Nepal Facts for Visitors
Entry route to Nepal
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is linked by air with Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Banglore, Mumbai, Dhaka, Paro, Karachi, Frankfurt, Paris, Munich, London, Vienna, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Doha, Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Osaka, Shanghai & Lhasa. Entry points for those entering the country by surface are Bhairahawa (Sunauli), Birgunj (Raxaul) & Kararbhitta (Siliguri) from India and Kodari (Zhangmu) if you are entering from Tibet.
Visa regulations
A valid passport is required for all tourists except Indian nationals.
Visa fees:
- Single entry visa fee - US$ 30 (valid for 60 days)
- Multiple entry visa fee- US$ 80 (valid for 60 days)
Fee exemption of tourist visa:
- FortouristsfromChina
India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldivesand Pakistan
- For the tourists, who have already stayed in Nepal for 15 days or more, visiting Nepal for the second time during the same visa year.
- For tourists staying in Nepal for 3 days (72 hrs) or less.
- Children below 10 years of age.
The tourist visa can be obtained from Nepalese Embassy or Consulate abroad. Tourists holding a valid passport can also obtain the visa at the airport or surface point of entry upon arrival. They have to submit a visa application form with one recent photograph. The process is the same for the ‘gratis’ visas. The visa fees cannot be paid by credit cards. The visa application forms are available in the passport control lounge. They are also distributed in the aircrafts before landing.
Airport Tax
An Airport tax of Rs.1356 per passenger is levied on departure to SAARC (South Asian) Countries and Rs. 1695 to other international destinations from Nepal for outgoing passengers.. Those flying within Nepal are required to pay Rs.165 as the airport tax
Custom and duty
Those arriving at Kathmandu airport without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If the passengers are carrying dutiable articles they must pass through the Red channelfor Customs clearance. Besides their personal belongings, passengers are allowed to bring into Nepal for free - 1 pair of Binoculars, one still camera (with 15 rolls of film), one movie or video camera, a laptop computer, a portable music system, 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars, 1 bottle of liquor and a reasonable amount of perfume.
It is illegal in Nepal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for their religious and cultural significance. Tourists are advised not to purchase any item of antique value as they are Nepal’s cultural heritage. If you are going to buy such articles you are supposed to certify from The Department of Archaeology at Ramshahpath, Kathmandu for all metal statues, sacred paintings & similar objects before carrying out of the country.
Time
Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian standard time.
Local Currency
In Nepal Nepalese Rupee is subdivided into 100 paisa. The denominations of currency notes are available In 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000. Similarly, coins are available in 1, 2 and 5 rupees, which are in circulation.
Banks
Banks are open between 09:00 A.M. to 3:00 p.m, Monday to Friday.In Kathmandu and pokhara there are ATM facilities and you can draw your money 365 days and 24 hours.
Official Weekly Holiday
Saturday is the official weekly holidays in Nepal. Most of the shops are remains open from Sunday through to Friday, while Museum throughout the valley remains closed on Tuesday and other Government holidays.
Elecrticity
All cities and towns in Nepal have electricity and rural electrification in selected areas through mini hydel projects are currently underway. Voltage available is 240-220 volts AC & 50 cycles throughout the country. Load shedding is frequently experienced in Nepal but mostly during dry months only.
Your Health in Nepal
We recommend you to immunize against certain illness that are not prevalent in your home country such as Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria, Meningitis, Hepatitis etc; your physician would be best able to advise them on the availability and administration of these inoculations.
Please ensure that all water is boiled & filtered before consumption. Normally all hotels and reputed restaurants in Kathmandu serve safe water but while eating in an ordinary establishments do not eat green salads and when you need to drink stick to soft drinks or bottled mineral water.Iodine tablets are easily available for treating water while in the trek.
A travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss & medical treatment is recommended.You should make sure that your insurance policies also cover soft adventure activities during your stay in Nepal /Tibet such as rafting, trekking etc; For high altitude trekkers and climbers, policies should also cover helicopter evacuation expenses in case of serious illness or accident or if clients are stranded in remote areas due to unexpected.
It is always wise to bring a simple medical kit of your own. The followings are recommended:
- Aspirin for pain or fever
- Antihistamine - useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites
- Antibiotic - useful if the clients are traveling well off the beaten track
- Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomita, for treatment of severe diarrhea.
- Antiseptic, Mercurochrome & antibiotic powder or similar “dry spray” - for cuts & stings
- Bandages & band-aids – for minor injuries.
- Scissors & a thermometer.
- Insect repellent sun block, sustain lotion, water purification tablets.
- Paracetamol
- Antacid tablets
- Your regular medicine, vitamins if your are taking any.
