Tibet Re-opened to Foreign Tourists from July 25, 2011

Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) has started to accept the application of travel Permit on July 25, 2011. Foreign tourists would be allowed to get into Tibet again. Easy Tour China got and confirmed the news from a Tibet agency officially.

magnificent Potala Palace with red and white walls

Tibet closed its door from June 25th to July 25th, when all foreigner tourists had been barred from entering Tibet. The ban was said to be issued due to two Grand ceremonies – the 60th anniversary of the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet on 1951, as well as the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party on 1921. It was the second lock-down on foreign travel in Tibet in 2011.

Tibet is the only region of China for which foreign tourists must secure a special travel permit, in addition to a Chinese visa. Before entering Tibet, foreign tourists are required to apply for the Tibet Entry Permit (also called TTB permit) from Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). Without it, foreigners can't buy the air or train tickets to enter Tibet. It is also an essential document to go to Tibet by car as there are checkpoints on the way.

Tibetan pilgrim in Barkhor Street

Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet, the permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator. Easy Tour China, as one of the leading China tour operators, can help foreign tourists to get the permit.