What kinds of Saftey and Security Required

Safety and security

All travellers to Nepal are advised to register with the Consular Section at the British Embassy via the LOCATE page. In addition travellers should inform their family and friends in the UK of their itinerary.

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. In recent years there have continued to be incidents of bomb attacks (small improvised explosive devices), shootings and violent clashes across Nepal, including in Kathmandu and areas frequented by foreigners These incidents frequently result in the death and injury of Nepalese civilians. Tourists have only very occasionally been injured. These actions are carried out by a variety of political and criminal groups. Violent incidents, including bombings, have continued despite the cease-fire announced under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. You should exercise caution in public places and take local advice.

Recent significant incidents include:

* On 16 September 2009, a bomb was found in the Maharajgunj area of Kathmandu, opposite the Embassy of the United States of America. Security personnel defused the bomb. There were no injuries.
* On 23 May, a bomb exploded during a service at the Church of the Assumption in Lalitpur (to the south of Kathmandu). Two people were killed and fourteen people injured.
* On 27 and 28 December 2008 and 1 January 2009, three small bombs (IEDs) exploded in Kathmandu (one near the airport, the second near Rani Pokhari and the third near Sundhara). Noone was seriously injured.
* On 6 August 2008 a series of small bombs exploded in the town of Pokhara. Five people were reported injured.
* On 28 May 2008 two bombs exploded within ten minutes of each other outside the venue of the Constituent Assembly meeting in Kathmandu. At least four people were reported injured.
* On 27 May 2008 one bomb exploded at Ratna Park. Six people were reported injured. On 26 May, three pipe bombs exploded in Kathmandu, two in the New Baneshwor area. There were no reported injuries.
* On 16 May 2008, at 1915, a small bomb exploded outside the Norwegian Embassy in Patan, to the south of Kathmandu. No one was hurt.
* On 7 April 2008 a pipe bomb exploded in the New Baneshwor area of Kathmandu. There are reports that at least eight people were injured. There were also bombings in Birgunj and in Sunsari district that injured a number of people.

The security situation in Nepal can and does change rapidly. You should contact the British Embassy for advice on the latest security situation before going to areas not normally visited by tourists.

For further information and advice please read Terrorism Abroad.