Six months after civil unrest broke out in the country, the Australian Government has lowered its travel advice level for Nepal.
In an update issued late on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) announced that it had changed its advice for the South Asian nation to “Exercise a high degree of caution” – or level two (the second lowest alert level).
“Following the civil unrest in 2025, the security situation in Nepal has stabilised,” it states on its Smartraveller website.
“We’ve reviewed our travel advice and we’ve lowered the level of our advice. We now advise exercise a high degree of caution overall due to the risk of civil unrest and natural disasters.”
While the official advice has been relaxed, DFAT still warns Aussies that “protests are common” and that general strikes could still occur.
“Don’t visit government buildings during political unrest or use a vehicle during strikes as it may be a target,” it adds.
“Don’t participate in public protests as it would breach your visa conditions and you could be arrested and deported.”
Six-month journey
In September 2025, a ban on social media platforms sparked protests in Nepal, resulting in numerous deaths. Government buildings and politicians’ homes were set ablaze, streets were blocked, and some of the country’s leaders were even attacked. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also resigned during the protests.
Travellers were impacted by curfews in major cities and the Kathmandu Valley, while the country’s main gateway, Tribhuvan International Airport, was closed, with all passenger flights into and out of the country cancelled. And although the airport reopened several days later, the Australian government’s travel advice for the country remained at level three (“Reconsider your need to travel”).
As the gateway to the Himalayas, Nepal is normally a popular destination for travellers, particularly adventurers and hikers. But its attractions extend beyond its trails to its temples and even wildlife.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Nepal’s downgrade to level two should help restore traveller confidence. For travel advisors, that usually means enquiries return. Adventure travel remains Nepal’s sweet spot, but clients will still need careful briefings around protests and disruptions.
