Nepal Tourism Status Update - Aug. 6, 2020

Nepal Airport Opens on Aug. 17 | Analyzed

As we write this Status Update, Aug. 17 is the big day when commercial flights open in Nepal again – domestic and international. So far, the domestic airlines are tentatively starting to announce their schedules, and a few international airlines also have come forward. So far, twelve international airlines have announced their intention so far to start flights into the country, and some new players have also entered the game. There is still time till the start, so it remains to be seen how many others will join the list of airlines flying into Nepal.

Check the schedules as they come out at – https://caanepal.gov.np/

Internationally, Nepal falls under one of the few countries that are partially closed (meaning entry is dependent on citizenship, point of origin and other restrictions, as shown from this map from Kayak.com (https://www.kayak.com/travel-restrictions)

Watch this space for more announcement and updates of the opening.

Getting into Nepal

According to reports today, Visa on Arrival have been suspended for this opening, and one needs a visa from the Nepalese embassies and consulates around the world prior to boarding. The immigration website has a new form for visa applications at embassies at http://www.immigration.gov.np

As per the current arrival guidelines offered by the Government of Nepal, one needs a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to boarding the plane, and a second PCR upon arrival.

There is a six-day quarantine, while your test result comes back, in a hotel in Kathmandu, before one is allowed to start going around the country.

If you test positive during this period, you enter isolation and potential hospitalization.

Moving Around Nepal

On Aug. 17, domestic inter province commercial transportation will also start, but it remains to be seen if the traveler will be allowed to use public transport.

Where can I go?

While you are in Nepal, please rely on local expertise, as areas where infections are spiking are being locked down with very short notice, and there are also cases of locals not allowing people to come in.

Starting Aug. 1, hotels are officially allowed to operate, but many have chosen to keep closed due to lack of business. Rely on local expertise to know which hotels are open.

Hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan are tentatively announcing opening after conducting following necessary protocols. Some have even announced staycation packages for longer term stay in Nepal.

What is the industry doing?

Nepal has launched version one of a comprehensive practice protocol that covers travel businesses, hotels, restaurants, and some adventure activities like trekking, rafting etc.

The industry has also petitioned the Government to reduce the arrival isolation in Kathmandu from six days to three days maximum.

Trainings are ongoing to get these protocols into practice.

Nepal is also currently drafting a mountain protocol for visiting rural areas. This is not approved yet, but has a strong focus on protecting local communities first before the traveler.

COVID-19 in Nepal

As this status is being written, Nepal has seen over 20 K cases with over 15 K recovered and only 65 deaths. However, with movement in the country back on, some cases on community spread is being discovered in areas of high population density. As these cases happen, the Government is sealing pocket areas to control the spread. This can be an important consideration for travel

Figures on COVID in Nepal here – https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/nepal/

Overall Travel Advice

While Nepal has announced its opening, proceed to travel to Nepal by following

Advice from your own country through your government foreign office websites
Advice from local operators in Nepal who are aware of what’s going on in the country
Proper insurance to cover evacuation, potential tests and hospitalization in Nepal, in case of infection

This update will be periodically replaced by newer updates as the situation changes.

Recommended Reading from the Media – https://www.nepalitimes.com/latest/kathmandu-airport-reopens-in-2-weeks/