Lhasa Travel Forum

Hi,

I think it's been announced that Tibet is safe for tourists to visit again and I'm thinking of going to Lhasa next month. Anyone got any updates on visas / travelling / best points of entry? Also, I'm thinking of going on my own - anyone got any tips on joining a tour group or travelling alone?

Thanks!

Think you should check the Foreign Office advice first, to be honest:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/china

and

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/china?ta=general&pg=6

The Chinese are not processing applications at the moment.

It is very sad that Tibet is not listed as a separate country on the FCO website.

When the Chinese do begin to process applications again, I suggest you investigate tour group travel. Independent travel would not, imo, be a good idea at this time.

I don't think it has ever been possible to go there independently, not in the past, not now - you have to join a group somewhere, such as Chengdu.

I suppose it was once, long ago.......but certainly not in the recent past.

OP, I think you need to do more research to clarify your options.

Don't dream about it. Check the Lonely Planet ThornTree forum, North-East Asia branch for more updated information: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=19

At this point they will not process applications for travel there, but when they do, I would go with a group. You'll probably be fine in May, because they are just putting in this measure for the Olympic torch. I would also register under with Locate, just in case.

First the Chinese announced that Tibet would be open in May for tourists and then they announced that this was a mistake and permits would not be issued until further notice. Obviously the situation remains fluid and the advice given on this forum to keep checking is appropriate.

After the banner incident last May there was a period of tightening of requirements and of uncertainty. (The Chinese government holds travel agencies responsible for any trouble tourists may cause.) The long standing requirement of travel by tour that allowed groups of one, disappeared and individual travel became essentially impossible for awhile, but slowly it was re-established. Now this process will have to start all over again. I think that when the Chinese re-open travel for foreigners to Tibet, at least initially you will have to be in a group and the travel agency will be very restrictive. With time and peace the requirements will again be softened.

PS: I am hoping for a September visit.

Just spoke with a friend this morning who runs a travel agency in Shanghai. Tibet is "officially" open again, but issuring of visa is at the government's discretion. So far he has only been able to get visas for Chinese tour groups like teachers and seniors. To apply for Tibet visa one also need hotel and flight confirmations (which is imposed all over China right now).... and the rules change everyday!