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Visa: The Royal Nepalese
Embassies or Consulates abroad issue visas
but you could also obtain one on arrival
at the Tribhuwan International Airport (Immigration
counter). A 30-day visa can be obtained
for US$ 30/-. If you have plans to visit
neighboring countries like Tibet and Bhutan,
be sure to obtain a double entry visa. This
can be obtained from the airport on arrival.
Note: Reentry
facilities should be used within the validity
of the visa period. It is not considered
as a visa extension.
Business visa: Business
visa with multiple entry facility for the
period of one year and five years can be
obtained from the Department of Immigration
on the recommendation of Ministry of Industry
by paying the equivalent of US$ 100 and
250 US$ respectively in the Nepalese currency
for foreign investors.
Customs and airports:
Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International
Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods
can proceed through the Green Channel for
quick clearance without a baggage check.
If you are carrying dutiable articles, you
have to pass through the Red Channel for
detailed customs clearance.
Import: Apart from
used personal belongings, visitors are allowed
to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarettes
(200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one
1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls).
You can also bring in the following articles
free of duty on condition that you take
them out with you when you leave: binoculars,
movie or video camera, still camera, laptop
computer, and portable music system.
Export: It is illegal
to export objects over 100 years old (sacred
images, paintings, manuscripts) that are
valued for culture and religious reasons.
Visitors are advised not to purchase such
items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage
and belong here. The Department of Archaeology
at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to
certify all metal statues, sacred paintings
and similar objects before they are allowed
to be sent or carried out of the country.
Handicraft dealers and your agents are able
to assist you in this process. For more
information on customs matters, contact
the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs
Office.
Airport Tax: Passengers
departing from the Tribhuvan International
Airport are required to pay an airport tax
of Rs. 1100 for international destinations
and domestic airport tax is Rs.165.
Money: The Nepalese
Rupee has been steadily losing value against
the US Dollar and at present Rupees 74/-
is equivalent to US$. 1/-. The Nepali RUPIYA”
or rupee is issued in notes of Rs1, Rs2,
Rs5, Rs10, Rs20, RS 25, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs
250, Rs 500 and Rs 1000. Different colors
make them easy to distinguish, and amounts
are written in English on the backside.
Health Care: To avoid
stomach ailments, always drink bottled water
or make sure the water you drink is boiled
and filtered. Even ice cubes should be taken
with caution. Food served during our organized
treks and tours are of the highest quality
and safe.
Helicopter Rescue:
For serious medical emergencies when a patient
can't walk or be carried out, your agents
will arrange a helicopter rescue. The service
is expensive and must be paid for by the
rescue. Your embassy or trekking agency
may vouch for you but they won't pick up
the tab a good reason to arrange for comprehensive
trip insurance beforehand. The helicopter
company must receive assurance of payment
before it dispatches a flight. This will
be provided by your trekking agency if you're
with a group; embassies usually provide
this for their citizens, but they may need
to contact the family in advance. Registering
at your embassy before a trek greatly expedites
this process. Once the helicopter takes
off, you're liable for the costs even if
it doesn't find you.
Postal Services:
The Central Post Office is located in the
heart of Kathmandu near the Tudihkel grounds.
Postage facilities are also available with
your agents or from hotels. Courier services
are available with DHL and UPS operating
from Nepal.
Hospitals and Clinics:
There are three major Government hospitals
in Kathmandu; Bir Hospital, Patan Hospital,
Teaching Hospital. Among the private clinics,
Nepal International Clinic is popular among
tourists. A US board certified internist,
who takes care of all the medical needs
of tourists, operates it.
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