Amid student protests and clashes with the police that caused more than 50 deaths, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from his position Sept. 2 over wider unrest that led to the South Asian country’s parliament building and headquarters of the main political party being set on fire.
The protests began after the government decided to ban 26 popular social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram over claims that they were facilitating money laundering and spreading anti-government misinformation.
The situation evolved into a larger “nepo kid” movement against the contradictory lavish Western lifestyles of government officials and their children.
Protests continued even after the resignation of the prime minister and have grown increasingly violent.
According to local Kathmandu police spokesperson Binod Ghimire, 51 people have died as of Sept. 12, while over 12,500 prisoners who took advantage of the chaos to escape from local jails are still on the run.
State Department warns of “civil unrest,” says Americans should “reconsider travel” to Nepal
Both neighboring and distant countries have issued travel advisories for citizens who are in or may be thinking about traveling to Nepal.
The U.S. State Department raised its official travel advisory to level three’s “reconsider travel” over “large protests and significant demonstrations” that have increasingly “turned violent.”
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“These events caused deaths and injuries,” the travel warning leads further. “Local authorities have declared curfews in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Additional protests and curfews could happen with little warning.”
The third level on a four-tier ranking system is typically assigned to countries with a high crime rate or regular political instability that falls short of full-scale war or authoritarian government crackdowns.
Other countries with a level three rating include Guatemala, Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago, and Pakistan. China had for years also sat at level three but was moved down to level two’s “exercise increased caution” in November 2024 after its government took reciprocal steps toward easing entry requirements for Americans.
For Americans who are currently in Nepal, the U.S. government advises more vigilant awareness of one’s surroundings and a preplanned contingency plan should one find oneself caught up in a protesting crowd.
Travelers are also advised to keep checking with the airline or tour operator right up until departure, as some might decide to call off trips at the last minute.
Image source: Ranabhat/AFP via Getty Images
Already booked a trip to Nepal? This is the latest on the unrest
“Follow local authorities’ instructions,” the travel advisory reads further. “Stay away from areas with protests, unrest, or large gatherings.”
Similar advisories have been issued by the governments of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and India, among other nations.
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While Nepal has always attracted visitors from all over the world looking to see Mount Everest and its ancient temples, the largest number of foreign tourists comes from India due to its proximity.
“We have taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal,” the Indian External Affairs Ministry said in its statements. “Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities.”
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