protocols for people who are traveling from and to Nepal from different countries to control the flow of the new variant. The government of Nepal has issued the following order to manage the movement of Nepali and foreigners coming to Nepal. They have been doing this without adversely affecting the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID infection. Few arrangements have been made regarding the travelers entering Nepal by air or land route. 

Protocol for Fully Vaccinated Travelers

Travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 don’t require a negative Covid test report for flying to Nepal now. However, you must make sure that you must submit a full vaccination certificate against the covid-19 pandemic. This rule applies to all travelers entering from both air and land routes which should be shown at the time of entry. 

Protocol for Non-Vaccinated Travelers 

If you are not fully vaccinated against covid-19 and failed to submit the vaccination certificate, you’ll have to submit the certificate of negative covid-19 test report within 72 hours of the flight. As previously there was a rule to get quarantine, travelers who have negative covid test reports are no longer required to stay in quarantine. 

Resumption of Visa-On-Arrival in Nepal 

The on-arrival visa has resumed for all travelers with fully vaccinated, vaccinated, and persons with covid-19 test-negative reports recently. You can get the on-arrival visa easily once you submit all the necessary documents to the airport or land entry point. For further information, you can contact us to clear further queries about the Nepal travel and visa procedures.

Safety

November 2022 has been the month of several small-scale explosions in Nepal. A small number of incidents that involve Improvised Explosives Devices occur annually that are usually associated with political events. Political instability can disrupt essential services. Hence, you must not visit government buildings and organizations during political unrest. Operating a vehicle must be reconsidered during this time.

Pickpocketing and petty theft are common in Nepal. People often face problems like bag-snatching and ‘snatch-and-grab’ attacks by thieves on motorbikes. You must be aware of your belongings and keep them safe. Don’t travel alone as robbery and harassment cases are also common. Many of the travelers have been victims of armed robberies and assaults, including sexual assaults. Besides, you have to be aware of major emergencies like earthquakes, landslides, floods, and severe weather.

Health

COVID-19 is still a risk in Nepal. You can also face the risk of altitude sickness above 2,500m. This can affect anyone, even people who are physically fit and can be life-threatening. For this, you must ensure that your travel insurance covers medical evacuation from altitude. You may also have to face the problems of pollution and smog if you are living in Kathmandu. 

People living in Terai and plain areas of the country have to face the problems of Malaria. Anti-malarial medicine is best for these areas. Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis are also pretty common so getting a vaccination can be the best decision. Other diseases like rabies, and HIV/AIDS. Typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis are common in Nepal. 

Local laws

Penalties for drug offenses are severe in Nepal that may also include possessing small amounts. Hence, make sure you don’t carry any illegal drugs. Also, it's illegal to photograph in places like army barracks, checkpoints, and military personnel. Participating in public protests may breach your visa conditions leading to arrest or deportation.  Nepal doesn’t recognize dual nationality so always travel with your passport. 

Travel

A visa is required to enter Nepal. The on-arrival visa is easily available but travelers must check with the nearest Nepal Embassy for details and conditions. The PCR test for COVID-19 is not required for fully vaccinated travelers, besides, you’ll need to present your vaccination certificate on arrival. Now, Nepal has been issuing trekking and mountaineering permits but you shouldn’t forget to check with your intended tour provider on operations in the spring and autumn of 2022- 2023. 

Major hotels and commercial centers accept credit cards but not available everywhere in local areas. ATMs are uncommon in remote areas so carry enough cash to cover all your needs. Make sure you use only registered taxis and authorized limousine services. Avoid public buses and vans as they’re very overcrowded and poorly maintained. 

Trekking and mountain climbing

Many popular trekking trails in Nepal ascend higher than 5,550m. Trekking and mountaineering carry a lot of risks. Most of the people have been injured or stranded while some of them have faced altitude sickness. The changes in weather conditions and temperature drops including blizzards and avalanches can be some of the common problems in the mountainous regions. Check out some of the guidelines for trekking in the mountain region.
 

• Always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company if it's your first time
• The travel insurance should include helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• Make sure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges in the journey.
• Be properly equipped and well informed about weather conditions.
• Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness before it changes into a big problem
• Keep detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out 

Trekkers’ Information Management System

All trekkers must purchase a trekker’s information management system (TIMS) card from the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board, or an authorized trekking company. Certain areas like national parks and conservation areas require a permit to enter the area. You can easily get the permits from the national tourism board after arrival in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can check out our blogs to get more information on the permit costs and charges to trek to Nepal. 

Conclusion

Nepal is a safe country to travel to if you are taking the needed precautions and guidelines seriously. After the pandemic, the rules and regulations have been modified for the security and safety of travelers. Make sure you confirm all the needed information for easy travel to Nepal. Book your dates with Nepal Vision Treks to travel with all safety and precautions. 

FAQs

1. Do you need an RT PCR test to travel to Nepal?

Only unvaccinated arrivals to Nepal are required to present negative RT-PCR test results within 72 hours, but fully vaccinated arrivals don't need the test.

2. How can I get to Nepal right now?

Travelers can enter Nepal easily from abroad by air or land with a certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19.
 

3. Is a vaccine certificate a must for travel in Nepal?

You need to show the COVID-19 vaccination certificate that shows a full dose of vaccination with the last dose taken at least 14 days before entry into Nepal so that you won't need the PCR test.

4. What are things needed to know before going to Nepal?

The most important 4 thing you must know before visiting Nepal is:

• Nepal is much more than Mountains.
• Trekking always doesn't conclude with the view of Mt. Everest.
• Nepal is rich culturally, naturally, and historically too.
• Nepal is a secular state.

5. Which are documents required for a Nepal visit from India?

A document that exclusively proves your nationality is required. You need to take a valid Indian Passport or Election Card (issued by Election Commission) to enter Nepal.
 

6. What documents are needed to travel to Nepal?

You’ll need the following documents to enter Nepal:

• A passport with a minimum of six months of validity.
• PCR negative test results took no more than 72 hours before the flight of the first departure.
   

7. How much is the cost of the Nepal visa on arrival?

The Nepal visa fees are as follows: 

       15 days: USD 30

       30 days: USD 50

       90 days: USD 125

8. What things are not allowed on a flight to Nepal?

You are not allowed to take explosives, munitions, fireworks, and flares on the flight to Nepal. Also, Flammable liquids and solids such as lighter fuel, matches, paints, thinners, and fire-lighters are banned.

9. Who can enter without a visa in Nepal?

The Visa Exemption is for the following countries for the days:

• Thailand – Exemption up to 90 Days.
• Russian Federation – Exemption up to 90 Days.
• The people's Republic of China – Exemption up to 30 Days.
• The Federal Republic of Brazil – Exemption up to 90 Days.
• Myanmar - Exemption up to 90 Days.
• Vietnam - Exemption up to 90 Days.
• Cambodia - Exemption up to 30 Days

10.  Is Nepal a safe country to travel to in 2022/2023?

Yes, Nepal is a very safe country to travel to. The country is relatively stable and crime levels are low but this doesn't mean you shouldn’t take precautions when traveling to Nepal. Take more precautions traveling particularly in rural areas with limited facilities.