SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is advising Singaporeans to defer non-essential travel to Nepal after

widespread protests broke out there

.

In a travel advisory on Sept 9, MFA also advised Singaporeans in Nepal to remain vigilant and to avoid large crowds and areas affected by demonstrations.

“Kathmandu is experiencing widespread protests that started on Sept 8. There are reports of violence and casualties, and wide-ranging curfews have been imposed across the city as at Sept 9,” said MFA.

, with after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters trying to storm Parliament on Sept 8.

The protests, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Sept 9, had earlier forced the closure of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport that day.

Singapore Airlines cancelled two flights on Sept 9 as a result of the airport closure – Flight SQ442 from Singapore to Kathmandu and Flight SQ441 from Kathmandu to Singapore.

SIA said on Sept 9 that customers affected by the flight cancellations will be accommodated on alternative flights or can seek a full refund of the unused portion of their tickets.

“As the situation remains fluid, other SIA flights between Singapore and Nepal may be affected,” SIA added.

According to the carrier’s website, as at 11.50am on Sept 10, SQ441 and SQ442 are still scheduled to operate as usual.

Travellers can check the

SIA website

on the status of their flights.

MFA is advising Singaporeans in Nepal to monitor local news closely and to heed the instructions of the local authorities.

Singaporeans in Nepal who need consular assistance should contact the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi on its 24-hour duty mobile phone number +91 981 020 3595 or on its landline +91 11 4600 0800, said MFA.

Singaporeans in Nepal or those travelling there are strongly encouraged to eRegister with MFA at this

link.

They are also encouraged to buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage, said MFA.

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