Tourist visas can be issued on arrival to most nationalities for different prices according to visa duration. Tourist visas are valid for
Kathmandu Valley,
Pokhara Valley and Tiger Tops in Chitwan. Visitors intending to trek or visit other areas should obtain a permit from the
Central Immigration Office.
Americans: United States citizens must have a passport and visa.
UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport and visa.
Canadians: Canadians must have a passport and visa.
Australians: Australians must have a passport and visa.
South Africans: South Africans
must have a passport and visa.
Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport and visa.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport and visa.
Health
There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park, but not in the common trekking areas. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. Cholera outbreaks occur and food and water precautions should be followed. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat river water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind. Purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. Many trekkers may suffer from altitude sickness above 8,202ft (2,500m); if symptoms persist it is wise to descend as quickly as possible. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveller's clinics in
Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential, which should include air evacuation. Travelers arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Safety
Elections took place on 10 April 2008, which has seen a Maoist majority vote, and on 28 May 2008 the assembly voted in favor of the abolition of the monarchy, which has ruled for 240 years;
Nepal is now a secular republic. Demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided, as there is still a high risk of violence. Due to previous bomb attacks and shootings in public places, including the main tourist areas of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lukla, as well as on popular trekking routes, visitors are warned to be particularly vigilant; foreign tourists have been involved in several incidents. Foreigners have been the target of recent attacks in the Thamel district of Kathmandu, and are advised to be cautious after dark and to stay in a group if in the area at night. There have been incidences of violent robbery against trekkers and there is an armed Maoist presence on many of the major trekking routes who demand a 'tax' before allowing trekkers to pass; failure to pay resulted in a Swiss trekker and his Nepali guide being badly beaten in December 2007. Trekkers are advised to stay on established routes and walk in a group or with professional guides. Foreigners were seriously injured in two attacks in the Nagarjun Forest Reserve just outside Kathmandu in October 2005 and visitors are advised to be cautious in the area and to travel in a group.
