The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nepal and recommends that U.S. citizens in Nepal exercise caution when traveling in or planning departure from the country following the 7.9 magnitude earthquake on April 25. The possibility for aftershocks of significant magnitude persists. In Kathmandu and elsewhere, some buildings are collapsed and some roads are impassable. Cell phone and internet service are intermittent. Many roads are crowded with people and transportation is difficult. If you are in a safe location, the best option might be to shelter in place. Avoid large crowds, as they can turn violent with little notice. This Travel Alert expires on August 1, 2015.
The U.S. Department of State encourages U.S. citizens in Nepal, and their friends and family who might be located elsewhere, to closely monitor the media as well as the Nepal Crisis Page to determine next steps. In some situations, making evacuation or departure plans might be best. In some situations, however, it might be safer to shelter in place.
If you are in Nepal and are safe, please contact your family and friends to let them know your situation. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is located in the Maharajgunj neighborhood of Kathmandu. U.S. citizens in Nepal who need assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy by e-mail at ConsKTM@state.gov or by phone at +977 423 4100. U.S. citizens in Nepal and their family and friends elsewhere should stay up to date on consular information by periodically checking Travel Information and Messages for U.S. citizens in Nepal.
U.S. citizens in Nepal should limit nonessential travel within the country, make their own contingency emergency plans, enroll their presence in Nepal through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and provide their current contact information and next-of-kin or emergency contact information. You may inform the Department of State of U.S. citizens located in Nepal by visiting https://tfa.state.gov/ccd, selecting “2015 Nepal Earthquake,” and providing as much information as possible. You can also contact us at 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. & Canada), +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas), and NepalEmergencyUSC@state.gov if you have additional questions or concerns.
For additional information, U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Nepal. Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
