Tibet reopens to tourists
25th June 2008
China has announced that it’s reopened Tibet to foreign visitors from today (Wednesday 25 June). However, it’s still unclear exactly which parts of the region are open to travellers.
A ban on tourists entering Tibet was imposed after anti-government riots in March.
However, following the peaceful parading of the Olympic torch through the region at the weekend, the area has been declared ‘safe’ by the local tourism authority.
“Tibet is open now to all travellers from home and abroad,” Tibet Tourism Bureau spokesperson Liao Lisheng announced as a group of Swedish travellers arrived in Lhasa.
Chinese visitors have been allowed back into Tibet since late April.
While Lhasa appears to be open, tour operators have told us that it isn’t clear whether other parts of the region are as well.
Any more civil unrest in the lead-up to August’s Olympics will almost certainly lead to another ban being imposed.
If you’re booked on a tour to Tibet in the coming months, you’re advised to contact your tour operator to find out their plans.
Are you planning to visit Tibet in the near future? If so, what are you being told? What do you think will happen next? Share your thoughts on Wanderlust's community website goWander.com