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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 124035 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC NP
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - NEPAL 
 
¶1.  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the 
risks of traveling to Nepal and urges caution when 
traveling in country.  The Department of State remains 
concerned about the security situation in Nepal and urges 
American citizens to obtain updated security information 
before they travel and to be prepared to change their plans 
on short notice.  This replaces the Travel Warning for 
Nepal dated May 7, 2008 and updates safety and security 
information following the formation of the coalition 
government in August, 2008. 
¶2.  Despite the recent smooth transition of government, 
some unrest remains.  The Young Communist League (YCL), a 
Maoist Party subgroup, continues to engage in extortion, 
abuse, and threats of violence, particularly in rural 
areas.  Youth groups from the other two main political 
parties, the Nepali Congress (NC) and the United Marxist- 
Leninist Party (UML), have also formed and clashes continue 
among these political rivals.  Violent actions by multiple 
armed splinter groups in the Terai region along the 
southern border with India remain a significant concern. 
¶3.  While protests and pre-election localized bombing 
incidents have decreased, demonstrations and disruptions 
still occur.  During demonstrations, protestors have used 
violence, including damaging vehicles, throwing rocks, and 
burning tires to block traffic.  Given the nature, 
intensity, and unpredictability of disturbances, American 
citizens are urged to exercise special caution during times 
when demonstrations are announced, avoid areas where 
demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming, avoid 
road travel, and maintain a low profile.  Curfews can be 
announced with little or no advance notice.  American 
citizens are urged to consult media sources and to register 
with the Embassy (see instructions below) for current 
security information. 
¶4.  Crime in the Kathmandu Valley, including violent crime 
and harassment of women, continues to rise. Police 
resources to combat such crime are limited.  Police have 
reported a number of robberies by armed gangs, sometimes 
resulting in injury to the victims.  The U.S. Embassy 
reports an increase in crime in some popular tourist areas 
such as Pokhara and the Thamel area of Kathmandu.  Visitors 
to Nepal should practice good personal security when moving 
about, especially at night, and avoid walking alone after 
dark, carrying large sums of cash, or wearing expensive 
jewelry.  In several reported incidents tourists have had 
their belongings stolen from their rooms while they were 
asleep.  Solo trekkers have been robbed by small groups of 
young men, even on some popular trails.  Some Young 
Communist League members extort money from foreign tourists 
along some popular trekking routes, and have threatened 
physical violence to Nepalis and non-Nepalis alike for 
violating localized strikes. 
¶5.  Travel via road in areas outside of the Kathmandu 
Valley is hazardous due to erratic drivers and frequent 
road accidents.  Public transportation, such as microbuses 
and tuk tuks, should be avoided because they are often 
overfilled, driven unsafely, and mechanically unsound. 
American citizens should use taxis with meters or negotiate 
a price with the taxi driver before starting a trip. 
¶6.  Most U.S. official travel outside the Kathmandu Valley, 
including by air, requires specific clearance by the U.S. 
Embassy's Regional Security Officer.  As a result, The U.S. 
Embassy's ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. 
citizens may be limited.  Active duty U.S. military and 
Department of Defense contractors must obtain a country 
clearance for official and personal travel to Nepal. 
¶7.  The U.S. Government's designation of the Communist 
Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a "Specially Designated Global 
Terrorist" organization under Executive Order 13224 and its 
inclusion on the "Terrorist Exclusion List" pursuant to the 
Immigration and Nationality Act remain in effect.  These 
 
STATE 00124035  002 OF 002 
 
 
two designations make Maoists excludable from entry into 
the United States without a waiver and bar U.S. citizens 
from transactions such as contribution of funds, goods, or 
services to, or for the benefit of, the Maoists. 
¶8.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe 
Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.  Americans 
living or traveling in Nepal are encouraged to register 
with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel 
registration website 
   https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ index.aspx 
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is 
located at Maharajgunj.  The telephone number is 977-1- 
4007200, 4007201.  The number for after-hours emergencies 
is 977-1-4007266, 4007269.  The fax number is 977-1- 
¶4007281.  The Consulate's e-mail address is 
consktm@state.gov and its Internet web page is 
http://nepal.usembassy.gov.  U.S. citizens should also 
consult the Department of State's latest Country Specific 
Information for Nepal and the Worldwide Caution, available 
at http://travel.state.gov.  Up-to-date information on 
security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 
toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers 
outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line 
at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday 
(except U.S. federal holidays). 
¶9.  Minimize considered. 
RICE