smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Nepal
| Nepal overall | This Advice is current for Wednesday, 07 January 2009. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate (flooding). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Nepal due to the unpredictable security and political situation. Demonstrations, strikes and illegal roadblocks are possible throughout the country and often occur without notice. Pay close attention to your security at all times and monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Elections took place on 10 April 2008. The political situation is likely to remain uncertain. You should avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings as they can turn violent. Recent political rallies in many parts of Nepal have resulted in outbreaks of violence and the detonation of explosive devices.
Enforced national and local strikes (bandhs), during which most businesses are closed and vehicles are not allowed on the road, can be called without notice. Lack of transport and blockades on roads and highways during strikes can make travel very difficult and cause major traffic disruptions. Access to the airport during strikes could be restricted or prohibited and travel plans severely disrupted.
Blockades of Kathmandu can also occur without notice, making travel outside of Kathmandu Valley difficult. Demonstrations and bandhs have been held recently in protest against increased fuel costs, public transport costs, and severe fuel shortages. There have been reports of taxi drivers being intimidated and attacked for carrying passengers. Travellers using private vehicles, including foreigners, have also been victims of intimidation and attack.
Violent demonstrations have occurred in the Terai region in southern Nepal since January 2007, resulting in many deaths and injuries. There have been continued incidents of serious crime in the region. The situation has stabilised but could deteriorate without warning.
Since September 2007, there have been periodic bombings and violent incidents, including the detonation of explosive devices at crowded locations in Kathmandu and on public transport.
Petty theft is common, especially at tourist sites, on buses and in hotel rooms. Pick pocketing is common in Kathmandu, particularly in Thamel, the major tourist area. The level of crime has increased. There have been armed robberies and assaults (including sexual assaults) on tourists. Women, in particular, should not travel alone.
Extortionists continue to approach trekkers and climbers demanding 'donations' or 'taxes'. Victims have been assaulted, detained or threatened with violence until they pay. Many cases of extortion have occurred within the Annapurna Conservation Area (site of the well-known Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary trekking routes).
Attempts by criminals to defraud tourists or demands to carry illegal goods should be reported to local police immediately.
You are strongly urged to avoid travel on public buses and microbuses and congregating at or near bus stops.
There has been an increase in reports of taxi drivers refusing to use meters and charging rates well above the usual meter cost. Refusal to pay the increased prices can lead to threats against the customer. Fuel shortages can at times reduce the availability of local taxis and other forms of transport.
Road travel in the Terai can be extremely difficult, due to curfews, strikes called at short notice and violent demonstrations.
Army and police checks on roads, including in Kathmandu, can delay travel. Demands for money and 'taxes' from extortionists can occur close to police checkpoints.
Telecommunications facilities are limited and can be unreliable. Mobile phone services may be suspended without notice.
Electricity supplies are unreliable and there is frequent load-shedding during the winter months and in the lead up to the monsoon. Shortages of essential supplies (including food, water, fuel, gas and kerosene) can occur with limited notice. Businesses, including hotels and guesthouses, can be affected.
Road travel at night in rural areas and travel by long-distance buses, which are generally overcrowded and poorly maintained, is dangerous. Roads are often poorly maintained, driving standards are variable and adherence to traffic laws is poor.
Special regulations apply to mountaineering expeditions and all expedition members are required to have permits. Australians wishing to climb in Nepal should seek information either through reputable trekking companies in Nepal or Australia or from the Nepalese Embassy in Canberra or Consulates-General in Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney).
Trekking can be dangerous. If you choose to trek in Nepal, you should only use reputable trekking companies with professional guides. You should not trek alone. Before departing on a trek you should seek an update from the trekking company on the security situation in the area you intend to visit. You should register on the smartraveller website and advise family or friends where you intend to trek. Information about trail conditions and possible hazards in the northern regions can be obtained from the Himalayan Rescue Association (phone (997) 1 4440-292 / 4440-293).
Generally, only travellers in organised tour groups are issued visas for the Tibetan region of China. Australians considering travel to Tibet should check the travel advisory for China for up-to-date information. Contact your nearest Embassy of the People's Republic of China before travelling to the Tibetan region of China. If you are in Nepal, you should contact the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Kathmandu.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Earthquakes and earth tremors are common in Nepal. Avalanches, landslides and glacial lake flooding can occur throughout the year, but are more frequent during the monsoon season (June to September).
In August, annual monsoon rains caused extensive flooding in Nepal, affecting around 70,000 people. The Sunsari and Saptari districts are affected with the Prakshpur and Madhuban areas at risk. There is an increased risk of landslide in the Hilly districts. Localised flooding in Terai districts is expected until mid September. The East West Highway remains impassable and may take some time to repair. Other roads also remain damaged and many are impassable. In some areas telephone and internet access is reduced or not available. See the UN Nepal Platform for further information. Due to severe transport difficulties, food shortages and emerging health issues, Australian travellers should avoid unnecessary travel to the affected regions.
Further information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Cirrus keycards are not accepted in Nepal and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) can be unreliable. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Nepal, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but cannot get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences are severe in Nepal. Tourists caught in possession of even small quantities could be convicted and imprisoned.
It is illegal to take photographs or video images of army barracks, check points and/or army personnel.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are strong local codes of modest dress and behaviour in Nepal and you should take care not to offend.
Nepal does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Nepalese dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We strongly recommend that you travel on your Australian passport at all times.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Nepal for the most up to date information.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart that will cover any overseas medical costs. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside of Kathmandu. Treatment at international clinics is expensive and up-front cash payment for services is generally required. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs would be considerable. If you are trekking or mountaineering, you should ensure your travel insurance covers you for helicopter evacuation from mountainous regions.
Malaria is a risk in Nepal's Terai and Hill districts and Chitwan National Park. Other mosquito-borne diseases (including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis) also occur. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using an insect repellent.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, leptospirosis and rabies) are common, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. HIV/AIDS is also prevalent. You are strongly encouraged to have vaccinations before travelling. It is advisable to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Trekkers should be well-equipped, physically fit, in good health and aware of the risks of altitude sickness.
Highly contagious eye problems such as conjunctivitis are common after the monsoon season.
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
In Nepal, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
Suraj Niwas (500 metres north of Narayan Gopal Chowk)
Bansbari, Kathmandu
Telephone (+977 1) 437 1678
Facsimile (+977 1) 437 1533
Website http://www.nepal.embassy.gov.au/
If you are travelling to Nepal, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend that you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency- whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
