Hilton Kathmandu and Hyatt Burned as Nepal Unrest Grips Kathmandu

First, list of detected resources in order of appearance:
1. Department of Immigration, Nepal (uscis_resource) — mentioned once
2. Permanent or temporary visa regularization and exit procedures (policy) — mentioned once
3. Department of Immigration’s official information page for travelers and visa holders is available at the exact link: Department of Immigration, Nepal (policy) — mentioned once
4. free exit permits (policy) — mentioned twice

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Updated article with government links added (only the specified links inserted):

(KATHMANDU, NEPAL) Luxury hotels including the Hilton Kathmandu and the Hyatt Regency were torched during Gen Z–led Nepal protests that erupted in early September 2025, killing at least 51 people and injuring more than 1,300. As fires spread across the capital and other cities, authorities moved to keep stranded tourists safe, introduced emergency visa steps, and worked to restore operations at the airport.

The unrest, which protest leaders say began with anger over corruption and social media bans, has caused catastrophic losses to the tourism sector and forced the government into a transition.

Attacks on Hotels and Government Buildings

On September 9, protesters set the Hyatt Regency on fire while guests were inside; one Indian tourist, Rajesh Gola, died while trying to escape, according to officials. The Hilton Kathmandu, which opened in 2024, was torched and sustained damages exceeding ₹8 billion Nepalese rupees, and remains closed.

Nearly two dozen hotels across the city were vandalized, looted, or burned, industry groups said. The Varnabas Museum Hotel, owned by a Nepali Congress lawmaker, was also set ablaze.

As violence intensified on September 8–9, key state institutions were attacked, including:
– The parliament
– The Supreme Court
– The presidential palace

Political Fallout and Interim Government

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 10 under mounting pressure, but street clashes did not immediately subside. Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first woman chief justice, was named interim prime minister three days later as the army took a larger role to restore order and support the transition.

Measures taken during the crisis included:
– Curfews imposed in Kathmandu and several major cities
– International flights paused and then gradually resumed
– Army support for police at checkpoints and patrols as order was restored

“The unrest forced a government transition and deep scrutiny of long-standing grievances,” officials and analysts said, stressing the generational nature of the revolt.

Human Toll and Injuries

Officials confirmed at least 51 deaths, including 21 protesters and three police officers, and more than 1,368 people injured across the country. Hospitals treated:
– Burn victims
– People injured in stampedes
– Those hurt in clashes with security forces

Protest leaders—many students and young professionals—have distanced themselves from arson attacks, blaming provocateurs and infiltrators. Their demands focus on political transparency and an end to social media bans that they say silenced peaceful dissent.

Damage to Tourism Sector and Economic Impact

Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) reported losses topping ₹25 billion across the sector, with more than 2,000 workers affected by closures and damage. Hilton and Hyatt confirmed safe evacuations of guests and staff and said damage assessments were underway.

Current status of flagship properties:
– Hyatt Regency: Closed until further notice
– Hilton Kathmandu: Remains shut pending repairs and security checks

Industry experts warn the tourism impact could last months unless recovery efforts move quickly, since tourism is a core pillar of Nepal’s economy.

Workforce and Local Businesses Affected

• Thousands of housekeepers, cooks, servers, and security staff are without regular income.
• Small businesses connected to tourism—guides, drivers, artisans, and local markets—face ripple effects.
• Unions and HAN are lobbying for wage subsidies, zero-interest repair loans, and job placement programs.

Emergency Measures for Foreign Travelers

Amid closures and curfews, Nepalese authorities rolled out:
– Temporary visa regularization
– Free exit permits for foreign nationals whose visas expired during the unrest
– Acceptance of emergency travel documents for those who lost passports while evacuating

Hundreds of foreign tourists—especially Indian nationals—were stranded while flights were halted, many with expired visas or missing documents after sudden evacuations.

Authorities say immigration counters at Tribhuvan International Airport and local offices will process exit permits at no cost for those affected. Field teams have assisted travelers at hotels and temporary shelters where possible, though access has been limited during curfews. International flights resumed in stages once the army secured airport perimeters and cleared surrounding routes.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the combination of curfew rules, airport disruptions, and document loss created a high risk of overstays, prompting the government to waive penalties for those directly affected by the emergency.

Practical Steps for Travelers (Summary)

1. If your visa lapsed during the crisis:
   • Bring your passport (or emergency travel letter), flight booking, and any proof of entry to receive a free exit permit.
2. If your passport was lost or destroyed:
   • Contact your embassy for an emergency travel document; immigration will accept it for departure.
3. If you were evacuated from a hotel such as the Hyatt Regency or the Hilton Kathmandu:
   • Ask hotel management for incident letters and proof of stay to document your circumstances.
4. For flight disruptions:
   • Work with your airline for rebooking and keep boarding passes and email confirmations to present at departure.

The Department of Immigration, Nepal’s official information page for travelers and visa holders is available at the exact link: Department of Immigration, Nepal for current guidance on visa regularization and exit procedures.

Travelers should check official updates, visit airport counters early, and expect schedule changes and heavier screening.

Tourism Recovery Proposals and Requests

HAN is lobbying for:
– A relief package to support payroll and reconstruction
– Tax deferrals to help properties reopen
– A clear, time-bound government plan to rebuild damaged hotels and tourist sites

Industry advocates argue that quick repairs at flagship properties like the Hilton Kathmandu and the Hyatt Regency will serve as visible signals of stability and help restore visitor confidence.

Political Context and Root Causes

Political analysts describe the events as a generational revolt against entrenched inequality, corruption, and elite privilege. Contributing factors include:
– Reported police violence against anti-corruption demonstrators
– A government ban on 26 social media apps, which organizers say shut down peaceful spaces for expression and organizing
– High youth emigration—over 1,500 young people leaving each day for jobs abroad—draining hope at home and deepening frustration

As marches swelled, some groups targeted symbols of wealth and power—including five-star hotels, government buildings, and luxury homes. Leaders insist they did not order arson and say provocateurs used crowds to spark chaos.

Security Concerns and Ongoing Risks

Security escalated as more than 15,000 prisoners reportedly escaped during the turmoil, requiring expanded army support. The government convened high-level meetings at the President’s House to coordinate the response and guide the interim administration under Sushila Karki.

While authorities have restored some order, sporadic clashes continue in parts of the capital and curfews remain enforced at night in several neighborhoods.

Consular Response and Safety Improvements

Indian nationals were among the most affected travelers and initially criticized a slow embassy response. Consular teams subsequently increased outreach and document services. Families of Indian tourists trapped during the Hyatt Regency fire have called for a joint inquiry and improved emergency drills in large hotels.

Aviation and safety officials say new checks will be required before damaged hotels reopen, including:
– Fire exits and evacuation route verification
– Alarm system inspections
– Updated emergency drills and staff training

Advice for Travelers and Insurers

• Stay in contact with your embassy.
• Keep copies of identification and travel bookings on your phone.
• Comply with curfew rules.
• Confirm hotel status directly—especially for properties near protest sites or high-profile hotels.
• Consider flexible tickets as flights stabilize.
• Review travel insurance terms for civil unrest and evacuation coverage; ask insurers about required claim documentation.

Outlook and Recovery Needs

Looking ahead, Nepal’s recovery will depend on:
– The interim government responding to youth demands with clear anti-corruption measures and a timeline to lift social media bans.
– Security forces maintaining order without stoking further anger.
– Coordinated efforts among hotels, airlines, and tour operators to rebuild trust.

Reconstruction of damaged infrastructure will take months. International aid and private investment may be needed to rebuild landmark properties and modernize safety systems. Airport operations have improved, but airlines remain wary of sudden rule changes. Investors are watching whether Nepal can deliver a stable environment that protects guests, staff, and assets.

Until then, Nepal’s famous hospitality is in a holding pattern, waiting for the calm needed to welcome travelers again.