Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Nepal due to the potential for isolated political violence.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
+977 1 423-4000, +977 1 400-7272; US Embassy in Kathmandu, Embassy of the United States of America, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal; usembktm@state.gov; https://np.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
977
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 228094; Fire: local number; Police: 100
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Nepal: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south
Currency (Code)
Nepalese rupees (NPR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, M
Major Languages
Nepali, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Bajjika, Magar, Doteli, Urdu, Avadhi, Limbu, Gurung, Baitadeli; note: 123 languages reported as mother tongue
Major Religions
Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Kirant, Christian
Time Difference
UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
An IDP is required, and after 15 days, a local license is required.
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Kathmandu (includes Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Square); Bhaktapur; Pokhara; Annapurna Circuit trek; Chitwan National Park; Lumbini (Buddha Birthplace)
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, swimming, volleyball, tennis, martial arts
Cultural Practices
Avoid eating with your left hand and beef is strictly prohibited among Hindus. Do not offer food from your plate, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
Tipping Guidelines
At restaurants, if a service charge has not been included, 10% of the bill is an acceptable tip. Porters may be tipped $2-4 (USD) per day, guides $3-5 (USD) per day.
Souvenirs
Knotted/woven carpets and hemp items, wool pashminas, sheepskin slippers, woven caps, kukri knives, precious metal and turquoise jewelry, sacred scroll paintings, wood instruments, lokta bark paper, tea, kitchen spices
Traditional Cuisine
Dal Bhaath/Bhat — rice served with lentil soup and vegetable or meat curry
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, June 18, 2024