21 Feb 2019 | 08:18 AM UTC
China: Travelers banned from Tibet until April 1
China bans foreigners from entering Tibet until April 1 due to anniversaries of political uprisings
Event
Chinese officials have banned foreigners from traveling to Tibet until April 1, 2019, due to upcoming anniversaries of political uprisings and revolts. The announcement was made on Wednesday, February 20. A heightened security presence is expected in Tibet and neighboring provinces, including Sichuan and Yunnan. Special permits are typically required to visit Tibet and journalists and diplomats are forbidden from the territory.
Context
March 10 is the 60th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising and March 14 is the 11th anniversary of 2008 anti-government riots in Lhasa. The Tibet Autonomous Region remains a sensitive political region for China.
According to state media, 33 million people visited Tibet in 2018.
Advice
Individuals in China are advised to monitor the situation, confirm entry and travel requirements and documents, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
