Covid-19 has made life difficult for many individuals all around the world, however, the hospitality sector was hit the worst. Millions of hotels and restaurants around the world had to decide to cease their business and the livelihood of millions was at stake because of the pandemic. Nepal’s tourism like any other country had to bear the harsh consequences of the virus outbreak and the tourism industry of the country plummeted to a deep slump. After more than a year of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, Nepal has started to come out of the shadow of the Covid-19 and businesses have started to run with cautions in place.
One of the major incomes of Nepal is its tourism industry and in the year 2020, Nepal had the plan to welcome two million tourists. Unfortunately, as we all know, that hasn’t been the case. However, after the discovery of the new vaccine and the proper implementation of the Covid-19 protocol, Nepal has finally lifted the “Hotel Quarantine” rule that was in place in the country.
According to the latest government decision, it states that considering the tourist has taken the two doses of Corona Vaccine and they have a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) report (no longer than 72 hours before the flight), they will be able to obtain Visa On-Arrival and they no longer have to stay at a Hotel to quarantine themself. However, if the individual has not taken the vaccine, they will need a sponsor letter from the trekking agent from where they have purchased the tour package to Nepal. After getting the invitation/sponsor letter, they will be able to board a flight to Nepal. Upon arrival, the tourist will have to take a second PCR test and if the result is negative, they will be able to roam the country. In case the result is positive, they will have to stay in hotel quarantine until the further PCR report shows a negative result.
[ Note: The tourist will mandatorily have to take a PCR test in Nepal regardless they have taken the vaccine or not. ]
It has been a surreal experience, to say the least, and hopefully, this news will bring back enthusiasm and happiness to the people looking forward to visiting Nepal. Nepal is looking forward to resuming its tourism business and we hope many people will come and experience the wonderful country that is Nepal.
