Data Last Updated: October 12, 2020
General Information
Nepal resumed international flights on Sept. 1 but will only allow Nepali nationals, diplomats, and development partners to enter. Tourists are not yet allowed to enter the country.
Authorities have suspended on-arrival and electronic visa issuance for all others except those officially affiliated to international developmental organizations and diplomatic missions.
As per the latest update, trekking and mountaineering activities will resume on October 17, 2020. Foreign tourists who will take part in these activities must first quarantine in a hotel for seven days before leaving for their trek or climb. They will also be tested at the start and end of their quarantine.
Foreign visitors intending to trek in Nepal must first apply for a visa through the Nepal embassies and diplomatic mission abroad since on-arrival and electronic visa issuance are still suspended.
Mask Requirement
Mask requirements differ in different states/regions within this country.
Internal Restrictions/Closures
Most restrictions remain in effect nationwide, including commercial and social distancing requirements.
Hotels and restaurants have suspended stay-in and dine-in services. Authorities require residents to wear protective face coverings and adhere to social distancing guidelines while in public. Nonessential gatherings of more than 15 people are prohibited. Education facilities, houses of worship, and recreational facilities remain closed.
While banks and businesses selling essential goods like fuel, food, and medicines remain open nationwide, officials will almost certainly regulate price, supply, and hours of operation.
Airlines & Transport
Nepali authorities have put all repatriation flights on hold until further notice. Domestic and international commercial flights remain suspended. Authorities are allowing chartered flights for humanitarian, cargo, and other essential purposes into the country.
As of Aug. 19, Nepal authorities have imposed tightened restrictions in the Kathmandu Valley, an area at greater risk for the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Authorities are prohibiting the nonessential movement of vehicles, including public transport services, during this period.
Only emergency response and cargo transportation vehicles are allowed on public roads in the Kathmandu Valley.
The Nepali government announced that it plans to resume international flights no sooner than Aug. 31; however, officials may delay or cancel the scheduled resumption of flights with little-to-no advance notice.
Authorities have also banned nonessential long-distance domestic ground travel through Aug. 31. Domestic travelers with prior permission remain exempt from the measures; cargo transport transit will remain unaffected.
Status of Opening to Tourists
Information based on tourists place of residence being in that country for the last 14 days
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Reopening Soon For Tourists From:
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More Details
Last Updated: October 12, 2020
Here's some good news to all mountain trekkers and climbers out there! Nepal is reopening for tourism just in time for the perfect autumn trek to the Himalayas and it's planned to be on August 17, 2020.
That's right, all international flights will resume as the country's lockdown ends. And by that, it also means resuming all tourism related activities. The ministry made this surprising announcement earlier this week reiterating the importance of following health and safety protocols.
Who Can Travel To Nepal?
All flights will initially only fly from countries with low cases of COVID-19. Nepal's government wasn't able to further intricate which countries would be prioritized first. The good news is that more countries will be added constantly.
On a more positive note, this means all travelers from all nations are welcome only if they fly in from low risk countries.
What Are The Requirements To Enter Nepal?
Health certificates proving that they are free of COVID-19 are a must-have for all travelers arriving in Nepal. However, the authorities haven't finalized yet the details on whether they will only accept tests or the time required the test was completed.
Is There a Mandatory Quarantine Upon Arrival?
The Nepalese government has not yet finalized any rules regarding this matter. For now, all tourists traveling before August 17th will be forced into a state-run quarantine center.
Will Trekking and Climbing Resume?
There are now necessary guidelines for climbers and trekkers who plan to visit starting August 17th.
Although it's not yet final, the Department of Tourism has already started preparing them. DoT will soon issue Standard Operating Procedures for agencies who are running the climbing and trekking activities.
All trekking and expedition operators are now ready to resume climbing activities following the safety protocols in the coming autumn season. Once the flights resume, most of the agencies will run expeditions on Mt Manaslu and Mt Ama Dablam.
October 12 update: Authorities in Nepal will allow trekking and mountaineering activities to resume on October 17, 2020. Foreign tourists who will take part in these activities must first quarantine in a hotel for seven days before leaving for their trek or climb. They will also be tested for Covid-19 at the start and end of the quarantine period.
What Are The Businesses That Will Resume in Nepal?
- Hotels and other accommodation facilities
- All tourism related activities
- Restaurants
- Trekking and climbing permits
So you may now start gathering up all your trekking and climbing essentials from your checklist and pack your favorite backpack. After all, to everyone who jets down to Nepal, this country still stands as a winning combo of astonishing raw wilderness and bold mountain culture that will bring you to literally the top of the world.
See the full blog post & comments
Information for Non-Tourists
Nepal has suspended on-arrival and electronic visa issuance for all foreign nationals and nonresident Nepalese until further notice.
Earlier, authorities mandated that travelers contact their local Nepali diplomatic mission for visa approval and submit a swab test results demonstrating that the individual is COVID-19-free within seven days before the intended travel date.
Officials continue to advise Nepali citizens against nonessential international travel. Health checks are mandatory at all entry points.
Officials are advising incoming travelers, regardless of nationality, to self-isolate for two weeks or undergo a 14-day quarantine at home or in a medical facility based on medical screening outcomes.
168,235
Cases920
Deaths5,740
Cases Per Million
Graph of COVID-19 Cases In Last 30 Days
For Nepal