Nearly 10,000 U.S. Tourists Visited Nepal in September Despite Violence and ‘Reconsider Travel’ Advisory

Despite protests, violence, political turmoil, and travel advisories, nearly 10,000 U.S. tourists visited Nepal in September. A total of 78,711 foreign tourists entered Nepal in September 2025, and of those, 9,679 arrived from the United States, according to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

While this is an increase of 3,611 U.S. tourists compared to the August arrivals, it is fewer than the 10,084 U.S. tourists who visited in September of the previous year (2024).

The high number of American tourists in September has been attributed to Nepali Americans who had already booked tickets to visit Nepal for the Hindu festival of Dashain, as well as other travelers who chose not to cancel their pre-booked trips.

However, a breakdown is not available regarding how many American tourists visited Nepal before and after the protests on September 8 and 9. Following the demonstrations and violence on these dates, the United States issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to “reconsider travel” to Nepal.

Following recent protests and violence in Nepal, the U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory from Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). A Level 4 advisory indicates a complete travel ban.

The advisory cites civil unrest (U), noting that the protests caused deaths and injuries, with the potential for further demonstrations and curfews with little warning. The U.S. advisory highlights Nepal’s limited capacity to respond to emergencies, potential delays in services, and reports of fires at some hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara during the unrest. Travelers are urged to prepare for emergencies without relying on U.S. government assistance.

U.S. citizens are advised to follow local authorities’ instructions, avoid areas with protests or large gatherings, and confirm travel plans with airlines before heading to the airport. The advisory recommends first-time or frequent travelers purchase travel insurance and verify coverage for evacuation, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations.

Historically, Nepal has typically been under a Level 2 advisory, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. An advisory with a “U” (Unrest) risk indicator is issued for ongoing political, economic, or ethnic instability that could lead to violence or significant disruptions.

The total number of tourists from worldwide is also 18.3% lower compared to the previous September (2024), when 96,302 tourists visited Nepal. In the preceding month of August, Nepal saw the arrival of 88,680 tourists.

Among the top contributing nations in September, India led the count with 15,556 tourists, followed by the United States at 9,679. Other major sources included China with 5,237 arrivals, Sri Lanka with 3,015, and Bangladesh with 2,230. In August, India accounted for a massive 40% of all tourists (35,505 arrivals), but in September, protests, violence, and political turmoil may have discouraged them from visiting Nepal.

The U.S. issues four advisory levels: Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), and Level 4 (Do Not Travel).