OSAC Country Security Report Nepal

Last Updated: August 12, 2021 Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should not travel to Nepal due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Nepal due to the potential for isolated political violence. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Nepal 85 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a Medium state of peace. Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kathmandu as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nepal.

The crime emergency line in Nepal is 100. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

Much of the criminal activity affecting Nepal is street crime, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing. Expatriates are potential targets due to their perceived wealth and possible lack of area expertise and security awareness. The welcoming and kind nature of Nepalis can often give people a false sense of security and make them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous actors.

Burglary and violent crime (e.g., assault, murder) occasionally occur throughout the country. Firearms are not common, but criminals use them occasionally; the use of edged weapons and acts of physical assault are more common. While foreigners can be targets of violent crime, particularly in the common nightlife areas, travelers can manage most risk through good procedural and personal security practices.

In recent years, there appears to have been an increase in traditional criminal activities by organized criminal gangs, such as smuggling and targeted assassinations of business or labor leaders. These activities usually target Nepali citizens and residents.

Crime: Areas of Concern

Areas associated with substantial tourist activity are also areas of concern for criminal activity, particularly in Kathmandu’s Thamel neighborhood, the city of Pokhara, and the Annapurna region.

Adventure travel such as trekking, rafting, and climbing in the Himalayas has significant security and safety concerns due to the nature of the activities, the likelihood of isolation and the consistent lack of a timely emergency response. Opportunistic crime is also a concern. Travelers interested in engaging in adventure travel should only do so through reputable organized groups and/or reliable companies that provide an experienced guide and porters who can communicate in Nepali and English. Never trek alone.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nepal. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

While kidnapping and human trafficking does occur in Nepal, these activities usually target Nepali citizens and residents.

Drug Crime

Despite strong legal provisions prohibiting drug consumption, possession, and transport, drugs are available openly in Kathmandu and throughout Nepal, especially in areas tourists frequent. Although Nepal is neither a significant producer nor a major transit route for narcotics, domestically produced cannabis, hashish, and heroin traffic through Nepal every year.

Do not carry or store any packages from a stranger; there have been instances in which authorities arrested foreigners for possessing illegal substances after having accepted packages that concealed contraband material or drugs.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information. Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kathmandu as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nepal. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Nepal.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks Nepal 27 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a Medium impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

There are no reports of transnational terrorist organizations operating in Nepal. Terror attacks in Nepal have significantly reduced since the civil war ended in 2006. However, due to the open-border policy with India and few immigration controls, terrorists have used Nepal as a transit point in the past.

Indigenous guerilla groups have been responsible for a number of terrorist acts in the past, many of which have relied on placements of small-scale improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Not all incidents have involved functional devices, with some appearing to have failed to detonate and others clearly built as hoaxes designed to spread fear or send a message. In 2019, domestic terror incidents included small bombings in various locations throughout the country, for which authorities blamed the Biplav Group. The Communist Party of Nepal (CPN, commonly known as “Biplav”) is a political faction that split from the former Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) in 2015. Authorities attributed 34 IEDs, 5 hoaxes, and 29 arson attacks to Biplav in 2019.

During the 2019 by-elections, Biplav organized multiple nationwide protests, which were usually accompanied by IED attacks and other forms of violence. The use of explosives has been a common

tactic of political competition, workplace disputes, and extortion in Nepal. Attacks from Biplav are not likely to increase in the near future. After the uptick in violence in 2019, government efforts to neutralize the group reduced its capacity. In March 2021, the group signed a peace accord with the government, making further attacks unlikely, though Nepal’s political instability could weaken the hold of the agreement.

Most IEDs do not appear to target maximizing deaths or injuries. Rather, the use of IEDs in Nepal is predominantly to damage property, detonating away from crowds and at off-hours. Future attacks are likely to remain focused on publicly accessible government and commercial infrastructure. However, three IED explosions in Kathmandu in May 2019 did result in several deaths and numerous injuries. Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kathmandu as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Elections/Political Stability

The most recent 2019 by-elections saw limited and sporadic violence by groups opposing specific candidates or outcomes. While small and predominantly peaceful protest marches were most common during the pre-election period, larger demonstrations sponsored by political parties did occur. In addition, small IEDs detonated or were discovered throughout Election Day to disrupt polling station activities and suppress voter turnout in some districts.

The Government of Nepal has experienced some significant political infighting amongst the established political parties in 2021. National elections have been called for fall of 2021. Visitors should anticipate frequent political rallies and large demonstrations in the pre-election period.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

While groups within Nepal will often call strikes known locally as bandhs in advance, protests, demonstrations, and disruptions can occur without notice. These large sit-down protest events have blocked major roads or intersections, paralyzing traffic. Demonstrators have occasionally attacked vehicles passing nearby. If sufficiently large enough, a bandh will force the closure of businesses and schools, and disrupt vehicular traffic throughout the area. A bandh will traditionally last from sunrise to sunset. Some groups enforce the observance of bandhs through violence and intimidation. Avoid vehicular travel through a bandh.

Review OSAC’s report: Surviving a Protest. Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

The Nepal Police (NP) and the Armed Police Force (APF) are the primary police agencies. The NP wear blue marked uniforms and are routinely seen directing traffic and patrolling streets. They are the primary criminal investigative agency for law enforcement. The APF usually wear blue camouflage and are often seen providing security for government or critical infrastructure facilities. The APF would be the responding agency in the case of an emergency. The APF do not have arrest authority and cannot conduct a criminal investigation. Victims of crime must contact the NP to file a report.

Security personnel have been accused of using excessive force in controlling protests in recent years have not faced much accountability, nor did most human rights violators during the 1996-2006 civil conflict. As of September 2020, the government had not prosecuted any Maoists or state actors for involvement in disappearances.

Police Response

A lack of resources and training hinders security and law enforcement agencies, as do varying levels of professionalism. Response to a crime may take an extended period or may not occur at all.

U.S. citizens harassed or detained by local police should contact the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section/American Citizen Services at +977-1-423-4000. For assistance after-hours, ask for American Citizen Services when prompted by the Marine Security Guard at Post One.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and customary international law, an arrested U.S. citizen has the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S. Embassy, and have communications forwarded to the U.S. Embassy.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

U.S. victims of crime should dial 100. The individual should also report the incident to the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section/American Citizen Services. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Reach the Nepal Police’s Tourist Division at +977-1-424-7041 or dial 1144.

Reach the Nepal Tourism Board at +977-1-425-6230, +977-1-425-6216, +977-1-425-6229, or +977-1425- 6909.

Reach the Nepal Police Operation Center’s 24-hour line at +977-1-441-1549 or +977-1-441-2780. Transportation Security

Road Safety

Traveling Nepal’s roads remains one of the country’s greatest risks to the safety of travelers. Many roads outside Kathmandu are narrow, unpaved mountain lanes. During monsoon season, rain and mudslides often wash away sections of road. Congested roads strain to support heavy truck and bus traffic. Many drivers may have little regard for safety. Serious accidents happen frequently on rural roads due to hazardous conditions, the poor mechanical state of most vehicles, and a lack of adherence to traffic rules. When accidents occur, they can be catastrophic due to bus overcrowding and the lack of guardrails and other safety equipment on the mountainous roadways.

Driving in Kathmandu can be dangerous. Motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and animals—all traveling at different speeds—congest narrow roads. Authorities regulate traffic poorly. The volume of vehicles on the roads has increased significantly in recent years. Drivers often ignore traffic lights, signs, and traffic control officers even in the most congested sections of downtown Kathmandu. Many drivers lack proper licensure and training, and drive poorly maintained, aged vehicles. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are nonexistent in some areas, resulting in pedestrians frequently walking in the roadways. Poor lighting can make nighttime driving particularly dangerous. In general, drivers do not yield the right of way to pedestrians. Demolished walls and building facades litter many roadways, forcing pedestrians further into the street and into the flow of traffic.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

For more information, review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

Public transportation vehicles have questionable safety measures. They are often overcrowded and operated carelessly. Avoid public buses and microbuses. Taxis can be safe, but travelers should select those that appear in good working condition. Travelers should insist on the use of a meter or negotiate a fare in advance.

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Aviation Concerns

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the only international airport of Nepal. Weather can often delay domestic flights, particularly in mountainous areas. Airport security and screening at some of the domestic terminals can be rudimentary at best. The majority of aviation incidents have been related to the challenge posed by Nepal’s geography and climate. Flights landing in smaller, more remote airports in Nepal may encounter quickly changing weather and other adverse conditions.

Domestic air safety is a concern. In recent years, there have been a number of fatal plane crashes on domestic routes in Nepal, including some crashes in which U.S. citizens have died. Nepal’s mountain airports, including Tenzing-Hillary Lukla (LUA, the airport nearest to Mount Everest) and Jomsom (JMO), are notoriously dangerous due to challenging weather and terrain. Although Nepali domestic flights are insured, payments to the families of victims of a plane crash are minimal. Domestic air travelers may want to consider flight insurance that will cover domestic flights in Nepal before leaving home.

As a result of Nepal’s poor aviation safety record, since 2013 the European Union (EU) has banned all Nepali airlines from flying into or within EU countries. As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Nepal, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Maritime Security

Maritime security is not a concern in landlocked Nepal. Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

Laws curtailing freedom of expression, implementing transitional justice for abuses committed during the 1996-2006 civil conflict, abuse of marginalized castes and ethnic minorities, cases of extrajudicial killings, and gender-based discrimination and abuse remain a concern. Abuse against ethnic-Dalits often occurs with impunity.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

Female travelers have reported harassment, particularly when using public transportation or in bars. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and rape have occurred. Exercise caution when traveling alone.

Authorities are mostly responsive when cases of rape are reported, although several high-profile cases have highlighted authorities’ failure to secure justice for rape victims. Domestic violence against women and girls remains a serious problem.

Consider composite scores given to Nepal by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Nepal, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

While certain portions of the population may espouse conservative views, Nepal’s constitution guarantees LGBTI+ rights and protects the community from discrimination. Nepal’s LGBTI+ legal protections are among the most progressive in the world. Nevertheless, Nepal remains a conservative and traditional society. There have been multiple reports of discrimination and non-violent harassment of LGBTI+ persons; many incidents likely go unreported. Accordingly, LGBTI+ travelers may wish to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation difficult throughout Nepal. Nepali law prohibits discrimination against persons who have physical and mental disabilities, including discrimination in employment, education, access to health care, and in the provision of other state services. The law mandates access to buildings, transportation, employment, education, and other state services, but these provisions are generally not enforced. Nepal’s poor infrastructure makes it impractical in many cases for a mobility-impaired traveler to move around the country, including within the Kathmandu Valley. Except for a few clinics and hospitals, Nepal mostly lacks accessible and appropriate accommodation for individuals with disabilities. The government is largely ineffective in implementing or enforcing laws regarding persons with disabilities.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

Religious conversion and proselytization are illegal in Nepal. Discrimination against lower castes and some ethnic groups is widespread and especially common in the Terai region and in rural areas.

Nepal has a small community of displaced Tibetans. Regional pressure from China has resulted in ongoing tensions between the Tibetan community and the Government of Nepal. Authorities have disrupted Tibetan self-governance elections and the public celebration of significant cultural events.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Nepal is generally friendly and welcoming to U.S. and Western visitors. However, domestic political messaging does occasionally propagate conspiracy theories surrounding U.S. foreign aid programs and accusations of Western imperialism. Recently, there have been dozens of peaceful protests against U.S.

activities in Nepal. Several large demonstrations occurred in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy; at least one resulted in a physical confrontation between demonstrators and local police.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

Human rights organizations have documented some abuses by members of the security forces, some arbitrary detention, some restrictions on free expression and assembly, and reports of significant acts of corruption.

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Nepal 117 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

Communication Issues

Nepal enjoys a fair amount of press freedom, but challenges remain. The constitution guarantees freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Violence towards journalists and news outlets is uncommon. Nonetheless, many journalists, NGOs, and political activists say the government impedes media freedom through restrictive and vague communication laws.

Nepal prohibits publication in electronic form of material that may be “contrary to the public morality or decent behavior,” may “spread hate or jealousy,” or may “jeopardize harmonious relations.” In 2017, the government issued an amended online media operation directive, which requires all domestically based online news and opinion websites to be registered. The directive gives the government the authority to block websites based on content if it lacks an “authoritative source,” creates “a misconception,” or negatively affects international relationships. The new directive makes the registration, license renewal, and content production provisions for online platforms more complicated, including by requiring a copy of a site’s value added tax or permanent account number registration certificate. The Federation of National Journalists (FNJ) expressed concern that the directive’s vague language gives the government power to censor online content.

Citizens can generally express their opinions freely and often express critical opinions in print and electronic media without restriction. The government continues to limit freedom of expression for members of Kathmandu’s Tibetan community by restricting Tibetans from celebrating culturally important events.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Nepal 106 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report does not rate Nepal’s internet freedom, and its Freedom in the World report rates Nepal’s freedom of speech as Partly Free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad. Health Concerns

Emergency Health Services

Medical care is limited and generally not up to Western standards; medical facilities are often overwhelmed because of insufficient resources. Local medications are of varying quality, and supply is not always sufficient. Clinics in Kathmandu can address some routine medical complaints and can perform basic emergency surgeries. Emergency medical services, especially in public hospitals, are of poor quality compared to that available in the United States. Ambulances are available, but often consist only of a van with stretcher and driver, and do not generally have any medical equipment or personnel onboard.

Some clinics and hospitals in Kathmandu accept credit card payment, but others accept only cash. Prepare to pay bills in full before treatment, or before discharge from an in-patient facility. Consult with your medical insurance company prior to travel to Nepal to confirm whether your policy applies overseas and will cover emergency expenses.

Serious illness or injury may require international medevac to the nearest adequate medical facility— normally Singapore, Bangkok, or New Delhi—or to the United States. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, international medical evacuation is currently extremely difficult if not impossible to arrange.

Illnesses and injuries suffered while trekking often require a helicopter rescue. For domestic helicopter rescue from the mountain regions to Kathmandu, most private hospitals in Nepal can coordinate this service. You may also contact helicopter companies directly to arrange rescue. Domestic and international air medical evacuations (medevacs) from Nepal only happen during daylight hours. The cost for a helicopter rescue from remote areas to Kathmandu is expensive. For someone without medevac insurance, the treating hospital in Kathmandu can help coordinate, but the patient will have to pay cash before the ambulance will head to Kathmandu. Consider emergency evacuation insurance before any travel to Nepal.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nepal, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to travel.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

There are no specific concerns for traveling to Nepal with medications. All travelers should carry medication in original packaging. Prescription medications should clearly identify the individual for whom they are prescribed. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

Drink water that you are certain has been boiled or treated with iodine/chlorine; bottled still or carbonated beverages are also safe. Be aware that in remote locations, water bottles are sometimes refilled with tap or stream water. Make sure the seal on the bottle is intact before you open it. Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

Nepal is located in a seismically active area. In 2015, major earthquakes struck the greater Kathmandu Valley and surrounding regions, resulting in over 8,000 deaths and 20,000 injuries. The damage from these earthquakes remains evident around Kathmandu Valley. Another large-scale earthquake would further destroy infrastructure and buildings throughout the country. Emergency services are inadequate to deal with a crisis of this magnitude.

During the annual monsoon season (May-September), heavy rains can cause flooding. In recent years, the Koshi River in southeast Nepal has been prone to flooding, resulting in a substantial loss of life and property. Travel by road during the monsoon season can be hazardous, as many roads in Nepal are unpaved and can wash away.

Pollution is a serious health concern, particularly in cities, with the Kathmandu Valley frequently topping global pollution rankings. Many travelers use air masks capable of filtering air particulate during the height of the dry season. Find information on air quality in Kathmandu on the U.S. Embassy’s website, which shows real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) ratings.

Altitude sickness in the Himalayas can affect even the most seasoned climbers and trekkers. In its most severe forms, it is a life-threatening illness. Treat it immediately by descending to a lower altitude and seeking medical assistance. Flying directly to Lukla or Lhasa (in Tibet) brings travelers to high altitudes with no time for their bodies to adjust. Physical training or fitness has no impact on altitude sickness susceptibility. Review OSAC’s report on Traveling in High Altitude.

Diarrhea and other gastro-intestinal ailments are the most common health problems for travelers, especially during the summer monsoon months. Diarrhea is rarely life threatening. However, if symptoms persist or if you have special health concerns, contact a medical professional.

Following the below tips should help prevent gastro-intestinal problems:

• Avoid buying food/beverages from street vendors or other unhygienic establishments.

• Avoid eating raw/undercooked meat/seafood.

• Avoid eating raw fruits/vegetables, unless they have a thick peel and you have peeled them yourself.

Review OSAC’s report on Earthquake Preparedness. Cybersecurity Concerns

In 2019, authorities uncovered a ring of criminals using stolen ATM cards to drain ATMs throughout Kathmandu. ATM card skimming and other forms of electronic bank fraud do occur occasionally in the larger cities of Nepal.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage. Counterintelligence Issues

There are no counterintelligence issues specific to the private sector in Nepal. Exercise good procedural, physical, and cyber security practices.

Other Security Concerns

Landmines

Nepal has no known issues with landmines.

Import/Export Restrictions

Nepal restricts the import and export of certain controlled items such as narcotics, radio communication equipment, and firearms. In addition, Nepal prohibits the import of beef and beef products. A country- specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

Nepal has no general restriction on photography, but does prohibit the use of drones throughout the country. Certain government buildings and locations of specific cultural or historical significance will display signs clearly prohibiting photography. As in most countries and cultures, ask permission before photographing individuals.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

There are no additional identification requirements for travelers in Nepal.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Because Nepal relies on run-of-the-river hydroelectric facilities, electricity load shedding may occur during the dry season (November-April), resulting in rolling power outages (also called brownouts). Electricity in Kathmandu has become more reliable of late, but daily power outages still occur. Outages outside the Kathmandu Valley can last 14-16 hours per day during peak season. OSAC Country Chapters

Nepal’s OSAC Country Chapter meets annually. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s South & Central Asia team with any questions. Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy: Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

Hours of Operation: 0800-1700, Monday - Friday

Embassy Operator: +977-1-423-4000

24/7 Marine Security Guard Post One: +977-1-423-4100 or 3100

Trustworthy News Sources

Generally reliable information is available through most Nepali news outlets. English-language dailies include The Himalayan Times, Kathmandu Post, and Nepali Times. Other Helpful Info

• State Department Country Information • OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Travelers Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) • How OSAC Analysts Can Benefit Your Global Security Operations