Being a peak spring tourist season, thousands of mountaineers arrived in Nepal earlier this month to participate in trekking adventures and perhaps visit the world’s highest peak – Mount Everest. If you are one of them, you would already know the about the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic – that has caused travel limitations and urged quarantines around the world.
However, we have amalgamated a few things you need to know as a tourist in Nepal –
The world is on high alert, borders have been ceased, and rigorous measures are being taken to limit the spread of Covid-19. Following the same path, the Nepal Government also initiated a major regional shutdown. On Monday, March 23rd, 2020, this nationwide lockdown became even more evident in the country after Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwar Pokhrel announced the shutdown.
Related: Five basic things you must know before you visit Nepal
Nepal’s Government has also canceled all climbing permits from 14 March until 30 April. Reportedly, all issued permits, along with those in the queue yet to be issued for 2020, will be canceled until further intimation. Although Nepal’s tourism economy would be affected by this move, the government is taking stern measures for the safety of both tourists and residents.
Related: Manaslu Trekking Permit in Nepal
As per some reports, initially, the Tribhuvan International Airport, under the directives of the Nepalese Government, stated that no international flights would be regulated. The aim was to halt all commute modes to and from the country. However, after several tourists urged to get home, the Tribhuvan International Airport has now allowed only a few departing flights over the next few days.
Another news report said that the issuance of Nepalis Tourist Visas is put on hold. The government has temporarily stopped issuing on-arrival tourist visas. The visa suspension started on March 14 and will be continued until April 30, unless further extended. Aiming to restrict traveler’s movement to and from India via land routes as well, the Visa restriction were put in place.
The Policy, Planning and Monitoring Division of the Health Ministry had provided 3 hotlines —9851255837, 9851255834, and 9851255839. The helpline offers information about COVID-19 pandemic to the people in Nepal including tourists. People can also make use of the toll-free helpline 1115, which is provided by the World Health Organization.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51866342
https://telanganatoday.com/nepal-defers-visit-nepal-year-2020-amid-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/2020/03/will-coronavirus-shut-down-everest/
