Nepal Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Nepal due to natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Nepal regularly experiences earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Earthquakes can happen suddenly with little warning, including in the Kathmandu Valley.

During the monsoon season from June to September, heavy rain can cause flash floods and landslides. These can block roads, damage buildings, and make it hard to get help in an emergency.

Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Nepal.

Emergency services

Medical services have limited ability to handle regular and emergency care. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

Hospitals in Kathmandu are usually better than in other areas, but they can be crowded, may lack some equipment or medicines, and often ask that you pay before treatment. Medical treatment of foreigners is not paid for by the Government of Nepal.

Bring the medicines you need, get travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation, and understand you might need to go to another country for serious treatment.

Do not travel to:

• The Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syafrubesi area of Rasuwa district, including the Nepal-China border crossing, for any reason due to flood damage, disrupted transportation and communications, search-and-rescue and recovery operations, and the risk of additional flooding and landslides.

Flash flood in the Rasuwa district and the Nepal-China border area

On 26 August 2026, major flooding in Rasuwa district and the Nepal-China border area caused widespread damage. Buildings, roads, other transport and communications infrastructure have been severely damaged. Other areas in Nepal, including Gorkha, Nuwakot and Dhading, have also been affected.

The Nepalese authorities and emergency services are responding. The authorities have warned of the risk of further flooding. Areas affected by flooding and landslides may remain unstable. Further heavy rainfall or an earthquake could trigger additional landslides, rockfalls and other hazards, particularly in mountainous areas. The situation may change rapidly.

If you are travelling in the region, follow the advice of the Nepalese government and local authorities, be alert to the changing situation and monitor local media for updates. The Nepalese government has established a toll-free emergency Nepalese language number, 1234, and a dedicated hotline 1144 accessible in Nepal.

Consular assistance remains available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone affected who requires support from the UK Government.

If you are affected and need assistance from the UK Government call:

• from Nepal +977 (0)14237100
• from India +91 11 2419 2100
• from the UK +44 (0) 207 008 5000

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. See the ‘Getting Help’ page for further information.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Nepal

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Nepal, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Be vigilant in public places and take local advice.

Civil disorder

Political protests, demonstrations and strikes are fairly common in Nepal.

These can start at short notice and may lead to violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Protests cause disruption to transport and the authorities may increase the police presence or impose a curfew.

You should:

• avoid any demonstrations
• check local media for updates
• follow the direction of local authorities

Transport risks

Road travel

If you’re planning to drive in Nepal, see information on driving abroad and read the International Drivers Association Nepal driving guide.

You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Nepal. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Always carry your IDP when driving, as well as your vehicle registration documents.

Road accidents are a major cause of death and disability in Nepal. The causes include:

• overloading vehicles
• negligence of drivers
• mechanical failure
• speeding
• poor road conditions
• an increasing number of unregulated private vehicles

Road conditions are poor, especially during the monsoon season or in mountain areas.

By law only the driver of a vehicle is required to wear a seatbelt, or a helmet when driving a motorbike. You can still use seatbelts for passengers, which are fitted in some taxis. Motorbike rentals will always provide helmets for passengers if requested.

Bus travel

Bus accidents are common in Nepal and there are a number of accidents resulting in fatalities every year. Buses are often overcrowded, poorly regulated and poorly maintained. Speeding, low driving standards and poor road conditions contribute to the risk of accidents. Do not travel on overloaded or overcrowded buses, or at night. Tourist buses usually offer a higher standard of comfort and safety.

Air travel

Air crashes can have a variety of causes and are not necessarily linked with poor safety standards or non-compliance with international safety standards. However, there have been a number of fatal accidents and air crashes across Nepal in the commercial air transport sector, involving planes and helicopters. Over the last 5 years, this includes a number of separate incidents and at least 100 deaths.

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Nepal that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to or from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering whether to fly and which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Currently no Nepali airline meets the international safety standards and so all are listed on the ASL. This means they are all banned from operating commercial air services to or from the UK.

Risk level

Nepal - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Nepal due to the fragile political and security situation.

Regional risks

Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts due to severe flash flooding and mudslides damage, as well as the continued risk of further flooding and mudslides.

Natural disasters and climate

Crime

Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common, particularly near tourist sites in airports and on crowded buses.

Take particular care when walking around Kupandol, Sanepa and Thamel, popular tourist spots in Kathmandu, where pickpocketing is common.

Theft also occurs from hotel rooms.

There has been a significant increase in crime, including thefts, bag snatchings, pickpocketing and break-ins, during the festival season, which extends from September to November.

Armed robberies, particularly of solo trekkers, occur occasionally.

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas
• avoid going out after dark

Women's safety

Women travelling alone are at higher risk of verbal or physical harassment. Sexual assaults have occurred, including against foreign women. Dress conservatively, particularly in remote areas.

Advice for women travellers

尼泊尔风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在尼泊尔中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。