Nepal tells foreign journalists covering the flood to get formal clearance

Nepal Disaster Update LivePublished 29 August 2026, 7:50 am NPTSuperseded by a later briefing

Nepal's Department of Information has told foreign journalists covering the Bhotekoshi flood to get formal clearance before reporting from the field, the Kathmandu Post reports.

Correspondents must submit their passport and visa, an appointment letter and recommendation from their own outlet, a recommendation from their country's foreign ministry or embassy in Nepal, an organisational identity card and details of their salary and benefits, then apply online and collect a press card in person with two passport sized photos.

Department spokesperson Govinda Prasad Pandey said the arrangement is not new and has long applied to foreign journalists under existing print and broadcast rules. An unnamed government official told the paper it is meant to streamline coverage of the disaster rather than set permanent policy.

Sources for this briefing

• The Kathmandu Post