Singaporeans advised to defer non-essential travel to Nepal amid protests: MFA
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Demonstrators celebrating after entering the Parliament complex in Kathmandu on Sept 9.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans to defer non-essential travel to Nepal after widespread protests broke out there.
In a travel advisory on Sept 9, it also advised Singaporeans in Nepal to remain vigilant and to avoid large crowds and areas affected by demonstrations.
“Kathmandu is experiencing widespread protests that started on Sept 8. There are reports of violence and casualties, and wide-ranging curfews have been imposed across the city as at Sept 9,” said MFA.
Violent demonstrations have rocked Nepal over a social media ban
The protests, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli
Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Sept 10 cancelled flights to and from Kathmandu for a second day. On Sept 9 and 10, Flight SQ442 departing Singapore for Kathmandu at 6.50pm, and Flight SQ441 departing Kathmandu for Singapore at 10.50pm local time, were cancelled.
SIA apologised for the inconvenience and said customers affected by the flight cancellations will be accommodated on alternative flights or can seek a full refund of the unused portion of their tickets.
“As the situation remains fluid, other SIA flights between Singapore and Nepal may be affected,” SIA added.
Kathmandu’s airport resumed operations later on Sept 10.
Nepal is popular among travellers for trekking.
Singapore-based Ace Adventure Expeditions, which organises such treks, received one postponement after MFA’s advisory on Nepal, said the company’s director Joanne Soo.
She said trekking operations in the mountain regions are continuing, with a team expected to travel to Nepal on Sept 17, if all goes as planned.
“Our local partners and guides remain in close communication to support trekkers,” added Ms Soo.
She said there are contingency measures, including rerouting and rescheduling, should adjustments to itineraries become necessary.
“The full trekking season in Nepal will usually begin in October. We will continue to monitor developments closely and stay engaged with our trekkers who are planning to trek and climb next month.”
MFA has advised Singaporeans in Nepal to monitor the local news closely and to heed the instructions of the local authorities.
Singaporeans in Nepal who need consular assistance should contact the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi on its 24-hour duty mobile phone number +91-981-020-3595 or on its landline +91-11-4600-0800, said MFA.
Singaporeans in Nepal, or those travelling there, are strongly encouraged to eRegister with MFA at this link
They are also encouraged to buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage, said MFA.
