NEPAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
HEALTH ADVICE
The standard recommended inoculation shots for Nepal are; Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Meningitis (meningococcal) inoculations. As always, check in with your local health department for their inoculation recommendations at least 30 to 45 days before your departure. An good website to visit for more information about inoculation shots and general health advice is: Center for Disease Control and Prevention / Travel Guide. Note, since we are in Nepal during the winter months, it is not really necessary to get a Meningococcal inoculation shot, just the same ask the health department their advice for all inoculation shots concerning all the areas you plan to visit, especially if you plan travel to Thailand or India before or afterwards. Also keep in mind, none of these inoculation shots are required for entry to the country, they are suggestions and precautions, with the main ones being highly recommended.
NEPAL VISA INFORMATION
Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all other ports of entry. All foreigners must pay an airport exit tax, regardless of the length of their stay. For your Heli Ski trip, all that is required is the standard 30 day visa for $30 USD. Presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and fees mentioned above is all that is required.
If you wish to leave and re-enter the country, you’ll need to pay additional fees. A USD $25 for Single Re-entry, USD $40 for Double Re-entry and US $60 for Multiple Re-entry. If you leave and wish to Re-enter Nepal as a tourist within 150 day of the same visa year, you may pay US $50 for 30 days. Visitors may extend their tourist visa by paying US $50 for 30 days. Conservation permits are required for Everest, Annapurna and Langtang areas, this is included in your trip with HHSG.
Business visas with multiple entry facilities are available at a rate of US $100 for one year and US $250 for five years. Ministry of Industry recommendation is required.
Airport Tax:* Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay an airport tax of Rs. 900 if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and Rs. 1100.00 to all other international destinations.
Domestic airport tax is Rs. 165.
* The current exchange is 80 rupees to the dollar-
Important: Make sure you save 1,100 rupees for your departure tax. When you enter the Tribhuvan International Airport go straight to the airport tax counter (on your immediate right when you enter the airport). You must present them with your flight ticket, passport and 1,100 rupees before proceeding to the ticket counter.
NEPAL CUSTOM & AIRPORT INFORMATION
Green Channel: 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 (Ph: 271504, 271478) 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 travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office; Ph: 470110, 472266.