Nepal

You should carry your passport with you. Leave a copy in a safe place or with friends and family in the UK.

Avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops in temples and other holy places. Remove shoes before entering certain holy places. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside certain parts of Hindu temples.

Penalties for drugs related offences are severe. If you are caught with even small amounts of marijuana, you can go to prison for over 5 years, usually after a long and expensive legal process.

Some skincare products and e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in Nepal such as cannabidiol (CBD). If the police find you with products containing CBD, they may seize them and charge you with drug possession.

Nepal is generally open and tolerant to LGBT+ issues, and same-sex relations are not illegal. However, showing affection in public, irrespective of sexuality or gender, is viewed by Nepalis as inappropriate.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Nepal is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which bans trade of wildlife products without a permit. If you are caught buying or trafficking such goods, or knowingly assisting anyone to do so, you will get a fine or a prison sentence.

Travel during the monsoon season (normally June to October) can be hazardous. Flooding and landslides can lead to impassable roads, delays to journeys, or cut off towns and villages for days at a time. If you travel by road during monsoon season you should:

• check the road is open
• be prepared to change or cancel your plans at short notice
• take equipment, medication and enough supplies to cover any emergencies or possible delays

The Nepal government Meteorological Forecasting Division provides weather updates (in English) and flood forecasts during the monsoon. You can also access the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology flood monitoring service.

Earth tremors are common across Nepal. The lack of emergency equipment and poorly resourced medical facilities is likely to worsen an earthquake’s impact. British Embassy assistance will be slow to reach you if you are in a remote area.

The National Society of Earthquake Technology (NSET) gives advice on what to do in an earthquake, including ‘Ten tips on earthquake safety’. Check with your tour operator to find out what contingency plans they have for an earthquake.

Following a significant earthquake you should expect transport, accommodation and basic services in affected areas to be disrupted. Relief efforts are likely to be a priority for the authorities. Check with your tour company or hotel for further information on whether travel to an area is possible or appropriate.