Travel

Safety and Security

The U.S. Embassy in Nepal offers the following information to U.S. citizens considering traveling to Nepal with the hope that it will assist you in preparing for your trip and, as a result, you will enjoy your time in Nepal.

Travel Alerts and Warnings for Nepal

The State Department issues Travel Alerts for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country. Examples of reasons for issuing a Travel Alert might include an election season that is bound to have many strikes, demonstrations, disturbances; a health alert like an outbreak of H1N1; or evidence of an elevated risk of terrorist attacks. When these short-term events are over, we cancel the Travel Alert.

We issue Travel Warnings when we want you to consider very carefully whether you should go to a country at all. Examples of reasons for issuing a Travel Warning might include unstable government, civil war, or ongoing intense crime or violence, or frequent terrorist attacks. We want you to know the risks of traveling to these places and to strongly consider not going to them at all. Travel Warnings remain in place until the situation changes; some have been in effect for years.

"Messages for U.S. Citizens" are important notices about safety or travel information from the U.S. Embassy to U.S. citizens living in Nepal. Wardens are private U.S. citizens in Nepal who help the Embassy communicate warden messages quickly when needed. Contact the Consular Office if you are interested in volunteering your services as a Warden. We greatly appreciate the support from our Wardens, and it is a very important role to play!

Nepal is a country of spectacular beauty and is recognized as a top trekking destination in the world. However, travelers to Nepal should also keep in mind the dangers associated with their treks. Landslides, altitude sickness, and occasional thefts or extortion do happen. Every year, the Embassy also helps facilitate helicopter rescues of Americans in need. Always remember to register with the Embassy to help speed along emergency assistance.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

The Department of State has issued this Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated August 12, 2010, to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.