It seems that the new protocols that the Nepal government has set for the tourists who will be traveling to Nepal after 17 October seems quite strict at some parts than before. Though many services and facilities along with different tourism infrastructures has already resumed in Nepal, the Covid-19 situation has created a hinge in the field of tourism and some of the things are to be done mandatorily. The Nepal government has set up new protocols not so long before tourism officially resumes in the country.
Let us look back on the new protocols set by the government for the international tourists now.
The first thing that is a down turn for the tourists is the PCR tests and the quarantine facilities. It is compulsory for anyone traveling to Nepal from foreign land to present PCR negative reports and has to stay for at least 7 days in a hotel quarantine facility upon their arrival to Nepal. This foes not end here, the tourist should again perform their PCR test after arriving to Nepal and only the negative reports will allow the tourists to head on for trekking and mountaineering. Well, the PCR report will most likely be negative at the second time but all of the expenses for these activities should be borne by tourists. After that, tourists can freely move on for their trekking adventure.
On the other hand, travel insurance for the tourists who will be arriving for the trekking activities in Nepal is now mace mandatory by the Nepal Government. Well as far as the travel insurance is concerned, it seems all right because the insurance might come very handy and life saver if you plan to travel during the time of Covid-19. This is one of the most important backup that you will need if you plan on traveling anywhere in the world anytime soon.
As far as the visa for Nepal is concerned, the visa on arrival service has been suspended for a while due to Covid-19 concerns but the new protocols set by the Nepal government allows to provide visa on arrival for tourists who are unable to get visa for Nepal in their respective countries. However, they need a consent from their travel agent based on Nepal for their visa on arrival.
How strict are the new protocols for the tourists ?
Well as people has been saying, 'the new normal' , it seems this is actually the new normal for the tourism industry. The quarantine procedure, the PCR reports and the partial services and facilities in the field of tourism seems the new normal her in the tourism industry. Nepal government and the concerned authorities have ben preparing for the tourism industry to resume for a while now. However, the tourism council of Nepal has shown a dissatisfaction regarding the new protocols set by the Nepal government.
Nepal could come up with much better plan when it comes to PCR tests and quarantine facility. The PCR tests can be made available at the Tribhuwan International Airport or any other entry points for quick and effective results. Tourists who will be arriving to Nepal for holiday purpose, other leisure and adventure activities will never be happy if they have to spend a long time in the PCR test results and other activities. So the Nepal government should practice and providing and carrying out the necessary activities as quick as possible.
Latest Covid-19 situation and tourism in Nepal (2 October 2020)
While many tourists have already shown their interest on traveling to Nepal and heading for the adventure trek when the country lifts the travel ban for foreign nationals but some have already complained about the PCR and quarantine facility along with the Covid-19 situation in Nepal. Talking about the Corona virus situation, Nepal recently recorded 2500 plus cases in a day which is the all time highest till now. So the Nepal government is all ready to resume the tourism with trekking and mountain activities with all the necessary precautions and safety guidelines despite no improvements in the Covid-19 situation. However, the way domestic tourism is heading on, it seems traveling with all the necessary precautions on hand and following health and safety guidelines can be safe. Apart from that, many travel agents have already started promoting their tour packages, specially the trekking tours. The tour packages of Everest Base camp trek can also be seen being promoted by different travel agencies.
The tourism in Nepal will be resuming after a six months hiatus but there might not be a huge flow of tourist arrival due to Covid-19 concerns. Many tourism entrepreneurs have also shown their dissatisfaction regarding the few parts in the new protocols set by the Nepal government. Well, there is still a couple of weeks left before tourism resumes in Nepal, so we can definitely expect a few changes and maybe some new protocols, till then stay tuned to Nepal tourism news.
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