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The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in New Delhi informs all Filipinos presently in Nepal and Bhutan of the following actions and protocols being undertaken by the Governments of Nepal and Bhutan in their respective efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

NEPAL

1. Nationwide Lockdown from 24 to 31 March 2020

The Government of Nepal strictly prohibits its citizens from coming out of their houses, except those involved in essential services. All government services will be suspended, except those related to daily essentials. Public transportation and domestic air flights are cancelled.

Anyone defying the government order will be booked under the Infectious Disease Control Act. According to the Act, violators are liable for a jail term of a month or Rs. 100 fine, or with both.

2. Travel restrictions

  1. a)The Government of Nepal has decided to temporaryshut down its visa services from 22 March to 03 April 2020.

  1. b)The Government of Nepal has decided to enforce the following decisions, directions, and precautionary measures which into effect from 12:00 hrs midnight (Nepal Standard Time) on 14 March 2020 until 30 April 2020.

  1. Visa-on-arrival facility for all foreigners has been suspended for aforementioned period.
  2. All foreigners with a prior valid visa of Nepal have to submit a swab test PCR health certificate issued maximum 7 days before their arrival date to Nepal and must be submitted at the immigration office Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
  3. Any foreign nationals including Non-Residents Nepalese willing to visit Nepal for compelling reasons may contact Nepali diplomatic missions abroad. A recent swab test PCR health certificate issued maximum 7 days before their arrival to Nepal is mandatory along with visa application and it has to be submitted at the immigration office TIA.
  4. On-arrival-visa (Gratis) facility granted to Non-Resident Nepalese card holders is also suspended for the aforementioned period.
  5. All foreign nationals entering since 14 March 2020 are subjected to stay in self-quarantine and Nepali nationals including Non-Residents Nepalese are subjected to stay in home quarantine for 14 days from the date of their arrival.
  6. Foreigners with diplomatic and official visa entering Nepal for the first tome or travelling back to Nepal are subjected to stay in self quarantine for 14 days.
  7. Foreigners with business, study, and working visa travelling back to Nepal are subjected to stay in self-quarantine for 14 days.
  8. All Nepali nationals residing abroad are requested to avoid non-essential travel and are urged to follow precautionary measures.
  9. All the land ports of entry in Nepal remain closed for arrival in Nepal during the aforementioned period to the foreigners from third countries and are requested to use Tribhuvan International Airport only.
  10. All the permits for mountaineering expeditions issued, and to be used for spring 2020 season are suspended.

In visa questions, Filipino nationals are encouraged to please contact the Department of Immigration at +977-1-4438862 from 10:00hrs to 17:00 hrs (Sunday to Friday) and visit its official website at nepalimmigration.gov.np for updated travel advisories.

BHUTAN

1. Online Public Services Delivery

Starting 27 March 2020, the Royal Government of Bhutan will offer online services for tour operators, tour guides, hoteliers, and the general public.

Filipino nationals are requested to visit the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s website at https://www.tourism.gov.bt/announcements/online-public-services-delivery/, for detailed information.

2. Travel Restrictions

The Royal Government of Bhutan has imposed a two-week restrictions on all incoming tourists with effect from 05 March 2020 until further notice.

Re-entry of all foreigners holding valid visa, work permits and other immigration permits travelling to Bhutan from any COVID-19 affected countries or if they have visited or transited through COVID-19 affected countries has been suspended by the Royal Government of Bhutan until further notice.

Starting 6:00am of 23 March 2020, all international border crossings have been closed until further notice with the following exceptions:

  1. Bhutanese arriving at border crossings shall be allowed to enter the country subject to medical screening followed by a mandatory two-week quarantine at a designated facility;
  2. Foreigners will be allowed to exit Bhutan;
  3. Only authorized vehicles carrying essential items like food, medicines, and fuel will be permitted to cross the border. All incoming persons will be medically screened and quarantined, where applicable.

Filipino nationals are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs’ website at http://www.mohca.gov.bt/ and Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website at https://www.mfa.gov.bt/ for the updated travel advisories.

The Philippine Embassy in New Delhi may also be contacted at its official email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or through the Embassy’s ATN number +919910797014.

For information and guidance.