The political turmoil in Nepal has quickly escalated into riots, prompting many countries to issue emergency warnings, advising their citizens to postpone or cancel their trips. The clashes have caused casualties, paralyzed Tribhuvan International Airport, stranded hundreds of tourists and plunged the tourism industry - the main source of foreign exchange for this South Asian country - into crisis.
The ban on 26 social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X and YouTube has sparked large-scale protests in Nepal
Several hospitals have reported deaths due to the escalation of violence.
The unrest is rooted in deep-rooted grievances in Nepali 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 from September 4. The ban has not only been seen as an act of censorship but has also raised concerns about rampant corruption within the government.
Tensions peaked on September 8, when tens of thousands of people, mostly Gen Z, took to the streets.
The escalating unrest and violent protests in Nepal have prompted countries including Israel and India to issue emergency travel warnings.
The protests, which started as small rallies, quickly spread and turned into violent confrontations in major urban areas, especially in the capital Kathmandu. Tensions reached a boiling point on September 8, when tens of thousands of people, mostly Gen Z, took to the streets. Violent clashes broke out, turning the rallies into riots, forcing police to use live ammunition to suppress them. According to reports, on September 8 alone, at least 20 people were killed and hundreds more were injured, making it one of the bloodiest days in Nepal’s history. By midday on September 10, the death toll had risen to at least 22 and more than 200 injured, causing concern in the international community.
The protests that erupted in Nepal stemmed from widespread discontent over a range of issues, including the government's controversial ban on social media and growing concerns about rampant corruption, according to AP.
In response to the unrest, the Nepalese government imposed a curfew in the capital Kathmandu and deployed troops to control the streets. The tight security measures have paralyzed daily life, especially tourism.
Protesters attacked security forces, and police began using live ammunition against the crowds.
Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal’s only air gateway, was closed due to “adverse conditions” and smoke billowing near the runway, leading to a number of international flights being cancelled or diverted to neighboring countries such as India. Hundreds of tourists, including those planning popular trekking trips such as Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, were stranded at the airport or had to rush to change their itinerary in panic.
MFA assessed the situation in Nepal as "volatile and unpredictable", advising Singaporeans in the country to be vigilant, avoid large gatherings, closely monitor local news and follow instructions.
The unrest has not only made travel difficult, but has also led to the cancellation of many city tours, trekking and mountain climbing, directly threatening Nepal's important source of foreign currency during the peak tourist season from September to November. International travel companies have been forced to temporarily suspend tours to Nepal until the security situation is assured, while warning that the political crisis could last, seriously affecting the entire tourist season later this year.
However, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal confirmed on 10 September 2025 that operations at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu would resume after a temporary suspension due to “exceptional circumstances”. Earlier in the day, an official notice from the Authority asked passengers not to come to the airport until the reopening was confirmed.
In a statement, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal explained, “Based on the decision taken at today’s meeting of the Tribhuvan International Airport Security Committee, we have decided to resume flights. Air passengers are requested to contact their airlines to confirm their flight schedules before arriving at the airport. Additionally, all passengers are required to carry their official flight tickets and valid identification documents while traveling.”
The French Foreign Ministry has called on people to "exercise extreme vigilance" and "postpone any plans to travel to Nepal until the situation improves"
In the face of the deteriorating security situation, several countries have issued urgent travel advisories. Israel, one of the major tourist destinations in Nepal, has issued a clear warning, advising its citizens to avoid travelling to Nepal due to the unsafe environment. Those already in Nepal have been asked to stay indoors, away from crowds and public demonstrations until the situation improves. Similarly, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also expressed its deep concern, advising its citizens to exercise caution and postpone all non-essential travel. The MEA has activated emergency helplines to assist stranded Indian citizens.
The chaotic situation in Nepal has many people worried.
In addition to Israel and India, 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) has advised its citizens to postpone non-essential travel, while the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned its citizens to avoid crowded areas and to closely monitor local news. The US Embassy in Nepal has advised visitors to stay in place and avoid all travel except in cases of emergency. The Canadian government has also asked its citizens in Nepal to stay away from protests and follow all instructions from local authorities. These advisories not only reflect the governments' concerns but also serve as a serious warning to international travelers about the risks that exist in Nepal.
While Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation on September 9 could be seen as a step towards political change, the underlying issues that led to the protests, such as the social media ban and corruption, remain unresolved.
According to experts, if the situation is not controlled soon, it may take years for Nepal to restore the confidence of international tourists. The image of a friendly and safe country, which has been a big advantage of Nepal in the tourism industry, is seriously damaged. The consecutive travel warnings from many major countries are an important reminder for everyone to be extremely cautious and to return to Nepal only when the security situation has completely improved.
