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Coronavirus(COVID19) Travel Updates [UPDATED: NOV, 2020]

Last updated on 15 March 2020, 11:30 hours

Travelers may have a lot of questions about the novel coronavirus impacts on their impending travel plans or for those who have been planning to travel in a month or two. Here, we have tried to help you to understand more about how the COVID-19 disease may or may not disturb your immediate or forthcoming travel plans. The safety of our traveling clients is our greatest concern, so here we are providing all the necessary information and will keep updating the progress regularly if required.

Nepal

Nepal resumed all domestic and international flights from 17th August. The country is now preparing to host international travelers and trekkers from mid-November. In order to ensure the well-being of foreign travelers as well as the locals, the Tourism Department under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has already issued the Operational Guideline with Health Protocol for the Tourism Sector. The Department of Tourism also recently released the Entry Protocol for Mountaineering Expeditions and Trekking in Nepal. You can view a summary of these press releases in our blog ‘Can I do the Everest Base Camp Trek during the Covid-19 Pandemic?’.

Recently an expedition comprising 18 persons, including Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa – a member of the royal family of the Kingdom of Bahrain, scaled Mount Manaslu and Mount Lobuche. The team also took a short trek to the Everest Base Camp .
The team returned on October 28 after staying for more than a month in Nepal. “I have no complaints about anything during my stay in Nepal. The warm and unique hospitality I was accorded here and the natural beauty has left an indelible imprint upon my mind,” said Prince Khalifa on his return.

Check our blog ‘Is there a Corona Virus in Nepal?’ for more details on the current situation of Nepal.

India

The Government of India has extended the nation-wide lockdown until November 30, 2020. Since the international flights remain suspended till the period of lockdown, tours to India are not feasible currently. If you are planning to visit India, stay connected with us. We will keep you updated. You can also view the Guidelines for International Arrivals issued by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare to gauze what to expect when traveling to India after the lockdown.

Tanzania

After the successful completion of the election on October 28, 2020, Tanzania is now open to foreigners. Although the exact status of COVID-19 remains unknown as the Government of Tanzania has not published any records after April 29, the Himalayan Glacier staff based in Tanzania have reported that the transportation and accommodation services are operating smoothly. The government has removed the mandatory 14-day quarantine and the need for a negative PCR test report. Tanzania is implementing temperature screening for passengers on arrival. If you show symptoms of COVID-19, you may undergo screening and a test for coronavirus followed by a 14-day self-isolation. (This requirement may change. Please stay connected with us for updates). Also, check our blog ‘Is Tanzania affected by Corona Virus?’ for more details on the current situation of Tanzania.

If you are considering a trip to Tanzania, we are providing a discount of $500 for trips booked until November 30.

Tibet and Bhutan tours have been kept on hold until further information from the respective country officials. With an exception to certain regions that have been declared unsafe to travel by the WHO concerning COVID-19 outbreak or are locked down due to second wave of Coronavirus such as the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Russia, all our trips in the Nepal Himalayas and Kilimanjaro Climb are continuing to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recently, we have been receiving a lot of inquiries regarding traveling due to the ongoing coronavirus situations. For your convenience, we have accumulated answers to these questions below:

What to expect during the trip?

The world is gradually opening for tourism yet the fear of contamination and spread of the virus still exists. So, it is natural for the government and all the stakeholders to proceed with utmost precautions. During a trip all the travelers should be prepared for the following:

● All flights will be operated by following special health and safety protocols.
● All visitors may need to carry a certificate confirming that they are not infected with the coronavirus.
● All foreign visitors will be exposed to a thermal-gun temperature check on arrival at the airports as well as all important entry points in most places like hotels, banks, shopping malls, hospitals, etc. If you show any signs of being infected by the coronavirus, you will be checked by an expert medical team and advised accordingly.
● You may be advised to undergo a test for COVID-19 and if tested negative, you will be expected to stay in self-isolation or follow the standard protocols of the particular country.
● All Himalayan Glacier staff including mountain leaders and the whole crew will wear masks including the hotel staff where you will be residing.
● You will be required to carry hand sanitizer and masks with you all the time and maintain physical distancing while interacting with people.
● You will be expected to be in regular contact with the trekking office to know ground situations, even when you are on the trip.
● You shall do your shopping only from local shops where safety guidelines are being adhered.

We recognize your concerns about COVID-19 and are providing high-level support through safety protocols recommended by our medical advisors and have included emergency assistance for any guest who falls ill during travel.

What happens if the country undergoes another wave of the coronavirus outbreak?

You will be only traveling to countries where the government has officially allowed international commute. So if the country has to restrict travel again, the government will provide a specific protocol allowing the tourists to safely return to their homeland. For Himalayan Glacier clients, we will ensure your safe return during any contingencies.

What about my bookings if the travel restrictions take place before I take the trip?

You will easily be able to cancel your bookings without any cancellation fees if you change your mind any time before starting the trip. Book a trip with Himalayan Glacier for hassle-free cancellation or changes in the trip. Book now and stay relaxed!

Travel advisories

We have mentioned a few travel advisories below. Please stay updated and consult with your local advisories if you plan on making your travel in a few days. Do check all the entry and exit requirements as these requirements are changing frequently.

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