Nepal Travel Insurance Guide
Nepal requires comprehensive travel insurance with mandatory trekking coverage and helicopter evacuation benefits. Following civil unrest in September 2025, the US raised the advisory to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Altitude sickness affects 1 in 3 trekkers above 4,000m, and helicopter rescue costs $5,000-$10,000. All trekking permits now require proof of insurance.
- What there is to do in Nepal Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
Reconsider travel to Nepal due to civil unrest.
Advisory summary
Large protests and significant demonstrations in Nepal on September 8-9, 2025, turned violent.
- These events caused deaths and injuries. Local authorities have declared curfews in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Additional protests and curfews could happen with little warning.
- Follow local authorities’ instructions. Stay away from areas with protests, unrest, or large gatherings.
Emergency services
Emergency services in Nepal have limited ability to respond to personal emergencies. Their response may be delayed. Some hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara were set on fire during the unrest.
- Check with your hotel, airline, or tour operator for the latest updates before traveling.
- Make sure to confirm your travel plans with your airline before departing for the airport.
U.S. citizens with emergencies:
- Dial 888-407-4747 from the United States.
- Dial 202-501-4444 from Nepal or abroad.
- Email: KathmanduACS@state.gov
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nepal.
- If you decide to travel to Nepal: Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Prepare to evacuate hotels at a moment’s notice.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Nepal.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
- Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Trekking routes are popular; crime is low, but remote areas and some harassment in cities require care.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Progressive court rulings and third-gender recognition; implementation patchy outside Kathmandu.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required (must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date)
- At least one blank visa page required for entry visa stamp
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens can obtain visa on arrival or e-Visa
- Visa on arrival: Available at Tribhuvan International Airport and land borders
- E-Visa: Can be applied online in advance at visa.immigration.go.np
- Tourist visa fees: 15 days ($30), 30 days ($50), 90 days ($125)
Additional visa information
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens can obtain visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
- E-Visa available online at visa.immigration.go.np with approval typically within 7 days
- Tourist visa fees: 15 days ($30), 30 days ($50), 90 days ($125)
- Visa on arrival payment accepted in USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, or major currencies
- Multiple entry visas available; tourist visas can be extended for up to 150 days per calendar year
- Passport must have 6 months validity from entry date and at least one blank page
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Nepal's healthcare system is limited and does not meet US standards. Medical care in Kathmandu includes private facilities like Swacon International Hospital and Era International Hospital with 24/7 emergency rooms and English-speaking staff, but costs are paid upfront in cash (some accept credit cards). Public hospitals offer poor quality emergency services. Outside Kathmandu, medical facilities are extremely limited, especially in trekking regions. Helicopter-based emergency medical services cost $3,000-$10,000 and are essential for trekking emergencies. Over 500 helicopter evacuations occurred in 2024. Altitude sickness affects 1 in 3 trekkers above 4,000m and can be deadly. Medical evacuation to adequate facilities (New Delhi, Bangkok, Singapore) costs $20,000-$50,000; evacuation to the US exceeds $50,000. Comprehensive travel insurance with trekking coverage up to 6,000m altitude and helicopter evacuation is now mandatory for all foreign trekkers obtaining permits. Insurance fraud involving unnecessary helicopter rescues is a known problem, so contact your insurer's emergency assistance team BEFORE accepting any evacuation.
Typical medical costs
- Private clinic consultation: $25 USD (excluding laboratory tests)
- Emergency hospital care: Varies widely; public hospitals limited quality
- Helicopter rescue from remote trekking areas: $3,000-$10,000 USD
- Medical evacuation to Kathmandu from mountains: $5,000-$10,000 USD
- Medical evacuation to nearest adequate facility (New Delhi, Bangkok, Singapore): $20,000-$50,000 USD
- Medical evacuation to United States: $50,000-$150,000+ USD
- Hospitalization costs: Limited facilities, cash payment often required upfront
- Recommended minimum coverage: $100,000 medical, $300,000 evacuation, altitude coverage to 6,000m
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Altitude sickness and acute mountain sickness (affects 1 in 3 trekkers above 4,000m)
- Helicopter evacuations from Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and other high-altitude treks
- Trekking injuries, falls, and fractures in remote mountain areas
- Trip cancellations due to civil unrest and political demonstrations
- Gastrointestinal illnesses and food poisoning
- Fraudulent helicopter evacuations (insurance scams by unscrupulous trekking companies)
- Delayed or cancelled flights, especially during monsoon season
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services (Police)
100
Fire
101
Ambulance
102
Traffic Control
103
Tourist Police
1144 or +977-01-4247041
US Embassy Kathmandu - 24/7
+977-1-423-4000
US Embassy Email
KathmanduACS@state.gov