MFA advises Singaporeans to defer non-essential travel to Nepal amid protests
Singaporeans in Nepal are advised to remain vigilant and avoid large crowds and areas affected by demonstrations, the ministry said.
Flames rise from the burning Singha Durbar office complex that houses the Nepali prime minister's office and other ministries during a curfew in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sep 9, 2025. (Photo: Reuters/Navesh Chitrakar)
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SINGAPORE: Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans to defer non-essential travel to Nepal amid protests that have left at least 19 dead.
Describing it as an "uncertain and volatile situation", it said that Singaporeans who are already in the country should remain vigilant and avoid large crowds and areas affected by demonstrations.
"They should also monitor the local news closely and heed the instructions of local authorities," it added in its updated travel advisory on Tuesday (Sep 9).
At least 19 people were killed on Monday when police dispersed young demonstrators in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. They were demanding that the government lift a social media ban and tackle corruption.
Despite the government rolling back its order and mobile apps returning online on Tuesday, protests continued and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was forced to resign.
The unrest is the worst in decades in the Himalayan country.
MFA said in its advisory that there are reports of violence and casualties, and wide-ranging curfews have been imposed across Kathmandu as of Tuesday.
Tribhuvan International Airport in the city was also closed on Tuesday.
Two Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights between Singapore and Kathmandu – SQ 442 and SQ 441 – on Tuesday were cancelled.
SIA said on its website that customers affected by the flight cancellations will be placed on alternative flights or they may seek a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket.
"As the situation remains fluid, other SIA flights between Singapore and Nepal may be affected," the airline stated.
Nepal is home to some of the world's most popular trekking trails, including Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit.
Tour agents who spoke to CNA on Tuesday advised travellers to defer travel to Nepal in the short term.
On Wednesday afternoon, one agent, Ms Joanne Soo, director at Ace Adventure Expeditions, said that the company had received one postponement from a customer following MFA's advisory.
"As a company, we align with MFA's guidance and place the safety of our clients as a top priority," she said.
Ms Soo added that the company has contingency measures in place should adjustments to itineraries become necessary.
She said that trekkers are also advised to secure comprehensive travel insurance to protect themselves and to also e-register with MFA before their trip.
Trekking operations in the mountain regions of Nepal are continuing, and the company's partners and guides there remain in close communication to support trekkers, Ms Soo said.
Full trekking season in Nepal will usually begin in October, she added.
"We will continue to monitor developments closely and stay engaged with our trekkers who are planning to trek and climb next month," she said.
"Nepal has always shown resilience through challenges, and we continue to prepare for the upcoming season with the safety and well-being of our trekkers at the forefront."
Mr Ganga B Budhathoki, founder of Brothers International Tours and Trading, said his company is closely monitoring developments in the country. The tour agency specialises in Nepal tours.
He said the company does not have immediate groups travelling to the country because it is the monsoon season. There have also been no cancellations of any scheduled trips.
"Such demonstrations have occurred in the past as well and they typically settle down quickly," Mr Budhathoki said, noting that trekking season begins in early October.
He also said he is confident that "everything will be back to normal in the coming days" and that his brothers in Nepal shared the same sentiments.
Mr Timothy Heng, founder of an expedition company, The Outside, said it currently does not have any expeditions scheduled in Nepal.
"Even though it's August, the peak trekking season hasn't started yet. Last year's late winter also shifted the usual seasonal patterns, so this period is a little bit early for trekking," he added.
Guides working with the company had told them about the app bans and "communication challenges" even before the news broke internationally.
"The situation could either calm down or escalate, and until it stabilises, travellers should give the country and its people space to resolve their domestic issues.
"The mountains will always be there, there's no need to rush," he added.
