FBOs at Tribhuvan International Airport VNKT KTM

Airport security

Kathmandu carries an elevated security profile underpinned by three concurrent risk categories.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Nepal, citing civil unrest as the primary driver; while the large-scale demonstrations of late 2025 have subsided, spontaneous protests in urban areas including Kathmandu can still arise with little warning and have the potential to turn violent.

A credible terrorism risk persists, with authorities and the UK FCDO noting that indiscriminate attacks cannot be ruled out in locations frequented by foreign nationals, alongside an elevated exposure to targeted financial scams and street-level crime in the capital.

Tribhuvan International Airport is Nepal's principal international gateway and sole major hub, operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal under government ownership.

No formal ICAO security tier classification for the facility is publicly available; however, as a designated international hub subject to CAAN oversight, the airport maintains a multi-agency security posture that integrates Nepal Police, Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, specialist narcotic and canine units, a Special Response Team, and dedicated explosive detection and disposal capability.

Passengers should note that standard LAGs restrictions apply at screening points, and the broader regulatory environment at CAAN — which the EU has flagged for oversight deficiencies — warrants awareness of variable and evolving compliance standards across airport operations.

Customs, immigration and regulatory

• Hours: Customs and immigration services are aligned with flight operations during published operational windows
• no independent H24 customs capability confirmed. Immigration office administrative hours on record as 0900–1700 LT on working days
• operational immigration counters activate on flight schedules within the operational window. Green and Red channel customs in the international arrivals hall
• passengers with dutiable goods must use the Red channel. Visa on arrival available for most nationalities
• select nationalities require advance visa from a Nepalese diplomatic mission.

Ground corridor

Ground transport risk in Kathmandu is characterised primarily by traffic safety hazards and residual civil unrest risk, with road conditions generally poor, traffic poorly regulated, and driving standards variable — factors that make independent surface movement materially more hazardous than in comparable regional capitals.

Government and civic districts within Kathmandu city have historically been focal points for political demonstrations that can develop with little warning and temporarily disrupt road access; travellers should avoid these corridors during periods of heightened political activity.

Pre-arranged vehicles with vetted professional drivers are strongly advised over unvetted kerbside solicitation; airport-issued prepaid voucher taxis from the designated booth in the international arrivals area are the minimum acceptable option for unaccompanied travellers, while pre-arranged meet-and-greet transfers with a ground support team provide the highest assurance.

There are no active armed-conflict zone designations or OFAC sanctions applicable to Nepal that would constitute a movement restriction at this time.

City threat summary

Kathmandu carries an elevated security profile underpinned by three concurrent risk categories.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Nepal, citing civil unrest as the primary driver; while the large-scale demonstrations of late 2025 have subsided, spontaneous protests in urban areas including Kathmandu can still arise with little warning and have the potential to turn violent.

A credible terrorism risk persists, with authorities and the UK FCDO noting that indiscriminate attacks cannot be ruled out in locations frequented by foreign nationals, alongside an elevated exposure to targeted financial scams and street-level crime in the capital.

Country overview

Nepal's overall security environment has stabilized following the conclusion of nationwide demonstrations that began in September 2025, with the U.S. Department of State maintaining a Level 2 advisory reflecting improved but still cautionary conditions.

The most acute current threat is a major natural disaster: a flash flood through the Bhotekoshi corridor on 26 August 2026 destroyed the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, critical road infrastructure across multiple districts, and significant energy assets, with a substantial confirmed death toll and a very large number of persons still listed as missing.

The new RSP-led government under Prime Minister Balendra Shah, in office since late March 2026, faces its first major crisis management test as it responds to the disaster while managing a reform agenda with limited upper-chamber support.

Higher-risk locations nearby

• Kathmandu VNKT ELEVATED
• Nepalgunj VNNG ELEVATED