The United Kingdom has said it “no longer advises [its citizens] against all but essential travel to Nepal.”

The UK foreign office, however, urged its citizens to maintain caution while visiting the Himalayan Kingdom in view of the fresh general strikes called by the Maoists and the prevailing political turmoil. “We advise you to take extreme caution if travelling in Nepal during this period. We will continue to keep this advice under close review,” the statement posted on the foreign office’s website said.

It further said, “The majority of problems encountered by British tourists in Nepal are trekking accidents and drug-related incidents. If you travel to Nepal, you should use a reputable travel agent and only trek with an experienced guide and in a group. If you plan to travel to out-of-the way areas, please contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu on arrival for latest advice on the security situation in the area.”

Commenting on the UK government’s reviewed travel advisory, spokesperson of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Aditya Baral said this indicated that the concerns of the Nepali Nepali travel industry have been positively comprehended.

“They seem to have positively comprehended the requests of the travel industry. But this does not signal any change as such in their position,” he told Nepalnews, adding, “We have been pleading the foreign governments to properly assess the situation before issuing frequent travel advisories. However, they have their concerns which cannot be undermined completely.”