Anti-government protests in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu have been met with a deadly crackdown from authorities, killing at least 19 people, injuring dozens more, affecting airport operations and raising security concerns about tourism in the South Asian republic.
Amid the burning of public buildings, including the parliament, the closure of Tribhuvan International Airport, and the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has reissued its official travel advice for the capital and other areas, noting that: “Protests are taking place in Kathmandu and elsewhere across the country. There have been violent clashes, with lethal force used by the police. This has led to a number of deaths and injuries.”
In less than 48 hours Gen Z protest in Nepal did the following:
— CG (@chandangoopta) September 9, 2025
– Burnt down multiple politicians' houses
– Increased the protest even during curfew and firing around multiple cities
– made the Prime Minister resign
– entered parliament and burnt it.
This is the generation that… pic.twitter.com/ovY2tWAASY
Still current at the time of writing on 10 September, the FCDO update also points out that freedom of movement has been limited and advises visitors already in Nepal to stay away from demonstrations and obey official instructions. “Curfews have been introduced in several cities, including Kathmandu and Pokhara,” the advisory continues. “Avoid protests, check local media for updates, and follow direction of the authorities.”
For those with plans to travel in or out of the country, it is important to be aware that “Kathmandu airport has also been disrupted, impacting domestic and international flights.” Anyone potentially affected should “Contact your airline, hotel and tour operator for up-to-date information before travel. Tourists should be able to move around and travel to and from airports with proof of travel plans,” the British ministry said.
There are ongoing violent protests in Nepal.
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) September 9, 2025
British nationals in need of consular assistance should call +977 1 4237100 or +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Link to our travel advice in the reply. pic.twitter.com/XpkBfWWYtU
The protests follow the introduction of a ban on social media framed as a way of tackling hate speech and extremism. Many young people have taken part in denouncing the censorship and are calling for a focus instead on fighting corruption. Although the social media ban has been reversed in the wake of the uprising, the FCDO warns of “continued disruption to services.”
9 youth died in the Gen_Z protest in Nepal against socialist government ban on 26 social media apps including Facebook, youtube and @X .
— Tulsi For President (@TulsiPotus) September 8, 2025
Youths demand complete change of leadership in the country most deaths are due to police firing. #Nepal #genznepal #genzie pic.twitter.com/XEuh6yk8ts
However, the UK has so far stopped short of officially advising against travel to Nepal, meaning that would-be visitors may find it hard to make insurance claims if they change their travel plans. Nonetheless, UK law means that those affected by flight cancellations are entitled to food, drink, accommodation, and other support from airlines.
#Napal
— War & Political News (@Elly_Bar_News) September 9, 2025
The government of Nepal was toppled this morning
The Prime Minister of Nepal announced his resignation following a wave of protests by young Nepalis (mostly teenagers up to age 23).
This morning, the protesters set fire to the parliament building and the residence of… pic.twitter.com/WXL7lzgR72
Meanwhile, neighbouring India has urged restraint on all sides, and its Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian nationals to postpone trips to Nepal. It has also told citizens already there to shelter indoors.
Advisory for Nepal @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/lLoMTi5HgQ
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) September 9, 2025
Canadian authorities have issued similar warnings.
