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Nepal


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (curfew in Bhaktapur). The overall level of this advice has not been changed.
The security situation in Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal has improved since the formation of an interim government on 1 April 2007. However, there continues to be sporadic law and order problems in some parts of the country, especially in the Terai, in the south of the country. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.


Since January 2007 there has been civil unrest and violence in the Terai district. The situation seems to be getting steadily worse. Riots and roadblocks in the Terai severely disrupted transport and prevented supplies reaching the rest of the country.


The Government of Nepal has announced that elections will be held on 10 April 2008. Related bandhs (shutdowns), rallies and demonstrations are likely to take place in the run-up. In January 2008 demonstrations, related to an increase in fuel prices, turned violent. A curfew has been imposed in Bhaktapur on 15 February 2008 from 19:00 until 04:00 on 16 February 2008.


Bandhs, rallies and demonstrations can cause widespread disruption and can be called at short notice, leaving transport severely disrupted and blocking roads and major highways. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.


There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Since 2006, a number of bombings, shootings and armed clashes have taken place across Nepal. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.


The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Nepal in 2006 were generally as a result of either trekking accidents or drug-related incidents. You are strongly advised to use a reputable travel agent and only trek with an experienced guide and in a group.


We also strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you plan to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
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