Nepal

Emergency phone numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.  

• Dial 100 for police 
• Dial 1144 for tourist police or +977-01-534-7041, +977-98-512-89444. 

Demonstrations  

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.   
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• These activities generally have not been directed at U.S. citizens.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

Crime is generally low in Nepal, but pickpocketing and bag-snatching sometimes happen in crowded tourist spots. 

• Keep valuables and passports in your hotel safe. Carry only a photocopy of your passport when out. 
• Violent crime against tourists is rare but avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas. 
• Women traveling alone should use extra caution. 
• Police in tourist areas are usually helpful, but response may be slower outside cities. 

Scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. 

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Nepal. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Beware of medical evacuation scams, which can occur in Nepal.  Trekkers should use only evacuation agencies registered with the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and find out the costs for evacuations beforehand. 

Common scams include: 

• Medical evacuation scams
• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 100 or 1144 for the tourist police. 

• Speak slowly and clearly so that your message gets across to the official without misunderstanding. 
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for assistance  
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.   

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad 

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Drones are strictly regulated throughout Nepal and require special permission from the Home Ministry and other government authorities.  
• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 

Tourism safety 

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. 
• Emergency response and medical treatment are limited. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel  

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel. 

Do not trek alone 

The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages U.S. citizens from hiking alone or even separating from larger traveling parties while on a trail.  

• The safest way to trek in Nepal is with an organized group or a trusted trekking company. They have experienced guides and porters who speak Nepali and English. 
• Nepal requires solo or independent foreign trekkers to hire a local licensed guide in national parks and protected areas. 
• If you do not follow these requirements, you may face large fines.   
• Provide family or friends with a detailed itinerary prior to trekking. Check in at all police checkpoints where trekking permits are logged.  
• Register your itinerary with the U.S. Embassy through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). 
• Review travel related information on the official websites of the Nepal Tourism Board and the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu. 

Natural disaster risks 

• Trekkers should be alert to the possibility of avalanches, landslides, and falling rocks, even when trails are clear.  
• Earthquakes can destabilize mountainous areas, causing landslides. 
• Flooding during monsoon season also increases the risk of landslides. 

Evacuation by helicopter  

Get emergency medical evacuation insurance before you go to Nepal. 

• Many Americans need helicopter rescues in Nepal’s mountains. 
• Helicopter companies usually want to see evacuation insurance, pre-approval from your health insurance, or a credit card before helping. 
• Make sure you have the right insurance and your credit card info with you. 
• If your insurance does not pre-approve payment, the company might keep your passport until you pay. 
• Watch out for scams involving medical evacuations in Nepal. If you are trekking, only use rescue agencies that are registered with the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), and ask about the costs before you need help. 

Lodging and travel 

During the busiest trekking times, you should book your hotel rooms early so you have a place to stay. You should also plan for possible delays or cancellations of flights, because bad weather often causes problems for domestic flights in Nepal. 

• If you have an international flight to catch after a domestic flight, make sure you have plenty of extra time in case your first flight is late or canceled. 
• Many hotels in Nepal do not have the same fire or earthquake safety standards as hotels in other countries. Be careful and aware of this safety risk when choosing where to stay. 

TIMS card and trekking permits 

• The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card helps authorities find you in case of an emergency. 
• The TIMS card is a mandatory, identification card for trekking in Nepal, obtained through a registered trekking agency. 
• If you are hiking in Nepal, you must have a valid TIMS card, even if you are not with an organized hiking group.  
• You can get this card from trekking agencies approved by the Government of Nepal. 

Special permits for restricted areas 

If you want to hike in some remote areas or national parks in Nepal, you might need extra permits or need to pay more fees. 

• Speak to an experienced tour agency or check the Nepali Department of Immigration website to learn more. 
• Some restricted areas have special rules for helicopter rescues. This might mean that help takes longer to reach those areas if there is a medical emergency.

Criminal penalties 

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.  
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.   
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• Before you start a business or a profession in Nepal seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification  

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.   

If you are arrested in Nepal, the authorities may keep you in detention for weeks or even longer during the investigation stage. 

Driving under the influence 

• Driving in Nepal after consuming any amount of alcohol could result in arrest. 

Illicit drugs  

• Purchasing, possessing, or consuming illegal drugs, including marijuana and hashish, could result in both fines and jail time. 

Firearms and ammunition  

• Do not bring any kind of firearm or ammunition into Nepal.  
• Violators who bring in firearms or ammunition—even imitations or in jewelry form—may be prosecuted. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.  

• They may be illegal according to local laws.   
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.   

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice   

Faith-based travelers 

Religious conversion and proselytization are illegal in Nepal. Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

International volunteers   

Nepal’s Department of Immigration considers volunteering as work. It requires volunteers to obtain a work visa.  

• Volunteering on a tourist visa is illegal. This can result in detention by immigration authorities, fines, expulsion from Nepal, and lengthy bans on returning to Nepal.   
• There have been some scams involving charities in Nepal. If you are not sure a group is honest or legitimate, you may want to give money or support through a well-known national or international charity. This can help make sure your time and money do not accidentally support the abuse or exploitation of children. 
• Before volunteering in Nepal visit our page on Volunteering Abroad

Gay and lesbian travelers 

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Nepal 
• Nepal is a conservative and traditional society, discrimination exists.  
• There have been reports of non-violent harassment of lesbian and gay people. 
• Lesbian and gay travelers may wish to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

Travelers with accessibility needs 

The law in Nepal prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is not enforced. 

• Nepali law requires access to buildings, transportation, and other services, but poor infrastructure often makes it difficult for people with mobility issues to get around, even within the Kathmandu Valley. 
• Accessibility is not common, apart from a few clinics and hospitals.  
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students 

U.S. citizens who want to study in Nepal need a student visa. 

• You must get a letter from your university that explains what you will study and how long you will be there. 
• The Ministry of Education in Nepal will use this letter to give you a recommendation. 
• Your visa will last as long as you study. 
• If you are taking a language class, the visa is usually for about 6 months, since those classes are short. 
• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers   

Sexual assaults against foreign tourists in Nepal are uncommon. 

• However, some cases have been reported in popular places like Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in remote mountain areas. 
• Women traveling alone may face a higher risk of harassment or assault, but these incidents are rare. 
• Modest dress is highly recommended, especially outside tourist areas. Aim to show respect for local customs and cultural norms. 
• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights 

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your Nepal prior to traveling. 

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Nepal Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 101 to report a fire
• Dial 102 for emergency medical services

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available.

• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 
• Ambulances are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Kathmandu.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Serious medical issues and injuries suffered while hiking in remote areas may require evacuation by helicopter to Kathmandu.

• Helicopter rescue can cost tens of thousands of dollars
• Payment will be expected before the medevac can take place, if there is no insurance coverage.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Medical care outside the Kathmandu valley may be limited and not up to U.S. standards.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• There are private hospitals in Kathmandu. These facilities are listed on the embassy’s website.
• Mental health care outside of Kathmandu may be limited. U.S. citizens with mental health problems are usually stabilized and transported to the United States or a regional center for care at their own expense.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Embassy of Nepal to ensure that the medication is legal in Nepal.
• Local authorities irregularly enforce restrictions on certain drugs regularly prescribed by doctors in the United States or other foreign countries.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Nepal and is subject to complex local regulations.

• Individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.
• Assisted Reproductive Technology services are widely available in Nepal and are generally safe.

Water quality and food safety

Sanitary food handling practices may not be similar to those in the United States.

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.

Altitude

Follow medical advice regarding high altitude mountain sickness. Everyone, regardless of age, experience, or fitness level, should exercise caution when trekking at high altitudes. 

• Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. 
• Only experienced mountain climbers should tackle the Himalayas. 
• Without acclimatization, trekkers can experience acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can be deadly. Speak with your doctor for specific recommendations.
• We strongly recommend supplemental travel and evacuation insurance.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in several major cities in Nepal, as well as in the southern Terai region.

• Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you.
• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Nepal.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.

Stray animals

Stray animals are common on the streets of Kathmandu and at popular tourist sites.

• Stray animals may be infected with rabies.
• The CDC’s Preventing Dog Bites webpage recommends that if you are bitten by an animal, get to a safe place, immediately wash wounds with soap and water, and seek medical attention.

Road conditions and safety

In general, roads in Nepal are in poor condition and lack basic safety features. This results in significant numbers of accidents and fatalities.

• Traffic is poorly regulated. Traffic jams are common on major streets.
• Many drivers are neither properly licensed nor trained.
• Vehicles are poorly maintained.
• Public vehicles are often overloaded.

Traffic laws

• Vehicles are driven on the left-hand side of the road.
• To legally drive in Nepal, you must have a valid license. This can be a Nepali driver’s license or an International Driving Permit with your home country’s license. If you drive without one of these, you will expose yourself to greater legal liability.
• If stopped by civil police, they may request to see travel documents, such as a passport.
• U.S. citizens involved in an accident in Nepal should call 103, the traffic hotline. Police will investigate if necessary. They determine the guilty party in an accident with injury or vehicle damage.

Nighttime travel

• Avoid nighttime road travel outside major cities because of insufficient street lighting and dangerous road conditions.
• Embassy staff are discouraged from traveling at night outside urban areas in Nepal.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxis are a safer and more convenient alternative to buses.
• Almost all taxi drivers in Nepal insist on negotiating the price of the trip in advance, even if the taxi has a meter installed.
• Online apps for taxis, such as Pathao, are widely used. 

Public and commercial transportation

• Long-distance buses often drive recklessly. Bus accidents involving fatalities are common.
• It is dangerous to travel on the roofs of buses as live electrical and other communications wires hang low in many places.
• Traffic police also impose fines and detain people for riding on the roofs of buses.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

• There have been several deadly plane crashes on Nepal’s domestic routes in recent years. Some of these crashes have involved U.S. citizens.
• Airports in Nepal’s mountains, like Lukla and Jomsom, are especially dangerous because of tough weather and terrain.
• Nepal’s poor safety record led the European Union (EU) to ban all Nepali airlines from flying in EU countries since 2013.
• Travelers should think about buying flight insurance that covers domestic flights in Nepal before their trip.

Helpful resources

• The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) provides weather forecasts and flood warnings.
• The Department of Environment and the Ministry of Health provide air quality updates and public health advisories. Air quality information is also available through local news and online platforms.
• The Nepal Police and Armed Police Force assist with rescue and emergency response.
• Local trekking agencies and embassies may also provide updates and assistance.

Weather conditions

Monsoon season and heavy rainfall 

• Heavy monsoon rains destabilize mountainsides and cause flooding. It is common from June to September.  
• Landslides and mudslides frequently damage trails and roads, injuring or killing travelers. These also cause road blockages that may take considerable time to repair, leaving people stranded in remote areas. 
• Remote airports in the mountains may close for days or weeks during severe weather. These closures force travelers to choose between long delays or dangerous land routes. 
• Monsoon rains can complicate search and rescue operations and medical evacuations. 
• Many monsoon-related deaths and injuries are reported each year.

Smog and air pollution 

• Most common from December through April, especially in Kathmandu, other urban areas, and the southern Terai region. 
• Smog is caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and the burning of agricultural waste. 
• Poor air quality can affect people with respiratory conditions and may reduce visibility, impacting travel and outdoor activities. 
• Air pollution levels can reach dangerous levels during winter months when temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground. 

Earthquakes

• Nepal is in a seismically active region and experiences frequent earthquakes, some of which can be severe. Earthquakes can occur anytime. 
• Earthquakes can cause widespread damage to buildings, roads, and infrastructure. They may also cause landslides in the mountains. 
• Aftershocks can continue for days or weeks after a major earthquake. 

Living abroad resources 

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.