Australia has warned its citizens against travelling to Nepal as the Himalayan nation grapples with violent unrest, political uncertainty.
The SmartTraveller advisory came after anti-corruption demonstrations in the capital Kathmandu spiralled into chaos, leaving at least 19 people dead.
Protesters stormed the national parliament, setting parts of the building on fire, while the prime minister resigned without a clear successor.
Flights Disrupted, Security Tightened
Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, which was briefly closed during the height of the protests, has since reopened.Some airlines have resumed operations, but services remain disrupted and subject to cancellation at short notice.
The Australian advisory strongly cautions against travelling to the airport unless passengers have confirmed bookings and can reach it safely.
“The situation may deteriorate without warning,” the advisory said.
Travellers are advised to shelter in place, avoid protests and demonstrations, and follow curfews imposed by authorities.
Military checkpoints have been established across Kathmandu Valley and other major cities, creating long delays and complicating movement.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed Australia’s concern on social media, pressing all parties to exercise restraint and offering condolences to those killed and injured.
Diaspora Marches For Peace
The crisis has also reverberated among Nepalese communities in Australia.The Australia–Nepal Friendship Society described the unrest as the result of “years of poor governance, corruption and a lack of accountability.”
“There is a sense of grief and frustration, particularly as young lives have been lost in the struggle for justice and reform,” President Niraj Gauli said.
A vigil was held in Canberra on Sept. 11, where members of the community called for peace, accountability and genuine political reform in Nepal.
Despite the violence, some in the tourism sector remain cautiously optimistic.
Seane Pieper, founder of Himalayan Guiding Australia, noted that during past uprisings, tourists were rarely targeted.
“Historically, it’s not as catastrophic as people might think,” he said.
Still, with political uncertainty and widespread anger spilling onto the streets, Australia’s advice is clear: travel to Nepal should be avoided until the situation stabilises.
