COVID-19 Travel Updates

COVID-19 Travel Updates

Last updated: May 24, 2021

Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.  Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Waivers to the testing requirement may be granted by the CDC on an extremely limited basis when extraordinary emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone’s health and safety, and testing cannot be completed before travel.  There are no waivers available for individuals who test positive for COVID-19.  Individuals – or air carriers seeking to allow boarding by potentially qualifying individuals – who believe they meet the criteria for a waiver should contact the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu at ConsKtm@state.gov and provide the information below.  The U.S. Embassy will then submit the request to the CDC for consideration.

 

Nepal Country-Specific Information: 

  • On April 26, the Government of Nepal announced a lockdown of Kathmandu as a public health measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19.  All lock down restrictions went into effect at 0600 hours on April 29 and have been extended until midnight May 27, 2021.
  • In Kathmandu valley, certain lockdown enhancements have been announced that have also been extended until May 27.
  • While most restrictions remain unchanged since first issued on April 26, modifications to the original order include:
    • Operational hours for grocery stores limited to hours between 0700 hours to 0900 hours, and pharmacies and health related shops are permitted to operate under normal hours.
    • Most businesses, except for some banks and certain government offices, remain closed.  Personal and public vehicles are also prohibited and only emergency vehicles will be permitted to travel.
    • Individuals entering the Kathmandu valley are subject to a mandatory quarantine upon arrival, and mask use and social distancing are mandated when out in town.
    • Foreigners traveling to Kathmandu to join a scheduled flight should show their passport, valid visa, and flight ticket at checkpoints to facilitate travel into the Valley.
  • The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has extended the suspension of international flights until midnight on May 31.  CAAN also announced that all domestic flights will be suspended until midnight on May 31.  Please check with your airline regarding future flight availability and re-booking your flight.  Operation of cargo flights, rescue flights, and evacuation flights will be carried out subject to special permission.
  • Two flights per week will be permitted between Nepal and India under the Air Travel Bubble Arrangement effective until on May 31, subject to certain conditions.
  • Foreigners requiring visa-related services should consult the Nepal Department of Immigrationfor information. https://www.immigration.gov.np/
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the following measures for foreigners currently residing in Nepal and unable to regulate their visas due to the prohibitory orders and/or the shutdown of international flights:
    • Foreigners with a Nepali visa valid until April 28, 2021, who depart Nepal during the international flight shutdown period or within seven (7) days from the resumption of international flights will not incur any additional charges (visa fee, late fee, or penalty) at the time of departure.
    • Foreigners with a Nepali visa valid until April 28, 2021, who apply for visa renewal to continue their stay in Nepal within seven (7) days from the termination date of the prohibitory order will not incur a late fee or penalty from the Department of Immigration or Immigration Offices.
    • For foreigners with a Nepali tourist visa valid until April 28, 2021, the period of the prohibitory order will not be considered within their 150 days stay limit.

COVID-19 Testing: 

  • Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Nepal? Yes. If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes.
  • Several government designated hospitals offer COVID-19 testing. Individuals must pay the cost of testing, which has been mandated by the government at Rs. 2,200.
  • Hospitals offering tests include: Star Hospital, Sanepa Heights Road, Lalitpur, (01) 555-0197; HAMS, Mandikhatar, Kathmandu, (01) 437-7404; Siddhi Poly Path Laboratory, Dillibazaar, Kathmandu, (01) 441-0604; Patan Hospital; Bhaktapur Hospital; Teaching Hospital; Teku Hospital; Bir Hospital; Prasuti Griha; Nepal Korea Friendship Hospital; Civil Hospital; KMC Hospital; A.P.F. Hospital; Birendra Hospital; and Nepal Police Hospital.
  • Physical evidence of test results (paper copies) are available from these testing locations.
  • For additional information on COVID Testing, see: NPHL | Pages
  • For information on limited humanitarian exemptions, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-testing-required-us-entry.html

COVID-19 Vaccine Information: 

  • Has the government of Nepal approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use?  Yes, the Astra Zeneca vaccine manufactured in India.
  • The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
  • The Embassy is aware of reports that some foreign citizens are receiving vaccines after contacting their local ward office. 
  • Please check with the Ministry of Health and your local ward office for the latest information.
  • For information on vaccine availability in Kathmandu valley, please check here. (in Nepali)

Entry and Exit Requirements: 

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes.
  • The government announced that the issuance of tourist entry visas from Nepali diplomatic missions abroad have resumed.
  • Unless noted below, all foreigners should obtain a tourist entry visa from a Nepali diplomatic mission abroad or obtain a pre-approval /recommendation from the concerned ministry for ensuring their on-arrival visa. For more information, please contact the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. (https://us.nepalembassy.gov.np/), or the Ministry sponsoring your visa (for example, for an educational visa, contact the Ministry of Education.)
  • The government of Nepal has approved exceptions for diplomatic, international organization, and some international non-governmental organization personnel and their family members; and non-residential Nepali (NRNs) or foreign passport holders with Nepali origins and their family members.
  • All tourists entering Nepal must possess the following documents: 1) PCR negative report taken before 72 hours of boarding OR document showing complete vaccination against COVID-19; 2) Visa to Nepal OR recommendation letter from the Department of Tourism or Nepal Tourism Board to participate in tourism activities within Nepal; 3) Hotel booking confirmation or guarantee of accommodation; 4) Proof of Travel Insurance which covers emergency search, rescue, treatment, among others, for the duration of their travel; and 5) Barcode generated from the online application of the Online International Travel Arrival Form. See ARMS-DIMS (ccmc.gov.np)
  • Special Notice for Tourist Visa Holders in Nepal:  The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the following measures for foreigners currently residing in Nepal and unable to regulate their visas due to the prohibitory orders and/or the shutdown of international flights:
  • Foreigners with a Nepali visa valid until April 28, 2021, who depart Nepal during the international flight shutdown period or within seven (7) days from the resumption of international flights will not incur any additional charges (visa fee, late fee, or penalty) at the time of departure.
  • Foreigners with a Nepali visa valid until April 28, 2021, who apply for visa renewal to continue their stay in Nepal within seven (7) days from the termination date of the prohibitory order will not incur a late fee or penalty from the Department of Immigration or Immigration Offices.
  • For foreigners with a Nepali tourist visa valid until April 28, 2021, the period of the prohibitory order will not be considered within their 150 days stay limit.

Please consult with the Nepal Department of Immigration for additional information. See https://www.immigration.gov.np/

  • Further information is available from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation and the Department of Immigration.
  • Land border entry/exit points are closed or restricted to foreigners.  Please check current conditions before traveling.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.  Negative results from a PCR test obtained within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin are required for entry.  Children under 5 are exempt from this requirement.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes.  Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry, and generally consist of temperature checks and a spray disinfecting area.
  • The Department of Immigration announced that late fees and penalties through August 14, 2020, would be waived. Consult the Department of Immigration for further details about visa extensions.

Movement Restrictions: 

  • Is a curfew in place? No, but due to the lockdown, residents face numerous movement restrictions and are advised to remain home as much as possible.  Violations of local orders may result in penalties.
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Public transportation and private vehicles will not be permitted in Kathmandu valley.  Additional restrictions remain possible in many locations. Check local conditions before travelling.
  • Limited long-range public bus transportation may be permitted subject to Central District Administration Office permission and is subject to strict COVID mitigation measures. Check local conditions before travelling.
  • The Kathmandu District Administration Office (DAO) as of April 5 has mandated that all travelers entering the district undergo an antigen test for COVID-19, with a positive antigen test result requiring a follow-on PCR test. 
  • The government has announced that certain trekking routes have been opened.  Contact the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation for current information.
Quarantine Information:
  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes, all international travelers must quarantine for 10 days after arrival, regardless of vaccination status.  All people arriving to Kathmandu valley must also quarantine for 10 days.
  • All travelers may be subject to random checks.

Transportation Options:

    • Are commercial flights operating? No.
    • The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) extended the suspension of international flights until midnight on May 31.  CAAN also announced that all domestic flights will be suspended until midnight on May 31.  Please check with your airline regarding future flight availability and re-booking your flight.  Operation of cargo flights, rescue flights, and evacuation flights will be carried out subject to special permission.
    • Two flights per week will be permitted between Nepal and India under the Air Travel Bubble Arrangement effective until midnight on May 31, subject to certain conditions.
    • Foreign travelers are prohibited from using Tribhuvan International Airport as a transit stop to a third country.
    • All passengers using Qatar Airways are required to take a PCR test from a pre-approved laboratory within 48 hours before departure.
    • All other airlines require a negative PCR test results within 72 hours of departure.
    • Passengers are requested to carry one additional copy of the PCR negative test report that includes a photograph along with them while travelling.
    • Additional information on flights is available through the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. CAAN – Home (caanepal.gov.np)
    • Passengers should check the airline’s and destination country’s website for updated information.
    • Is public transportation operating? Public transportation in Kathmandu Valley has been suspended during the lockdown.  Long distance buses may be operating in some areas of the country. Please check local conditions.
    • Public transportation, including taxis and buses, are prohibited in Kathmandu Valley.
    • Long-distance buses will require Central District Administration Office permission.
    • Check local conditions before travelling. Masks are required when outdoors, including while on public transport and taxis.

Fines for Mask Non-Compliance: 

  • The government of Nepal has announced that failure to wear a mask outdoors may result in arrest and a fine.  Specific information about potential penalties has not been published.

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