KATHMANDU: The US Embassy in Nepal has updated its travel advisory for Nepal, urging its citizens not to travel to the Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syafrubesi area of Rasuwa district, including the Nepal-China border crossing, due to dangerous conditions following the major flood of August 26, 2026.
According to the updated advisory, the area remains risky due to flood damage, disrupted transportation and communication services, ongoing search-and-rescue and recovery operations, and the possibility of further floods and landslides.
The US has placed the affected area under Level 4: Do Not Travel, its highest travel warning.
The advisory said communities along the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers are among the affected areas. US citizens have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, low-lying areas, damaged bridges and unstable slopes and to follow evacuation orders and safety instructions issued by Nepali authorities.
The US government has also warned its citizens not to enter the disaster-affected area independently to search for missing persons or travel there for any other reason.
Caution advised over civil unrest
For Nepal as a whole, the US has maintained a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory due to the risk of civil unrest.
The advisory said nationwide demonstrations that began in September 2025 have stopped and the overall security situation is currently stable. However, demonstrations and localized unrest could still occur, particularly in urban areas.
According to the advisory, protests can begin with little warning and may quickly turn violent. US citizens have therefore been urged to avoid demonstrations and large crowds and follow instructions from local authorities.
Limited emergency and medical services
The US government has also cautioned that Nepal’s emergency and medical services have limited capacity to provide routine and emergency care.
Hospitals in Kathmandu generally have better facilities than those in other parts of the country, but they can be overcrowded, may lack certain equipment or medicines, and often require payment before treatment. The Government of Nepal does not cover medical expenses for foreign nationals.
The advisory recommends that US citizens carry necessary medicines, obtain travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation, and be prepared to travel to another country for treatment in the event of serious medical problems.
Warning over natural disasters
The US government said Nepal regularly experiences earthquakes, floods and landslides. Earthquakes can occur suddenly with little warning, including in the Kathmandu Valley.
It also warned that heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from June to September can trigger flash floods and landslides, potentially blocking roads, damaging buildings and making emergency assistance difficult.
Advice for US citizens traveling to Nepal
The US government has advised its citizens traveling to Nepal to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and emergency alerts from the US Embassy or Consulate.
It has also urged travelers to review the Country Security Report for Nepal, monitor local media for breaking news, remain prepared to adjust their travel plans, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
The advisory further recommends that travelers check the latest health information for Nepal from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), review the International Travel Checklist, and purchase travel insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation and trip cancellation.
US citizens have also been advised to ensure their insurance policy includes medical evacuation coverage.
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