News And Events



Nepal Updated Lock down information

  September 13, 2020



Nepal Country-Specific Information:

  • For statistics about COVID-19 in Nepal, please find updates at https://covid19.ndrrma.gov.np/.
  • On September 9, Government of Nepal officials announced a loosening of the lockdown for Kathmandu Valley.
  • Essential businesses are open in the morning until 1100 hours and again from 1700-1900 hours.
  • Takeaway and other delivery services are permitted to operate from 1200-1900 hours.
  • Shopping Malls and luxury goods stores are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
  • Restaurants will remain closed.
  • On August 10, Nepal Immigration in Kalikastan, Kathmandu, closed on order of the government until further notice. All visa holders requiring any visa-related services should consult the Department of Immigration for information about visa matters. (http://www.immigration.gov.np/)
  • The central government of Nepal has authorized local authorities to impose lockdowns within their jurisdictions. There have been limited lockdowns in Pokhara and many towns in the Terai.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • All land ports of entry into Nepal remain closed.
  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? No foreigners are permitted entry to Nepal at this time. The government of Nepal has approved exceptions for diplomatic, international organization, and some international non-governmental organization personnel. 
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) required for entry? Yes, negative results from a PCR test obtained within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin are required for entry.
  • The government requires negative PCR test results and a permit from a Chief District Officer to enter the Kathmandu Valley from other districts outside the Valley.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes, procedures at the international airport at this time consist of temperature checks and a spray disinfecting area.
  • Consult the Department of Immigration website (http://www.immigration.gov.np/) for details about visa extensions. Due to the suspension of international commercial flights, the government will not require travelers to renew tourist visas until within 15 days of the resumption of commercial flight service.

Movement Restrictions:

  • Is a curfew in place?  No, the earlier government lockdown has been loosened.  However, vehicles are only permitted to move based on an odd/even system per the final number on the vehicle’s license plate.  This restriction is in place until September 16.
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes, intercity travel is not permitted at this time without a permit issued by local officials from the point of departure.

Quarantine Information:

  • All newly arrived travelers must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
  • Suspected cases already in country are also quarantined for 14 days.

COVID-19 Testing:

  • Several Kathmandu Valley hospitals offer COVID-19 testing. Individuals are responsible for paying the cost of the test. The government of Nepal does not cover the costs of the COVID-19 test. A few of the hospitals from which tests are available are: 
    • Norvic International Hospital, Thapathali, Kathmandu, (01) 425-8854. The price for the test is 6,050 Nepali rupees.
    • Star Hospital, Sanepa Heights Road, Lalitpur, (01) 555-0197. The price for the test is 5,500 Nepali rupees.
    • HAMS, Mandikhatar, Kathmandu, (01) 437-7404. The price for the test is 6,000 Nepali rupees.

Transportation Options:

  • Are commercial flights operating? Limited commercial flight service resumed Wednesday, September 2. Eight foreign carriers and two domestic carriers are offering international flights. However, foreign citizens are currently prohibited entry into Nepal.
  • Additional information on flights may be available through the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal at http://caanepal.gov.np/.
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes, the government has loosened the lockdown in the Kathmandu Valley, permitting 50% occupancy in taxis and buses. Some long-distance public transport will only be allowed to operate after September 16. 
    • The public is required to wear masks when outdoors, including while riding on public transport, and the government has specified that only up to two riders are permitted in private vehicles, including taxis.