# Canada Updates Nepal Travel Advisory: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know Before Departure
If you’re an Ottawa traveller planning a trek to Everest Base Camp or a cultural tour of Kathmandu, you need to know about the latest update to Canada’s travel advisory for Nepal. On April 9, 2026, the Government of Canada refreshed its guidance, maintaining a **Level 2 risk rating — Exercise a High Degree of Caution** — and adding critical new warnings about helicopter rescue scams and insurance fraud targeting foreign visitors.
## What Level 2 Means for Your Trip
A Level 2 advisory doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to Nepal. It means you need to be extra vigilant and well-prepared. The advisory highlights Nepal’s fragile political climate, rising crime rates, and specific risks that Canadian travellers should understand before boarding their flight from Ottawa.
## Safety Concerns You Should Know About
The latest update emphasizes several concerning trends. Petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching has become increasingly common in tourist hotspots, particularly Thamel, Kupandol, and Sanepa in Kathmandu. More worrying is the surge in thefts and break-ins during festival season (September through November), when crowded celebrations create opportunities for criminals.
Solo trekkers face additional risks, including occasional armed robberies on remote trails. Female travellers should be particularly cautious, as verbal and physical harassment — including sexual assaults against foreign women — have been reported. The advisory also warns about drink spiking and new acquaintances offering snacks or beverages that may be drugged.
The newest alert concerns helicopter rescue operations in mountain areas. Scammers are targeting trekkers with fraudulent rescue schemes and insurance fraud, potentially leaving victims with enormous bills or inadequate emergency care.
## Prepare Your Health Before You Depart
Many Ottawa travellers focus solely on itinerary planning but overlook critical health preparation. Nepal presents specific health risks including altitude sickness, food and waterborne diseases, and limited medical facilities outside major cities. If you need emergency evacuation from a remote trekking route, you’ll want legitimate travel insurance and proper medical documentation.
A pre-travel health consultation should be your first step. Recommended vaccines for Nepal typically include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine immunizations. Depending on your itinerary and season, you may also need Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, or Hepatitis B vaccines. You’ll also need prescriptions for altitude sickness prevention and travellers’ diarrhea treatment.
Beyond vaccines, discuss assembling a comprehensive medical kit, purchasing legitimate travel insurance with evacuation coverage, and understanding which hospitals in Kathmandu meet international standards.
## Don’t Leave Ottawa Unprepared
Nepal offers extraordinary experiences, from ancient temples to Himalayan peaks. But going prepared — both medically and situationally — is essential for a safe, enjoyable journey. Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks before departure to complete any vaccine series and gather necessary medications.
Travelling to Nepal? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.