On November 19, 2009, the U.S.
Department of State issued the following Travel Warning:
The Department of State warns
U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Nepal, and urges
caution when traveling in that 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.
Political violence remains a
problem in Nepal. Protests, demonstrations and disruptions
continue to occur, often without advance notice. During
demonstrations, protestors have used violence, including
forcibly closing businesses, 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.
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The Young Communist League (YCL),
a Maoist Party affiliate, and several other armed groups
continue to engage in extortion, abuse, and threats of violence,
particularly in rural areas and the Terai (the border region
with India). 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 to take place among these political rivals. In some
instances, this has caused local authorities to impose curfews
without prior notice. Violent actions by multiple armed
splinter groups in the Terai region along the southern border
with India remain a significant concern.
Crime in the Kathmandu Valley
and in the major cities of Nepal continues and includes violent
crime, robberies by armed gangs and the harassment of female
travelers. Police resources to combat such crime are limited.
Theft and muggings occasionally occur in popular tourist and
trekking areas such as Chitwan, Pokhara and the Annapurna region
and the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Trekkers have been robbed by
small groups of young men, even on popular trails. Visitors to
Nepal should practice good personal security when moving about
and avoid walking alone after dark, carrying large sums of cash,
or wearing expensive jewelry. Women are advised to pay
attention to local customs and dress appropriately in public.
In several reported incidents, tourists have had their
belongings stolen from their rooms while they slept. There has
been an increase in the number of fraudulent schemes perpetrated
against tourists. These schemes involve requesting the
traveler's assistance, particularly financial help, in
establishing shipping routes, or business contacts with the
United States or other countries, involving jewelry,
antiquities, or carpets, promising huge returns.
Travel via road in areas
outside of the Kathmandu Valley is hazardous due to erratic
drivers, poor road conditions, 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. However, there have also been instances of
taxi drivers tampering with the meters in order to charge higher
fares.
Most U.S. official travel
outside the Kathmandu Valley, including by air, requires
specific clearance by the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security
Officer. Active duty U.S. military and Department of Defense
contractors must obtain U.S. Embassy clearance in advance for
official and personal travel to Nepal.
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 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.
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Nepal Bird Flu Outbreak
On
January 20, 2009, the
U.S. Embassy Kathmandu released the following Warden Message:
"As you may know, the
Government of Nepal has confirmed an outbreak of Avian Influenza in
Kakarbhitta, Jhapa in eastern
Nepal. Currently, bird flu has been
confirmed only in Jha district, although active surveillance is in
effect in 26 other districts which border
India. Culling began
as soon as the outbreak was confirmed and continues in a 3km radius of
the outbreak.
"In order to understand more about bird flu, how to protect yourself
from it and what the current situation is in
Nepal, we invite you to attend a Town
Hall Meeting at Phora Durbar, Kantipath this Thursday, Jan. 22 at
4:30pm. Please bring your
U.S. passport for entry into the
compound and RSVP to
wardenktm@state.gov to confirm your
attendance. Non-American citizen parents of American
Citizen minors are welcome to attend, but must bring a photo ID and
their child’s passport.
"For more information on Avian Influenza, frequently asked questions and
comprehensive planning checklists, please visit
http://www.pandemicflu.gov "
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
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& Life Insurance
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
On November 21, 2008, the U.S.
Embassy Kathmandu released the following Travel Warning:
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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 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."
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
Click here
for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel Medical, Accident
& Life Insurance
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This Travel Warning was issued on May
07, 2008, to update safety and security information for travelers to
Nepal. 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 supersedes the Travel Warning for
Nepal issued on February 25, 2008.
Nepal continues to experience
sporadic incidents of terrorism and politically-motivated violence in
major urban areas. In the run-up to Constituent Assembly elections on
April 10, bombings occurred in various locations around the country,
including four bombings in the capital, Kathmandu, on April 4, in which
no one was injured. In September 2007, near-simultaneous blasts at
three locations in Kathmandu killed three persons and injured scores of
commuters and bystanders, many of them seriously. Nepalese police
believe that the Improvised Explosive Devices were planted intentionally
where people congregate, and in a moving microbus carrying passengers.
American citizens are reminded to remain on high alert, avoid public
transportation (including travel by microbus), and be cautious of
unattended baggage in public places, including airports and bus depots.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
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& Life Insurance
In November 2006, a Comprehensive
Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed by the Government and the Communist
Party of Nepal (Maoist), a U.S. designated terrorist organization.
Following that agreement, the former insurgents joined the interim
parliament and, subsequently, the interim government. However, since
the signing of the CPA, the Maoists have continued to engage in
violence, extortion, and abductions. The Young Communist League, a
Maoist subgroup, continues to extort and abuse people, including
threatening Kathmandu-based personnel of a U.S. Non-Governmental
Organization.
Various armed groups emerged in 2007,
primarily in the Terai region along the southern border with India, and
insurgent violence has affected trade and travel in that area. Ethnic
tensions in the Terai region have spawned violent clashes with police,
strikes, demonstrations, and closures of the border with India. The U.S.
Embassy strongly recommends against non-essential travel to this
region.
Violent clashes between Maoists and
indigenous groups have taken place in recent months in the Terai region,
along the southern border with India, in one case resulting in 27
deaths. Ethnic tensions in the Terai region have spawned violent
clashes with police, strikes, demonstrations and closures of the border
with India. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends against non-essential
travel to this region. Clashes between Maoists and groups who oppose
them also recently have extended into Kathmandu.
In November 2006 numerous
resident American citizens reported to the U.S. Embassy first-hand
accounts of Maoist cadres demanding food and lodging, often accompanied
by threats of physical violence. In some instances, Nepalese staff of
Americans who resisted such demands were beaten. Since the cease-fire
in May 2006, hotels and businesses frequented by American citizens have
been targets of extortion demands, forced closures, and have become the
focus of demonstrations. While widespread protests have abated, the
potential for demonstrations and disruptions remains high. During
demonstrations, protestors have used violence, including burning
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, and
American citizens are urged to consult media sources and the Embassy's
website (http://nepal.usembassy.gov)
for current security information.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
Click here
for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel Medical, Accident
& Life Insurance
Crime in the Kathmandu Valley,
including violent crime and harassment of women, has increased since
April 2006. Travel via road in areas outside of the Kathmandu valley is
still dangerous and should be avoided. Police have reported a number of
robberies by armed gangs; in some cases victims were attacked and
injured. The U.S. Embassy reports an increase in crime in some popular
tourist areas. Visitors to Nepal should practice good personal security
when moving about, especially at night, and avoid walking alone after
dark and 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. In late 2005, two European
women were murdered in Nargarjun Forest, a popular tourist destination
in the Kathmandu Valley. The murders occurred within weeks of each
other and both involved women hiking alone. In March 2006, Maoists
detained several Polish trekkers after the trekkers refused to pay
extortion. Solo trekkers have been robbed by small groups of young men,
even on some popular trails. Crime, including violent crime, has
further increased in 2007, and police are unwilling or unable to arrest
criminals who claim Maoist affiliation.
U.S. official personnel generally do
not travel by road outside the Kathmandu Valley. All official travel
outside the Kathmandu valley, including by air, requires specific
clearance by the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Officer. As a result,
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 unofficial travel to Nepal.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
Click here
for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel Medical, Accident
& Life Insurance
Although the Government of Nepal no
longer considers the Maoists to be terrorists, 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 two
designations make Maoists excludable from entry into the United States
and bar U.S. citizens from transactions such as contribution of funds,
goods, or services to, or for the benefit of, the Maoists.
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