Information for In-Person Participation

COVID-19 Prevention Measures

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Traveling to Nepal

Please note at the time of drafting this note, the Government of Nepal still requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the country. Participants are advised to consult with the Nepali Embassy or Mission in your country on requirement for country entry concerning COVID-19. For the latest information published on the Government of Nepal’s immigration website, please visit: https://www.immigration.gov.np/.

 

During the conference

Participants are encouraged to practice standard disease control measures, including physical distancing, wearing face masks, using hand sanitizer, washing hands regularly, and checking temperature. If a participant shows any COVID-19 like symptoms, they should refrain from joining the sessions until a ATK test provides a negative result.

 

Visa Information

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Unless you are a citizen of Nepal or India, you will need a visa to enter Nepal. You are welcome to obtain this from the Embassy of Nepal in your home country. However, Nepal also offers visa-on-arrival facilities to citizens of most countries. You will need to carry USD 40 in cash and two passport-size photos. You will receive the application form before landing in Kathmandu, and you will need to stand in the typically slower-moving visa-on-arrival line at airport immigration.

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Please note that visa-on-arrival is NOT available to citizens of Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, Somalia, Ethiopia, Liberia, Cameroon, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Nigeria. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you must obtain your visa before flying to Nepal.

 

For more information, please visit http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/.

 

Please note: For those travelers who are government employees required to travel on an Official Passport or United Nations Laissez-Passer (UNLP), you will need to work through your agency to obtain the appropriate paperwork to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip. Please carry the invitation letter with you at immigration in case of any queries.

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Kathmandu airport is relatively small. You can be out within 20 minutes after landing if you are lucky. But if many flights have landed before yours, it may take 1-2 hours to clear immigration and customs.

Please note at the time of drafting this note, the Government of Nepal still requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the country. For the latest information, please visit: https://www.immigration.gov.np/

 

Transportation within Kathmandu

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Public Transportation:

There are many buses, minibuses and micro buses available at Ratnapark (Old Bus Park) which depart to different destinations in the valley. Three wheelers run by battery are also available for Kathmandu commuters. The venue is located along

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Metered Taxi:

Consult the Kathmandu valley map to find out the direction of your destination. Hail a taxi, which is easily recognized by its taxi sign on top and black license plate. As a rough guide, a taxi will charge Rs. 30 per kilometer. No tip is expected, but be prepared to negotiate as many taxis do not use the meter. Private taxis may charge slightly higher. Night taxi service can also be arranged and operated by major hotels. Fare is slightly higher than metered taxi.

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Transport App:

Using Pathao – an app like Uber or Grab – you can hire motorcycles and taxis for transport around the city. A local number is required to use the app. Note: Motorcycles do not typically have a spare helmet for the pillion rider.

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Domestic Air Service:

Nepal Airlines has an extensive network of air services to major parts of the country. Besides Nepal Airlines, other domestic airlines (there are more than 18 in operation) provide regular and chartered services to popular domestic destinations.

 

Additional Information

• Facilities for currency exchange are available at the hotel and banks. All convertible currencies are accepted, including Indian Rupees. The conversion rate of USD 1.00 is around NPR 132 during March 2023.

• Time Zone: Nepal Standard Time (NPT) is GMT + 05h45.

• Electricity Supply: In Nepal the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e., 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly. Travel adaptors should only be used with double insulated equipment, which will be clearly marked with the symbol shown below. We recommend you check your appliances before embarking on your journey, to understand the requirements in Nepal.

• Telecommunications Services: You may make local and international telephone calls from your hotel room. Telephone calls and outgoing fax messages will be charged to your hotel bill, for which you are responsible. Wireless internet access (Wi-FI) is available in the hotel room and conference venue for in-house guests.

• Mobile SIM Card: Tourist SIM cards from Nepal Telecom Company and NCell are available at the airport (after baggage claim).

• Health Services: We recommend bottled water for drinking purposes at all times. Please do not drink tap water. If emergency medical service is required during your stay in the hotel, please contact the front desk reception. The hotel will request ambulance services to take the guest to the appropriate hospital. If non-emergency medical assistance is required, participants may contact the Forum Secretariat room at the Hotel or the Hotel front desk.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Kathmandu is a cosmopolitan city where people are open to embracing new ideas and lifestyle. People from all parts of the country live here. All major festivals are celebrated, and the Unity in Diversity is evident in social and cultural gatherings. Please find more information on Do’s and Don’ts here.

• Security Information: Kathmandu, Nepal is in no security threat. However, it is recommended that all staff remain vigilant in all parts of the city.