Innovation Asia-Pacific Symposium

Greetings from Nepal!

Congratulations on being selected to participate in the upcoming Innovations Asia Pacific Symposium 2009 to be held in Nepal from May 4 to May 7, 2009. This document has been prepared to provide you with a brief overview of Nepal and important information regarding your travel and stay here in order to facilitate a smooth visit. The information here has been updated recently but where necessary, web links and contact information are provided so that you can get the latest information. If you have any query related to your travel and stay here, please do contact us.

Nepal is situation between China in the North and India in the South with over 23 million people. Its capital Kathmandu is located approximately in the middle of the country within the Kathmandu Valley along with adjoining cities like Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.  For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal Travelling You can fly directly to Kathmandu from a large number of major cities across Asia, Middle East and Europe. If you are travelling by Air, you will most likely fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Here are a few points to make your arrival easier:

• Customs

• Note: Import

• Visa

• Foreign Currency and Credit Cards

• Climate

• Hotel Accommodation

• Immunisation

Customs

All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the port of entry. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

Note: Import

Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarette (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). This is enforced at the Airport and excess will be seized.

Visa

Visa requirement in Nepal is quite strict. The following matrix will explain the requirements for different National:

For more information: http://www.immi.gov.np/index.php The information compiled above is recent and updated but this has to be checked against the updated visa requirements. Please find and contact the nearest Embassy, Consulate or diplomatic mission for Nepal listed in the following link: http://www.immi.gov.np/location.php For those who are going to apply for a Visa upon arrival, please have the following items/ documents ready:

• Passport with minimum 6 months validity
• 2 recent passport size photos
• USD 25 or equivalent in convertible currency (Note: Please have cash ready in exact change preferably in USD. Also, there is limited or no provision for the use of credit cards or travelers check to pay Visa Fees)
• Invitation letter from IAPS organizing committee
• Return ticket

The passenger while departure has to pay TIA Airport Tax of NRs.1356 to SAARC countries and NRs.1695 to all other International destinations. At the time of arrival, usually the taxes are collected in tickets prior.

Foreign Currency and Credit Cards

Payment in hotels, travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Credit cards like American Express, Master and Visa are widely accepted at major hotels, shops, and restaurants. Remember to keep your Foreign Exchange Encashment Receipt while making foreign exchange payments or transferring foreign currency into Nepalese rupees. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into hard currency before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM is widely in use in Kathmandu.  Please do not bring Indian Currency in the denominations of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000. Otherwise, IC is widely accepted.Exchangeable currencies are: Indian Rupees, U.S. dollar, European euro, UK pound sterling, Swiss franc, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Singapore dollar, Japanese yen, Chinese renminbi (Yuan), Saudi Arabian riyal, Qatari riyal, Thai baht, UAE Dirham, Malaysian ringgit. Buying only: Swedish Krone, Danish Krone and Hong Kong dollar. The day's current exchange range can be accessed at: http://www.nrb.org.np/fxmexchangerate1.php?YY=&&MM=&&DD

Climate

Spring from March to May, is warm with light rain showers. It will be fairly warm so pack summer clothes. Unexpected rains during these months make the day time slightly more humid and evening cooler. You will need an umbrella or raincoat if you plan to walk in the morning or evenings.

For information about the climate, cultures and events of Nepal log on to: http://www.welcomenepal.com

Hotel Accommodation

The IAP Symposium 2009 will be hosted at Hotel Everest, a five star Hotel situated next to the country's modern International Convention Centre and close to the Airport. The Hotel does have a fitness center and a swimming pool which will be made available for the participants for their use.

The hotel will provide airport transfers hence it is important to communicate with the local organizing committee in regards to your travel plans. As the reservations are under a group-booking, we encourage you to contact us directly if you have any special requirements or needs. Please contact Moon Pradhan at Practical Action on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For information about the hotel log on to: Â http://www.theeveresthotel.com

Immunisation

Nepal does not specify the need for immunisation before arrival into the country. Hoowever, before visiting Nepal, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)

To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.

Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in Nepal, the government requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to one of these countries where yellow fever is present before arriving in Nepal, this requirement must be taken into consideration. You may need an International Certificate of Vaccination to prove you have been immunised.

For more information on health issues when traveling to Nepal, please refer to http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx