Nepal
Travel Warning
This Travel Warning is being issued
on May 7, 2007 to provide updated information on the security situation
in Nepal and notes the U.S. designation of the Communist Party of Nepal
(Maoist) as a terrorist organization. The Department of State remains
concerned about the security situation in Nepal and continues to urge
American citizens contemplating a visit to Nepal to obtain updated
security information before they travel and to be prepared to change
their plans at short notice.
Despite the signing of a
comprehensive peace agreement by the Government and Maoist insurgents
and their entry into an interim government, Maoists continue to engage
in violence, extortion, and abductions. Maoists freely roam the
countryside and cities, sometimes openly bearing their weapons. The
Young Communist League, a subgroup of the Maoists, continues to extort
and abuse people, including threatening Kathmandu-based personnel of a
U.S. Non Governmental Organization. Maoist leader Puspa Dahal (aka “Prachanda”)
publicly alleged in March 2007 that royalists were planning to
assassinate U.S. government personnel, but Dahal never offered any
evidence for his claim. Furthermore, in a May 1, 2007 speech, Dahal
threatened to launch a new campaign of demonstrations and disruptions.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
U.S.
citizens are urged to register with the Consular Section of the
Embassy by accessing the Department of State's travel registration
site at
https://travelregistration.state.gov
or by personal appearance at the Consular
Section. The Consular Section is located at the Yak and Yeti Hotel
complex on Durbarmarg Street. The section can be reached directly
at (977) (1) 444-5577 or through the Embassy switchboard. The
Consular Section can provide updated information on travel and
security.
The
State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs maintains an
information line at 1-888-407-4747 toll free or (202) 501-4444
Monday through Friday (excluding U.S. Government holidays) from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Specific information may also be
obtained by calling the Embassy at 977-1-444-5577 during working
hours and at 977-1-441-1179 during evenings and weekends and asking
for the Embassy Duty Officer.
For Information on How to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our Risk Managers today.
info@internationalriskmanagement.com
877-211-3654 or 559-294-0316
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Medical & Life Insurance
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