TRAVEL WARNING - NEPAL

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

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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