Travel to Nepal is advised to be postponed due to riots, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.

Political instability in Nepal quickly escalated into riots, prompting many countries to issue emergency warnings and advise citizens to postpone or cancel travel. The clashes resulted in casualties, paralyzed Tribhuvan International Airport, stranded hundreds of tourists, and plunged the tourism industry – a major source of foreign exchange for this South Asian nation – into crisis.

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The source of this wave of unrest stems from deep-seated grievances within Nepalese society. According to international news agencies such as AP and Reuters, the main cause is public opposition to the government's controversial social media ban, which took effect on September 4th. This ban is not only seen as an act of censorship but also raises concerns about rampant corruption within the government apparatus.

The protests, initially small marches, quickly escalated into violent confrontations in major urban areas, particularly in the capital Kathmandu. Tensions peaked on September 8th, when tens of thousands of people, mostly Gen Z, took to the streets. Fierce clashes ensued, turning the marches into riots and forcing police to use live ammunition to quell the unrest. According to reports, at least 20 people were killed and hundreds more injured on September 8th alone, making it one of the bloodiest days in Nepal's history. By midday on September 10th, the death toll had risen to at least 22 and over 200 injured, causing widespread international concern.

To cope with the unrest, the Nepalese government imposed a curfew in the capital Kathmandu and deployed the army to control the streets. These tightened security measures paralyzed daily life, particularly tourism.

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal's only air gateway, was closed due to "adverse conditions" and smoke near the runway, leading to the cancellation or diversion of numerous international flights to neighboring countries such as India. Hundreds of tourists, including those planning popular trekking trips like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, were stranded at the airport or had to hastily change their itineraries in anxiety.

This instability not only makes travel difficult but also leads to the cancellation of many city tours, trekking, and mountain climbing trips, directly threatening Nepal's crucial foreign exchange earnings during the peak tourist season from September to November. International travel companies have been forced to suspend tours to Nepal until security is assured, while warning that the political crisis could be prolonged, severely impacting the entire year-end tourist season.

However, the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on September 10, 2025, that operations at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu would resume after a temporary suspension due to "exceptional circumstances." Earlier that day, an official announcement from the Authority had requested passengers not to go to the airport until the reopening was confirmed.

In its statement, the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority explained: “Based on the decision made at today’s meeting of the Tribhuvan International Airport Security Committee, we have decided to resume flights. Air passengers are requested to contact their airline to confirm their flight schedule before arriving at the airport. Additionally, all passengers are required to carry their official airline tickets and valid identification documents when traveling.”

Amidst the deteriorating security situation, many countries have issued urgent travel advisories. Israel, a major source of tourists to Nepal, has issued a clear warning, advising its citizens to avoid Nepal due to the unsafe environment. Those already in Nepal are urged to stay indoors and avoid crowds and public demonstrations until the situation improves. Similarly, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern, advising its citizens to exercise caution and postpone any non-essential travel. The MEA has activated emergency helplines to assist stranded Indian citizens.

Not only Israel and India, but a number of other countries such as Singapore, the US, the UK, France, Australia, and Canada have also issued similar advisories. The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) advised citizens to postpone non-essential travel, while the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) warned citizens to avoid crowded areas and closely monitor local news. The US Embassy in Nepal advised travelers to stay put and avoid all travel except in emergencies. The Canadian government also urged its citizens in Nepal to stay away from protests and follow all instructions from local authorities. These advisories not only reflect the concerns of the governments but also serve as a serious warning to international travelers about the inherent risks in Nepal.

Although Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation on September 9th may be seen as a step toward political change, the underlying issues that fueled the protests, such as the social media ban and corruption, remain unresolved.

According to experts, if the situation is not brought under control soon, it could take Nepal years to restore the trust of international tourists. The image of a friendly and safe country, a major advantage for Nepal in the tourism industry, is being severely damaged. The repeated travel warnings from many major countries serve as an important reminder to everyone to exercise extreme caution and only return to Nepal when the security situation has fully improved.

Khanh Linh