Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:905 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!root From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Nepal Message-ID: <951211162348_76702.1202_CHN26-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 11 Dec 1995 16:23:49 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 110 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Nepal ============================================================ Nepal - Consular Information Sheet December 8, 1995 Country Description: Nepal is a developing country with extensive facilities for tourists; facilities vary in quality according to price and location. Entry Requirements: Travelers can obtain information on entry requirements by contacting the Royal Nepalese Embassy at 2131 Leroy Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 667-4550 or the Consulate General in New York at telephone (212) 370-4188. Areas of Instability: Public demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of political expression in Nepal and may occur from time to time on short notice. These demonstrations are usually nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners. During general strikes, many businesses are closed, and transportation and city services are sometimes disrupted. Medical Facilities: Medical care is extremely limited. Any serious illness may require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility (usually Bangkok). Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. In general, U.S. medical insurance is not valid in Nepal. Supplemental health insurance which specifically covers overseas treatment and evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility is useful. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal warns Embassy employees that some locally bottled water may be unsafe and suggests drinking only boiled water or bottled water that has been disinfected (with iodine, chlorine, etc.). Additional information on health matters can be obtained >from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. While acts of violent crime in Nepal are rare, several attacks against lone foreign trekkers have been reported. Sensible precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime include: traveling in a group, not carrying large sums of cash or leaving valuable articles unattended, changing money only at government-sanctioned exchanges, being alert near major tourist sites and attractions where most pickpocketing incidents occur, and carrying passports and cash in a protected neck pouch. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South Asia." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practices of the countries in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Information on Crime: In November 1995, unusually severe storms caused avalanches and landslides that killed foreign trekkers and their Nepalese guides and stranded hundreds of others. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly advises all American citizens to exercise extreme care when trekking at higher altitudes for the remainder of the season. Although trails may be clear, trekkers should be alert to the possibility of avalanches from slopes above. Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. Trekkers hoping to tackle the Himalaya should have adequate clothing and equipment (not always available locally) and should be experienced mountain travelers. It is not prudent to trek alone. Trekking alone has contributed, more than any other factor, to injuries and deaths. It is helpful to take an experienced guide or porter who can communicate in both Nepali and English. It is advisable to make sure others know your itinerary and to check in at police outposts where trekking permits are logged. Checking on conditions in the high country before leaving Kathmandu can help to reduce risks. Both the U.S. Embassy and the Himalayan Rescue Association are good sources of information about trail conditions and possible hazards. Border Areas: There have been sporadic reports of difficulties in crossing the border from Nepal to Tibet by land. U.S. citizens planning to travel into Tibet overland from Nepal may contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for current information on the status of the border crossing points. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu and obtain updated information on travel and security in Nepal. The Embassy is located at Pani Pokhari in Kathmandu, telephone (977) 411179, 412718, 410513 or 413836; fax (977-1) 419963. No. 95-159 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 26, 1994, to add information on periodic strikes and demonstrations and on health and safety precautions, particularly while trekking. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories