The following information has been gathered for you by consular officers-- both here and in South Asia-- to assist you with your trip. We hope this information will be of help to you in making your trip both safe and enjoyable.
Always keep in mind, though, that wherever you are abroad, if you come into serious difficulties, contact the U.S. consul at the nearest United States embassy or consulate for information or assistance.
Always keep in mind, though, that wherever you are abroad, if you come into serious difficulties, contact the U.S. consul at the nearest United States embassy or consulate for information or assistance.
Your trip to South Asia can be a rich and rewarding experience. There are ancient cultures and artistic traditions to appreciate and a wealth of natural wonders to see - all co-existing with modern societies. However, the customs and local conditions can be as distant from home as the miles, and travelers should plan their trips carefully.
If you have a choice, winter is the best time to visit most areas of South Asia. South of the Himalayas, South Asian weather is warm to very hot. Hot, humid regions like Bangladesh and central, eastern, and southern India are somewhat more comfortable in December through February. Hot, dry regions like Pakistan and northern India have pleasant weather from October to March, with the winter months cool enough for light woolens. The worst weather in the dry regions, when heat and dust can make sight-seeing or other outdoor activity a chore, is during the pre-monsoon period from approximately April through mid-July.
Most South Asian countries require that foreign currency and valuables be declared upon entry as a means of enforcing restrictions on the importation of items such as gold, electronic equipment, firearms, and prescription drugs. Failure to make an accurate declaration or other violations of these restrictions can lead to high fines and/or imprisonment.
Most South Asian countries have strict regulations against the unlicensed export of antiquities. Items that are antique, or even appear to be, may be confiscated by customs officials unless the traveler has proof of authorization from the appropriate government office to export the antique, or proof that the item is not an antique.
India is the South Asian country most frequently visited by U.S. citizens. Visas must be obtained before arrival. Persons arriving without visas must leave on the next plane. If you plan to travel from India to Nepal or another country and return to India, be sure to request a multiple entry visa. Tourist visas are issued for a maximum of 90 days. Once in India, visitors who wish to extend their stay must apply to a Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Extensions, if granted, may not bring the total visit to more than six months. Customs regulations prohibiting the importation of gold or Indian currency, and regulating importation of electronics, foreign currency, and firearms are strictly enforced. Offenders of these regulations may be jailed, fined and/or charged duty at rates exceeding 300 percent of the item's value. Laws against drug smuggling carry heavy penalties, including a ten-year prison term.
Political or communal and inter-caste violence occurs intermittently in many parts of the country. Major civil disturbances can pose risks to a traveler's personal safety and can disrupt transportation systems and city services. In response to communal violence, Indian authorities may occasionally impose curfews. Foreigners have rarely been the targets of communal or political violence in India, and are principally at risk of becoming inadvertent victims only if they stray into demonstrations.
Whether dangerous or not, many areas of India have been declared off-limits to foreigners by the Indian authorities. Permits are required for: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu District and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, certain areas of Uttar Pradesh, the area west of National Highway No. 5 running from Ganganagar to Sanchar in Rajasthan, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Union Territory of the Laccadive Islands. Persons of Indian origin can usually obtain permits to visit relatives in restricted areas. Other visitors may have to wait a long time for a permit or be unable to obtain one. Consult the latest Department of State Consular Information Sheet on which areas are restricted. Once in India, consult the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate for information on restricted areas and advice on obtaining permits to visit them. None of the popular tourist sites in India are in restricted areas.
Political or communal and inter-caste violence occurs intermittently in many parts of the country. Major civil disturbances can pose risks to a traveler's personal safety and can disrupt transportation systems and city services. In response to communal violence, Indian authorities may occasionally impose curfews. Foreigners have rarely been the targets of communal or political violence in India, and are principally at risk of becoming inadvertent victims only if they stray into demonstrations.
Whether dangerous or not, many areas of India have been declared off-limits to foreigners by the Indian authorities. Permits are required for: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu District and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, certain areas of Uttar Pradesh, the area west of National Highway No. 5 running from Ganganagar to Sanchar in Rajasthan, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Union Territory of the Laccadive Islands. Persons of Indian origin can usually obtain permits to visit relatives in restricted areas. Other visitors may have to wait a long time for a permit or be unable to obtain one. Consult the latest Department of State Consular Information Sheet on which areas are restricted. Once in India, consult the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate for information on restricted areas and advice on obtaining permits to visit them. None of the popular tourist sites in India are in restricted areas.
Since February 1996, a rural Maoist insurgency in Nepal has resulted in the deaths of at least 750 people. Because of the potential for violence, the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu forbids U.S. Government employees from traveling to or through Rukum, Rolpa, Jajarkot, Gorkha, Salyan, and Sindhuli districts. These districts have been most seriously affected by the insurgency. The Department of State cautions American citizens to avoid travel to or through these areas. In addition, the Embassy restricts U.S. Government employee travel to or through Dolpa, Dang, Sindupalchok, Kavre Palanchok, and Ramechaap districts. Only essential travel is permitted in these areas. American citizens traveling in these districts are advised to exercise extreme caution. Maoist incidents have also occurred in other districts, including in the Kathmandu valley. Security problems may occur anywhere in Nepal. American non-governmental organizations working in Nepal have been attacked by Maoists, in at least one case explicitly because of the organization's association with the United States. Because of frequently changing security conditions, U.S. Government employees are periodically forbidden from road travel outside the Kathmandu valley, particularly when the likelihood of violence is high, such as during elections or on Maoist anniversary dates in February and April. The U.S. Embassy recommends that road travel outside the Kathmandu valley be undertaken only during daylight. American citizens are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival in Nepal to receive the latest security information, since the potential for violence now extends to areas that have in the past been relatively free of such activity.
Public demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of political expression in Nepal and may occur on short notice. These demonstrations are usually nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners. On occasion, however, rock throwers have targeted vehicles, and acts of intimidation by strike supporters have been reported. During general strikes (called "Bandha" in Nepal), many businesses close, and transportation and city services may be disrupted. INFORMATION FOR TREKKERS: Trekking in Nepal typically involves walking for an extended time over rugged, steep terrain, where one is exposed to the elements, often in remote areas many days' walk from a telephone or emergency services. Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly advises all U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution when trekking at higher altitudes. Only experienced mountain travelers should tackle the Himalaya. Trekkers of all ages, experience, and fitness levels can experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can be deadly. Trekkers should also be alert to the possibility of avalanches and landslides, even when trails are clear. Avalanches and landslides caused by severe storms have killed foreign trekkers and their Nepalese guides, and stranded hundreds of others. Before leaving Kathmandu, trekkers can check with the U.S. Embassy or the Himalayan Rescue Association (phone 977-1-262-746) for good information about trail conditions and possible hazards in the high country. Violent assaults and robberies have increased on popular trails. More than any other factor, solo trekking contributes to injuries and deaths. The safest option for all trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm that provides an experienced guide and porter who communicate in both Nepali and English.
Because most trekking areas have no phones, trekkers are advised to leave their itinerary with family or friends in the U.S. and to check in at police checkposts where trekking permits are logged. U.S. citizens are also strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival in Nepal (see Embassy Location and Registration below).
Public demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of political expression in Nepal and may occur on short notice. These demonstrations are usually nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners. On occasion, however, rock throwers have targeted vehicles, and acts of intimidation by strike supporters have been reported. During general strikes (called "Bandha" in Nepal), many businesses close, and transportation and city services may be disrupted. INFORMATION FOR TREKKERS: Trekking in Nepal typically involves walking for an extended time over rugged, steep terrain, where one is exposed to the elements, often in remote areas many days' walk from a telephone or emergency services. Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly advises all U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution when trekking at higher altitudes. Only experienced mountain travelers should tackle the Himalaya. Trekkers of all ages, experience, and fitness levels can experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can be deadly. Trekkers should also be alert to the possibility of avalanches and landslides, even when trails are clear. Avalanches and landslides caused by severe storms have killed foreign trekkers and their Nepalese guides, and stranded hundreds of others. Before leaving Kathmandu, trekkers can check with the U.S. Embassy or the Himalayan Rescue Association (phone 977-1-262-746) for good information about trail conditions and possible hazards in the high country. Violent assaults and robberies have increased on popular trails. More than any other factor, solo trekking contributes to injuries and deaths. The safest option for all trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm that provides an experienced guide and porter who communicate in both Nepali and English.
Because most trekking areas have no phones, trekkers are advised to leave their itinerary with family or friends in the U.S. and to check in at police checkposts where trekking permits are logged. U.S. citizens are also strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival in Nepal (see Embassy Location and Registration below).