Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Nepal Tightens Foreign Journalist Rules Amid Deadly Bhotekoshi Floods
Nepal is dealing with very dangerous floods along the Bhotekoshi River.
Many people have died, and thousands are still missing.
Foreign reporters want to visit the damaged areas to tell the world what happened.
Nepal’s government says these reporters must show several documents before they can work.
They need identification, proof of employment and letters supporting their assignment.
They must also apply online and collect their press cards in person.
Officials say these rules have existed for years and are being used during the disaster.
The government says its first priority is rescuing people and saving lives.
Nepal requires foreign journalists covering the Bhotekoshi floods to submit expanded documentation.
Applicants must provide passports, visas, employer documents, recommendation letters and salary details.
Foreign correspondents must apply online and collect press certificates and identity cards in person.
Officials said journalists cannot legally report in Nepal without completing the press-pass process.
The floods have killed 626 people, left more than 2,426 missing and may require billions of dollars for recovery.
- Who
- Nepalese authorities and foreign journalists covering the Bhotekoshi floods.
- What
- Nepal has enforced documentation and press-pass requirements for foreign correspondents reporting on the disaster.
- When
- The measures apply during the ongoing flood response; the floods struck early Wednesday.
- Where
- Nepal, particularly areas affected by flooding along the Bhotekoshi River.
- Why
- Authorities say the process is intended to manage disaster coverage and track foreign journalists operating in Nepal.
Authorities' Position
Journalists' Access Concern
Whether the requirements are new
Authorities' Position
Department spokesperson Govinda Prasad Pandey said the requirements are part of a press-pass system that has existed for years and are being continued during the disaster.
Journalists' Access Concern
The measures add documentation and in-person approval steps for international journalists trying to reach and report from flood-hit areas.
Purpose of press passes
Authorities' Position
A communications ministry official said the notice was issued to help authorities keep track of foreign journalists operating in Nepal.
Journalists' Access Concern
Journalists already in Nepal without passes must complete the process before reporting, creating a formal requirement before disaster coverage can begin.
- Required identification
- Foreign journalists must submit a passport, valid visa and employer-issued identity card.
- Employment documents
- Applicants must provide an appointment letter or agreement, recommendation letters and salary and benefits details.
- Approval process
- Journalists must apply online, then appear in person to collect a press representative certificate and journalist identity card.
- Reporting restriction
- Officials said foreign journalists without a press pass cannot legally report in Nepal.
- Deaths
- Rescue teams have recovered 626 bodies.
- Missing people
- More than 2,426 people remain missing.
- Recovery costs
- Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal warned that reconstruction and rehabilitation could cost billions of dollars.