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Nepalese customs regulations are complex. Customs authorities impose strict rules on the import (including temporary) and export of certain items. Do not transport other precious metals, objects of archaeological or religious significance, wildlife or related items, drugs, or weapons and ammunition. Do thorough research before importing pets (including cats and dogs), communication devices and other items that could be perceived as sensitive. Drones are strictly regulated throughout Nepal and require special permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs and other government agencies. You may encounter immigration difficulties with the Chinese authorities if you cross the Nepalese and Chinese border by land in both directions. Chinese authorities often require U.S. citizens and other foreign tourists to arrange “group tours” through established travel agencies to obtain visas and entry permits to Tibet. Chinese authorities have sometimes closed the border, especially around the anniversary of important events in Tibet. For up-to-date information on the status of border crossings, please contact the Embassy of the People`s Republic of China in Nepal.

Please read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs` travel information for China and check the regulations for entering Tibet. The list of international departures from Nepal published by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. CAAN – International Schedule (caanepal.gov.np) Quarantine is no longer required for travelers, regardless of vaccination status. However, travelers are subject to COVID-19 testing, and those who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival may not be allowed to enter Nepal according to the latest travel advisories. Drug-related offences are severely punished. Possession of small amounts of marijuana can result in a jail sentence of more than 5 years, usually after a lengthy and costly court case. More and more people are caught smuggling drugs to and from the country. Taxis: Taxis are a safer and more convenient alternative to buses.

Almost all taxi drivers in Nepal insist on negotiating the fare in advance, even if the taxi has a taximeter installed. In addition, there have been cases where taxi drivers have manipulated meters to charge higher than normal fares. If you think you are overcharged, you can file a complaint with the traffic police on the street or at the nearest local police station. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (âSTEP) to submit your planned itinerary to the U.S. Embassy and monitor security posture prior to travel. Volunteering: The Immigration Department of Nepal considers volunteering as a job and therefore requires volunteers to obtain a work visa. Volunteering with a tourist visa is illegal and can result in imprisonment by immigration authorities, fines, deportation from Nepal and lengthy bans on returning to Nepal. For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact your airline and visit the CDC website. Pedestrian crossings: Sidewalks are absent in many areas, and motorists generally do not yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians are responsible for a significant proportion of road traffic deaths in Nepal. Helicopter evacuation: Get emergency medical evacuation insurance before travelling to Nepal.

Many foreigners need or demand helicopter evacuation from Nepal`s rugged mountainous terrain. Most hotel employees along trekking routes can put you in touch with a helicopter evacuation service provider. Helicopter companies usually require special evacuation insurance, pre-authorization of your health insurance, or credit card prepayment to assist you. Take appropriate insurance with you and travel with credit card information. If you hope that the health insurance company will pay large bills without prior authorization, please note that the service provider may ask to withhold your passport until payment is received. Accommodation and travel: During the high season, usually in spring and autumn, hotel rooms can become scarce. Book hotel rooms in advance and plan for possible flight/airport delays. Cancellations and delays of domestic flights often occur due to inclement weather, including to and from Lukla (gateway to Everest Base Camp) and Jomsom (gateway to the Mustang region). Allow enough time to take outbound international flights when transferring domestic flights. Note that many hotels in Nepal do not meet international fire or seismic safety standards. Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy: Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Nepal and is subject to complex local regulations. If you decide to pursue parenthood in Nepal via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a pregnant mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child`s citizenship.

Note that people who attempt to circumvent local laws risk prosecution. Political violence: The potential for isolated political violence remains a real risk in Nepal. Occasionally, incidents of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) occur in various parts of Nepal, especially during periods of heightened political tension. The reported incidents were not directed against Westerners or Western interests, but caused injury and damage to people and property nearby. The embassy is also aware of blackmail attempts and threats of violence by a local group against private companies and humanitarian organizations, including local and international schools in the Kathmandu Valley. Historically, violent political activity has been more prevalent in the Terai – Nepal`s southern plain, which borders India – than elsewhere in Nepal.