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Republic of Maldives
The islands of the Maldives have long been popular vacation
sites. Diplomatic relations are maintained and consular services
are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In
emergencies, there is a U.S. consular agent on the capital island
of Male (for address, ask at a resort or hotel) who can help travelers
communicate with the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. A no-fee visa for
a tourist visit of up to 30 days is issued upon arrival at the
airport. Foreign currency may be taken in or out of the Maldives
without restriction. Pork foodstuffs and alcohol may not be imported.
Nepal
Nepal is a popular adventure tourism destination; over 20,000
Americans visit Nepal each year. A tourist visa valid for up to
60 days is issued at ports of entry upon arrival. Visas can be
routinely extended in Kathmandu and Pokhara for stays of up to
four months; a fifth month requires special approval. Penalties
for overstaying a visa may include fines and imprisonment. Nepalese
customs laws, particularly those forbidding smuggling of drugs,
gold, and foreign currency, are strictly enforced. The penalty
for smuggling is a stiff fine and/or a prison sentence. Travelers
should take adequate funds in the form of travelers checks. It
is difficult to obtain additional funds through bank transfers
and, except at major Kathmandu hotels, credit cards are rarely
accepted.
Trekking is very popular in Nepal. Tourists are cautioned to
obtain a trekking permit from the Central Immigration Office,
to avoid trekking alone, to be alert for signs of altitude sickness,
and to obtain a meningococcal meningitis vaccination if trekking
outside the Kathmandu Valley. Those wishing to climb the high
peaks should write for permission to the Ministry of Tourism to
the attention of the mountaineering division, well in advance
of planned expeditions. Travelers should note that there are no
forms of international communication in rural areas. In the event
of an emergency, the U.S. Embassy may assist Americans in contacting
family or friends.
Americans planning to travel from Nepal to Tibet should be aware
that Chinese authorities strictly regulate such trips. Additional
information is contained in the Consular Information Sheet on
China and in Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of
China. Travelers can also contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu
for current information on the status of the border crossing points.
Pakistan
In March 1995, a shuttle carrying employees of the U.S. Consulate
General in Karachi was attacked by unknown assailants. Two American
employees were killed. At the time of publication, the State Department
had no knowledge of any specific credible threats to U.S. citizens.
However, all travelers are urged to exercise prudent security
precautions. Sectarian and factional violence has increased in
Pakistan. Karachi remains the center of politically-motivated
killings. During the Islamic religious observances of Ramadan
and Moharram (the exact date for each holiday varies each year),
sectarian rivalry and violence often increase.
A visa must be obtained before arrival; travelers should specifically
request multiple-entry visas, and must obtain an exit permit if
they stay more than 30 days. Pakistan is an Islamic country, and
visitors must respect Islamic standards of behavior. Travelers
(especially women) should dress modestly, i.e., wear clothes with
high necks and long sleeves and not wear shorts. Woman are advised
not to travel alone in rural areas. The import, manufacture, and
consumption of alcohol or drugs are strictly forbidden. Major
hotels have special rooms where non-Islamic foreigners may buy
and drink alcoholic beverages. In March 1994, legislation was
passed which made drug trafficking punishable by death.
A special permit is required for travel to the tribal areas
bordering Afghanistan, including the Khyber Pass, and to Azad
Kashmir. Persons traveling to restricted areas without a permit
are subject to arrest. Onward overland travel to India is difficult
because of border crossing restrictions (Refer to the Consular
Information Sheet for India).
Major cities in Pakistan are safe for tourists, but travel to
remote rural areas, especially in Balochistan, Sindh and the Northwest
Frontier Province is not recommended. Security conditions vary;
some areas are only considered safe for daytime travel in groups.
Because the security situation can change with little warning,
visitors should check at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad or the
nearest U.S. consulate for up-to-date travel information.
Sri Lanka
The insurgency of Tamil separatists against the government in
Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) has caused tension and violence within
the country. For this reason, the Sri Lankan defense regulations
restrict travel to much of the islands northern areas. Areas such
as Wilpattu and Galoya National Parks are considered especially
unsafe. There have been isolated incidents of violence in other
parts of Sri Lanka, including Colombo. Because public transportation
has often been targeted by terrorists, travel on trains and public
buses should be avoided. Travel to the major tourist sites in
the southern and western parts of the island has usually been
safe. However, security conditions throughout the country can
change quickly, and travelers should get current information from
the latest travel advisory or from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.
No visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days.
Medical facilities in Sri Lanka are limited. Malaria is prevalent
in many areas outside of Colombo.
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