Tibet Travel Restrictions - Advice and Information For British Travellers

Summary: The Chinese government has closed Tibet off to international tourists for the duration of March, as the 2008 anti-government riots in Lhasa approach their third anniversary.

Advice for British travellers:

Intending to Travel to Tibet:

• Keep an eye on news reports and make sure that you travel only when Tibet has been declared safe for travellers
• Find out about the special permit you need to enter Tibet, in addition to the Chinese visa required
• Also ensure that you travel on a group visa - this can be arranged via your tour operator
• Contact the Chinese Embassy in London ahead of your trip for details about entry requirements into the region
• Stay in touch with your tour operator or travel agent for the latest information on the situation

Already in Tibet:

• Leave the region as soon as possible - contact your airline to confirm onward travel if you haven't already done so
• Avoid demonstrations wherever possible as they have the potential to turn violent
• Don't videotape or photograph any protest action - this behaviour could provoke unwanted attention from local authorities
• Contact either the British Embassy in Beijing, the British Consulate-General in Shanghai, the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou, or the British Consulate-General in Chongqing for further assistance

Riots in Tibet:

According to the top Chinese government official for Tibet, the travel restrictions are being enforced for safety reasons which includes possible overcrowding and the wintry weather.

This travel ban has gradually developed into a yearly practice around 14 March, since the 2008 riots in Lhasa that killed at least 22 people and ignited a wave of protests across Tibetan areas of western China.

Today, China strictly limits access by foreigners to Tibet, requiring them to obtain a special permit over and above the mandatory Chinese visa.

It is currently unclear how long these rules will be enforced. As far as April is concerned, the travel industry is currently awaiting notification of any rule changes from the Tibetan tourism bureau.