Call 101.
Call 102 for an ambulance or go directly to the hospital.
Call 100 or visit the nearest police station. Alternatively, call the Tourist Police.
Call 103
Call :
Exercise a high degree of caution in Nepal.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Nepal due to the risk of civil unrest and natural disasters.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
A small number of incidents involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) occur annually, often associated with political events, such as election periods. These attacks have caused deaths and serious injuries. Physical confrontations between rival political organisations can also occur.
These incidents usually don't target travellers, but you could get caught up in violence aimed at others.
Threats have been made against religious organisations in Nepal. This includes schools.
Calls for political protests, strikes and demonstrations sometimes are common. Violent clashes between protesters and authorities can occur. Avoid visiting government buildings during political unrest.
During strikes, authorities may enforce curfews at short notice in the areas that protests affect. This happens throughout Nepal.
Illegal roadblocks and enforced national or local strikes can occur. These happen without notice and continue for long periods.
Road travel can be dangerous. Protesters may forcibly stop vehicles, including taxis, or target them with projectiles.
Travel services may also be affected. This includes travel to trekking areas and outside of the Kathmandu valley.
To reduce your risks during strikes or other periods of unrest:
More information:
Pickpocketing and petty theft are common, especially:
Bag-snatching and 'snatch-and-grab' attacks by thieves riding motorcycles occur. Victims are often injured.
Police have increased their presence in Thamel and Durbar Marg to reduce crime in these areas.
To reduce your risk of petty crime:
Travellers have been victims of armed robberies and assaults, including sexual assaults.
Victims of sexual assault often have their drinks 'spiked' before the assault. This happens in popular areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Women are at particular risk, especially when alone and at night.
To protect yourself from drink spiking:
Get urgent medical help if you think you or a companion have had your drinks spiked.
Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. See our advice on Partying safely while overseas.
Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Victims of sexual assault often have their drinks 'spiked' before the assault. This happens in popular areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Women are at particular risk, especially when alone and at night.
To protect yourself from drink spiking:
Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. See our advice on partying safely while overseas.
Get urgent medical help if you think you or a companion have had your drinks spiked.
Methanol can be used in unregulated alcohol production to lower costs. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Act quickly if you suspect you or someone you're travelling with has been poisoned. Urgent medical attention could save your life or save you from permanent disability. Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the police.
More information:
Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
Possible targets include:
To stay safe:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as trekking, paragliding, rafting or kayaking.
Paragliding accidents have caused serious injuries and deaths. Rivers can be unpredictable and dangerous, even for experienced kayakers and rafters.
Mountaineering can be dangerous. Some mountaineering expedition companies may hire inexperienced guides and save on other costs in order to offer cheaper prices, including to climb Mount Everest. Carefully check a company's credentials and experience before you book.
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
With conditions, foreign tourists are permitted to enter Nepal for mountain trekking and mountaineering. All foreigners require a permit for trekking and mountaineering. Solo foreign trekkers are required to have a licenced trekking guide. Trekking is managed through the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) by:
All foreign trekkers must have a valid TIMS card. This includes those not travelling with organised groups.
TIMS cards help authorities locate trekkers in case there's an emergency.
Get a TIMS card through:
Special regulations apply to mountaineering expeditions. All expedition members must have permits.
Get a licenced trekking guide through authorised trekking companies.
Some trekking companies or guides may offer condensed treks. This is to attract travellers with limited time or budgets.
Shorter treks may not give you enough time to get used to high altitude. This may cause excessive physical strain and lead to significant health problems or death. See Health.
Make sure you have travel and medical insurance that covers:
See Health.
Research regulations that apply to trekking in the area, such as permits or registration. Confirm requirements through:
Find out how long you need to safely complete your trek, especially at high altitudes.
A trek to Everest Base Camp should take at least 12 days from Lukla. This is the start and end points of treks in the Everest region.
Hire a trekking company with a good reputation and professional guides.
Don't trek alone. Solo foreign trekkers are required to have a licensed trekking guide.
Before you travel, check:
Be ready to change your plans.
For more information on trail conditions, check the Himalayan Rescue Association.
Let family or friends know about your plans. Tell them how long your trek will take and your route.
Sometimes trekkers are pressured into taking expensive helicopter evacuations. This can happen at the first mild signs of ill health, without having had a proper medical consultation.
In such cases, insurance companies have previously declined to pay for the evacuation. The trekker must then pay the cost.
Some people have reported cases of dishonest trekking guides deliberately serving contaminated food or water. The aim was to make travellers sick to justify their evacuation.
Individuals who arrange helicopter evacuations sometimes falsely claim to have checked with a trekker's insurance company.
Some travellers have been encouraged to provide false or misleading information to insurance companies about an evacuation.
If you become ill while trekking, confirm if your insurance covers evacuation costs. Do this yourself, if possible, before you agree to a helicopter evacuation.
Telecommunications facilities are limited and can be unreliable, especially outside major cities and towns.
Mobile phone coverage doesn't exist in many rural and remote areas.
Electricity supplies can be unreliable, including in Kathmandu. Unreliability increases during winter and in the lead up to the monsoon season.
Shortages of essential supplies can happen with limited notice. Essential supplies include:
Shortages can affect businesses, including hotels and guesthouses.
Nepal experiences earthquakes, landslides, floods and severe weather.
Major natural disasters can lead to:
Be prepared for a major emergency. Keep an emergency kit that includes:
Know where your travel documents are kept, including your passport.
If a natural disaster occurs:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Nepal is in an active earthquake zone. Earthquakes and tremors are common.
Landslides and floods resulting in deaths occur regularly in Nepal. This happens especially during the monsoon season, from June to September.
Major roads and all trekking areas can be affected.
Avalanches can happen at any time of year.
Storms and blizzards can occur with little or no warning, especially in the Himalayas.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring any medication, check if it's legal in Nepal. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Air quality in Nepal varies, especially in winter. Some towns, including Kathmandu, experience high levels of seasonal smog and pollution.
Get medical advice if you're worried about air pollution.
More information:
If you travel to an area higher than 2,500m you might develop altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness can be deadly. It can affect anyone, even if you're very physically fit.
Your risk of altitude sickness increases if you:
If you'll be travelling above 2,500m, get advice from your doctor before you travel.
Malaria is a risk in:
Other insect-borne diseases are becoming more common, including in some areas of Kathmandu. These diseases include:
To protect yourself from disease:
More information:
HIV/AIDS is common.
Take precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to the virus.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
Highly contagious eye problems, such as conjunctivitis, are common after the monsoon season.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Animals may carry rabies in Nepal. If a stray dog, monkey or other mammal bites you:
Medical facilities and ambulances in Nepal are very limited, especially outside Kathmandu.
In Kathmandu, treatment at high-standard clinics is expensive. Up-front payment is usually needed.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Ensure this is covered by your travel insurance.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
In tourist areas, it's common to be offered to buy drugs.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. Even if you're found with small quantities, authorities can convict and jail you.
More information:
Commercial surrogacy has been illegal since 2015.
More information:
It's illegal to take photos or videos of:
It's illegal to convert people from their religion. Punishment can include jail.
If authorities suspect you're trying to convert people, you will likely be deported and banned from re-entering Nepal for years.
Same-sex relationships are legal and Nepali LGBTQIA+ people actively advocate for their rights. However, Nepal is a conservative and traditional society, and travellers have reported harassment and discrimination.
Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Nepal doesn't recognise dual nationality.
If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
Dress codes are relaxed in tourist areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Other parts of the country are more conservative.
Dress modestly to avoid offending locals. If in doubt, seek local advice.
You need a visa to enter Nepal. Visas-on-arrival are available but travellers should check with the nearest Nepal Embassy for details and conditions.
You need a valid visa in your passport to leave Nepal.
Australians in Nepal may be able to extend their visas. Please consult Nepal's Department of Immigration for updates.
You must have a valid visa in your passport to leave Nepal.
If your visa has expired, extend it at the Department of Immigration before you leave.
If you overstay your visa, authorities can detain you until you pay a fine. The amount of the fine is based on the number of days you overstayed.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Some of Nepal’s land border checkpoints are open to foreign nationals. Contact an embassy or consulate of Nepal for details.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
If you get an emergency passport, you must also transfer your visa to your new passport before leaving Nepal.
To do this, present the following to the Department of Immigration:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).
Declare all amounts of cash over $US5,000 or equivalent on arrival and departure.
You can change foreign currency for NPR at banks or foreign exchange counters at the airport and in major tourist hubs. You cannot exchange NRP outside Nepal.
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and commercial places.
ATMs are not common in remote places. Carry enough cash to cover your needs.
The monsoon season generally occurs from June to September but can be unpredictable.
Expect travel disruptions and be prepared to change your plans.
Road travel can be dangerous, especially in the low-lying Terai (plains), where the risk of flooding is higher.
Landslides are common in mountainous areas, including the Kathmandu valley.
Airports may close. Air travel disruptions are common.
Monitor Nepal weather information for up-to-date information on conditions. Contact your travel provider about possible disruptions to your travel plans.
Some of Nepal’s land border checkpoints are open to foreign nationals. For information on the entry requirements for India please refer to the Smartraveller India specific travel advice.
Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of India for up-to-date information.
More information:
Generally, only travellers in organised tour groups get visas and permits for the Tibetan region of China.
If you're planning to travel to Tibet:
If you're in Nepal, contact the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Kathmandu.
To drive in Nepal, you need both:
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Your travel and vehicle insurance could be void if you drive without an IDP.
If you stay for longer than six months, you need a Nepali driver's licence.
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
Driving in Nepal can be dangerous due to:
Road travel is more dangerous at night, especially in rural areas.
Landslides and flooding can damage or block rural roads. This is common during the monsoon season from June to September. Towns or areas are often cut off for days at a time.
Landslides and other disruptions can occur on the Mugling-Narayanghat highway, a section of the road between Kathmandu and Chitwan National Park, and the Prithvi Highway, the road between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Road travel can be disrupted due to:
Significant delays on major roads within cities and towns, as well as on highways, are common.
Open drains and uncovered manholes are a risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
Locals often assume foreigners are at fault in car accidents, regardless of the situation. They may demand money. Crowds of onlookers can gather quickly after an accident and may turn hostile.
Car accidents resulting in injuries often lead to confrontations and road closures. Violence against drivers also happens.
If you plan to drive in Nepal:
If you're involved in a traffic accident and are worried about your safety:
More information:
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet. Helmets bought in Nepal may not meet Australian safety standards.
Taxis are often unmetered and drivers may overcharge travellers. Negotiate a fare with the driver before the trip.
Use online ride hailing taxi services such as Pathao or inDrive for travel in Kathmandu valley.
Travel on public buses and vans is dangerous. These vehicles are overcrowded and poorly maintained.
There are frequent accidents with multiple deaths involving intercity buses.
Accidents involving private hire cars and jeeps travelling between cities regularly occur and can cause injuries or death. If you are concerned, ask your driver to slow down and drive safely.
Women may be harassed, including sexually, on public buses.
More information:
From November 2024 to March 2025, Kathmandu airport will operate at reduced hours due to construction activities. International and domestic flights could be disrupted and delayed. Contact your tour operator or airline for updates before travelling.
In normal circumstances, cancellations and delays are common, especially during:
Check weather conditions before travelling. Bad weather conditions in mountainous and hill regions could further increase the risk to your safety and cause lengthy delays. Airfields such as Lukla's, in the Solukhumbu (Everest) region, are among the most remote and difficult to land on. These airfields are challenging for even the most technically proficient pilots and well-maintained aircraft.
All carriers from Nepal have been refused permission to operate air services to the EU due to safety concerns.
There have been several air accidents in Nepal over the last 10 years, including:
Check Nepal's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
More information:
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
You can also lodge a complaint with the Nepal Tourism Board.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 101.
Call 102 for an ambulance or go directly to the hospital.
Call 100 or visit the nearest police station. Alternatively, call the Tourist Police.
Call 103
Call:
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu.
300 metres north of Narayan Gopal Chowk
Bansbari, Kathmandu
Phone: (+977 1) 437 1678
Fax: (+977 1) 437 1533
Email: austembassy.kathmandu@dfat.gov.au
Website: nepal.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Nepal
X: @AusAmbNP
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.