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November 13, 2007 15:50
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1. RECENT UPDATES Section 3 of this Travel Report has been updated. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country.
You should evaluate carefully the implications for your security and safety before deciding to travel to On In November 2006, a comprehensive peace agreement was signed between the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal ( In April 2006, the King reinstated parliament, a new Prime Minister was appointed and steps were taken to end ten years of Maoist insurgency. In early 2007, an interim constitution was adopted and, in April, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) joined in an Eight Party Alliance to form an interim government. The next major milestone in the peace process will be the holding of Constituent Assembly elections. Once elected, the Constituent Assembly will re-write the constitution. However, recently this scenario has been rendered more uncertain by the threatened withdrawal of the Maoists from the interim government. Although places frequented by foreigners are unlikely to be targeted, tourists should be aware that the election campaign may be accompanied by demonstrations and political protests that can rapidly and unexpectedly become violent. Although the Maoists have joined the interim government and have signed onto the peace agreement, some of their followers continue to solicit money from tourists using extortion and violence. A comprehensive peace agreement was signed between the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on Political meetings and rallies are being organized by various parties throughout the country. Tensions between rival political groups remain high and travellers should be aware that violence has occurred in the past. Sporadic incidents of politically motivated violence may continue to occur throughout the country. Protests and demonstrations have been growing in frequency since January 2007. Activists continue to stage demonstrations in Extremely violent clashes between political/ethnic groups in the Terai region have resulted in a few deaths and numerous injuries. Although foreign tourists are not being targeted, the unpredictable nature of the attacks and demonstrations increases the risk to Canadians. Maoist armed militia forces remain present in nearly all districts. Prior to the ceasefire, armed clashes between the Maoists and the Royal Nepal Army occurred frequently throughout the countryside, including popular trekking areas. The danger of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is always present. The situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Road transport has often been disturbed by strikes or military activities. Landmines and improvised explosive devices (IED) also pose a risk. Canadians who choose to travel in the countryside should be prepared for sudden delays and closures and should steer clear of military installations. Canadians should respect the restrictions imposed by curfews and general strikes (bandhs), which may occur on short notice throughout the country. Army and police checkpoints are frequently encountered, especially at night. Constituent Assembly elections that were originally scheduled to take place on OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. The Maoist insurgency, which began in 1996 has caused instability, violence, and widespread disruption across the country, including armed robberies, ransacking and destruction of premises, and threats. Army patrols and other government targets have come under attack, as has infrastructure, including telecommunications facilities in several areas frequented by tourists. Roads and bridges have been bombed. Some remote airports and power and water supplies have been targeted. Attacks are not directed at tourists or foreigners, but there have been sporadic armed robberies of climbing expeditions, trekking groups, and tourist hotels. Some field offices of international non-governmental organizations have been targeted and burned. More than 13,000 people have been killed in the country since the 1996 insurgency. Petty theft is common, especially near tourist sites, on buses, and in hotel rooms. Do not leave personal belongings unattended. Travellers should exercise extreme caution in and around Demonstrations and general strikes (bandhs) are popular forms of political expression and occur on short notice. Many businesses close and transportation services are disrupted. Travellers should avoid road travel outside the Many trekking routes are seriously affected by the Maoist insurgency. Some are no longer safe for travel due to escalating problems with the Maoists. There have been incidents where trekkers and climbers have been stopped by Maoists and asked for money, threatened or injured before being allowed to continue on their journey. Canadians should exercise caution and remain calm if they are asked for "donations." The Maoists are very actively involved in collecting "donations" from trekkers on trails in all popular trekking regions in Mountain trekkers should not travel alone but with recognized groups and organizations. Several Canadians have had fatal accidents while trekking. Many popular trekking trails exceed 5,500 metres (18,000 feet). Trekkers may experience acute mountain sickness at high altitudes and should be well informed on possible hazards in the high mountains. Whitewater rafting excursions should be organized through reputable agencies only. Canadians intending to trek in Nepal are strongly advised to: a) never trek alone; b) always hire an experienced guide and ensure the trekking company is reputable; c) buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation services; d) be in top physical condition; e) be familiar with the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (which can be fatal); f) ensure someone (family member or friend) is informed of your itinerary; g) register with the Canadian Cooperation Office in Kathmandu; h) obtain detailed information on the trekking routes before setting out; and i) check in at police posts during the trek, so that the trekking permits and your progress can be logged and you can be traced in an emergency. Trekking permits may be obtained from the Immigration Office after arrival in Before leaving BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Kingdom of Nepal and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. Travel to A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Nepal. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Nepal. Canadians must also be in possession of a tourist visa. Tourist visas may be purchased in advance or upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. You will need to supply a recent photo. Tourist Visa: Required (valid for maximum 60 days) Business Visa: Required (only issued in Nepal) Student Visa: Required An airport tax of NPR 1356 is charged upon departure on flights leaving for SAARC countries. In the case of other international flights, the amount of airport tax payable at the time of departure is NPR 1695. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Nepal - KATHMANDU, Cooperation Office of Canada Address: Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Postal Address: P.O. Box 4574, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel.: 977 (1) 4415-193, -389, -391, -861, 4426-885, 4425-669 Fax: 977 (1) 4410-422 E-Mail: cco@canadanepal.org Internet: http://www.cconepal.org.np The High Commission of Canada in New Delhi, India, has consular responsibility for Nepal. The address is as follows: India - NEW DELHI, High Commission of Canada Address: 7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India 110021 Postal Address: P.O. Box 5207, New Delhi, India, 110021 Tel.: (91) (11) 4178-2000/2100 Fax: (91) (11) 4178-2020 E-Mail: delhi.consular@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/New-delhi For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi, India, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines. Convicted offenders can face life imprisonment. Women should dress conservatively in public. Public displays of affection are considered to be inappropriate at many of Homosexuality is illegal. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Traffic drives on the left. Exercise caution when travelling by road. Driving standards are poor and traffic laws are not enforced. Drivers do not yield right-of-way to pedestrians. Many mountain and hill roads, which can be hazardous even in the best weather, are impassable during the monsoon season due to landslides. Traffic is congested in the Violent incidents are triggered from time to time by events ranging from political assassinations to the simple painting out of election slogans. As a result of these incidents people, including innocent bystanders, have often been killed or injured. As well, bandhs (general transportation strikes) and curfews are often declared by protesting groups and the security services. These result in the total disruption of all ground transportation, often for several days on end. Although these incidents usually do not affect those areas most likely to be frequented by tourists, travellers should always check the latest information with their travel agent or the authorities before traveling inside An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency is the Nepalese rupee. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Any amount over US$2,000 in cash (or equivalent in foreign currencies) must be declared at customs upon arrival in Nepal. Failure to do so may result in detention. Automated banking machines in Kathmandu are unreliable. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE Nepal is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, India (see above), in the event of an emergency. The monsoon season extends from June to September. Landslides affect See our Current Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Standards of medical care may differ from those in The CIWEC Clinic, a private medical clinic in Trekkers may experience acute mountain sickness ( BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Internet is available in Adoption: The international adoption program in BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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