Nepal safe for travellers to return

The Foreign Office (FCO) has deemed it safe for travellers to return to Nepal after revising its travel advice for the country.

Nepal has suffered from weeks of unrest and violent anti-government protests, and UK officials have been advising against all but essential travel to the country since early April.

However, the situation has calmed following the King's reinstatement of parliament and the FCO is no longer advising tourists not to travel, but to "remain vigilant".

"Although the situation in Kathmandu has improved, the security situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly," the FCO's advice summary reads.

"We advise you to remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings. We will continue to keep this advice under close review."

The latest round of unrest in Nepal started in early April with nationwide political demonstrations by political parties and Maoists.

Several people were killed and hundreds more were injured in clashes between demonstrators and the police

Transport links across the country were shut down and curfews were imposed in Kathmandu and other major towns across Nepal.

On April 24th, to calm the situation, Nepal's King Gyanendra announced plans to reinstate parliament, which he disbanded four years ago in order to fight Maoist rebels.

Two days later Maoists announced a three-month unilateral ceasefire, although this has yet to be reciprocated by the Royal Nepalese Army.

Despite the improving situation, the FCO is keeping its travel advice for Nepal under constant review.

To read the FCO's full advice for Nepal, go to: www.fco.gov.uk