Tibet News Update

31st March 2009

Tibet Reopens to Tourists

The Chinese government have announced that they will reopen Tibet to foreign tourists on 5th April after it was closed off for nearly six weeks. Tourists were barred from visiting Tibet in late February before the 50th anniversary of a failed rebellion against Chinese rule. Security was stepped up in the Tibet Autonomous Region and border areas. 

However, the anniversary passed without any real major problems, and now you once again have the opportunity to visit this spectacular and distinct part of the world on one our trips including Tibet Explorer, Highlights of Tibet, or for the more energetic, the chance to tackle one of the highest treks in the world on our Lhakpa Ri Ascent.

Archive:
2008 news releases:
Tibet visa policy update...

Since the 25th June 2008 when the China Tibet Tourism Bureau confirmed that visitors will again be allowed to travel to the ‘Roof of the World’, there has been numerous contradictory reports about visiting Tibet.

We are still receiving differing reports from local contacts, but at this moment in time (28th July 2008) we still believe that we can visit this beautiful region with it's imposing monasteries and towering peaks.

In order to process Tibet permits once you have booked, or at the time of booking, we will require a high quality scan or photocopy of the photo page of your passport, this must be received at least 6 weeks prior to departure. This should be sent with your booking form and marked for the attention of Asia Operations, or posted or emailed directly to the relevant department:

By post: Asia Operations, Exodus Travels, Grange Mills, Weir Road, SW12 0NE or Email: rcaldicott@exodus.co.uk

It is essential that we recieve these as early as possble, as these copies will then be sent to our overseas partners who will request authorisation at their local Chinese Embassy; once granted authorisation letters will be sent to Exodus and the Chinese Embassy in London. At this point, we believe we will require to take all client passports to teh Embassy in order for a group visa/permits to be issued. This process was pevioulsy done in one day in Kathmandu, but must now be done in the UK prior to travel. All clients will be contacted by phone or email when passports are required. Overseas clients will be contacted via their agents to discuss options.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time; further updates will be posted on this page as and when we recieve them.

For a full list of trips and availability please click here.