Nepal travel health insurance and visa guide

January 04, 2019

Nepal is a Himalayan state situated in South Asia and is home to eight of the ten highest mountain peaks in the world, including Mount Everest. So, there’s a lot to get excited about when organizing your visit. To fully enjoy your adventure, make sure you give yourself peace of mind and organize your travel insurance policy as soon as possible, so you can kick back, relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that you have got all your bases covered.
 
Aside from finding the right cover for you, here are some other important travel tips to be aware of before you set off on your adventure:

Visa Information for Nepal

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Nepal?    

Yes

U.S. Citizens who are planning to visit Nepal will need to get a visa upon arrival. You may request:
•    15-day multiple-entry tourist visa ($25 USD)
•    1-month multiple-entry tourist visa ($40 USD)
•    3-month multiple-entry tourist visa ($100 USD)

Visas are only payable in USD, money-changing ATM stations are available at the airport. Using a credit card is not a reliable payment option.

You will also need the following:
•    A passport valid for at least six months at the time of entry
•    One blank passport page for entry visa

Tourists cannot stay longer than 150 days in any given calendar year.

Health and Medical Advice

Before jetting off on your travels, you should check for any health risks, required vaccinations and any epidemic breakouts occurring in Nepal. It’s also a good idea to learn where the nearest hospital is in case of an emergency.

Do I Need to be Vaccinated When Travelling to Nepal?

There are no obligatory vaccinations for travelling to Nepal, but we would highly recommend that you get protected against Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Malaria, Yellow Fever and Japanese Encephalitis as well as getting your routine vaccinations updated. The standard vaccines are:

-    MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
-    Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
-    Influenza
-    Polio
-    Chickenpox

Book an appointment with your local practitioner or find your local Passport health clinic. You should book an appointment, at the latest, four to six weeks before your trip, giving enough time for the vaccinations to take effect.

Precaution for Malaria is highly important. Wear long sleeve shirts and trousers to protect yourself from mosquito bites and use insect repellent.

Emergency Contact Information in Nepal

No one ever wants to have to call the emergency services while they’re on vacation, but unfortunately, accidents happen and it’s important to be prepared for when they do.

The Police Emergency number in Nepal is: 100

The Fire Emergency number is: 101

There is no central public ambulance service, though there are some private providers in the main cities. In an emergency, you should contact the local hospital.

Nepal Local Laws and Customs

-    It is the law to wear a helmet when riding a motorbike.
-    You must have an international driving permit to drive a vehicle in Nepal. Carry your license with you at all times, as well as any vehicle registration documents.
-    Bars and restaurants close at midnight. Foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours have previously been detained by police.


Safety and Security

Road Travel

Road conditions in Nepal are not brilliant, and they are particularly bad in the monsoon season or in the mountain areas.

Bus accidents are common in Nepal, there are many accidents that end in fatalities every year. It’s a better idea to take a tourist bus, which usually offers a high standard of comfort and safety.

Petty Theft

The rate of serious crime in Nepal is low. However, keep an eye out for pickpockets and bag snatchers particularly in busy and crowded areas such as airports, buses and popular areas such as Thamel, Sanepa and Kupondol. Avoid walking on your own and limit the amount of cash you carry; if possible make use of the hotel safe.

U.S. Embassy in Nepal  
U.S. Embassy Kathmandu
Maharajgunj Rd,
Kathmandu 44606, Nepal

Telephone: +997-1-423-4000
Email: [email protected]


Useful Tips for Nepal

Official Languages: Nepalese
The most widely spoken language in Nepal is Nepalese.

Currency: Nepalese rupee
Before your trip to Nepal make sure to exchange enough Nepalese rupee for your spending requirements and to get the best exchange rates.

Plug Sockets: Type C, Type D and Type M
Nepal uses three types of plug sockets: C, D and M. The standard voltage and frequency is 230 V and 50 Hz. We would recommend that you buy a plug adapter If you don’t have one already.

You can determine if you need a converter or a transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate. A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240 V’ on the appliance body. In this case you wouldn’t need a converter or transformer.

© 2018 UnitedHealth Group Incorporated. For informational purposes, UHG does not guarantee the correctness or completeness of the information.