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Nepal Travel Warnings

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary, Terrorism and Local Travel (November elections cancelled). 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. See Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this travel 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. On 1 October 2007, a bomb exploded outside the Japanese Embassy in Panipokhari. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.

Since January 2007 there has been civil unrest and violence in the Terai district. Riots and roadblocks in the Terai severely disrupted transport and prevented supplies reaching the rest of the country.

The elections planned for November 2007 have been cancelled. No new date has been set but related bandhs (shutdowns), rallies and demonstrations are likely to take place. These events can cause widespread disruption and can be called at short notice. Transport can be severely disrupted, roads and major highways could be blocked. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.

Further rallies and demonstrations are likely to take place in the run up to elections planned for November 2007. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this travel advice for more details.

The main types of incident for which British nationals require 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.