2011 new policy of traveling to tibet

Tibet is still Open To Foreign Tourists, how travel for foreigners to Lhasa needs to be arranged:

1. Everyone must be part of a group tour.
We asked how may people makes a "group" and the TTB wasn't 100% sure, but thought that 2 people would be enough to make a "group". This minimum number could be changed to 3 or 4, but today we were told 2.

2. The difference of the nationality will be no problem to make a group.
compared with the rules in 2008, be changed since 2009, no matter you come from which country, you can make a group if you like.

3. The tour guide still necessary  when you go to Tibet.
A tour guide still necessary when you go to any part of the Tibet area, anyone who visit wothout the guide is still not allowed by the local governemnt.

4. All foreigners must have all of the proper permits before departing to Lhasa.
This is nothing new, but you can be certain that all train stations and airports will be checking everyone's permits.

5. All foreigners must be pick up by the local guide and driver.

Compared with the Chinese customers, all the foreign customers should be pick up by the local guide and driver from the travle agency.

6. Travel to Lhasa must be arranged at least 5 days in advance.
We have been told that an official itinerary must be given to the TTB 5 days before the customer plans to arrive in Lhasa. The TTB will be doing at least some sort of a background check before a permit is issued to travel to Lhasa. Although maybe  you could get a permit in 2 or 3 days, but we still suggest arrange it  at least 5 days to process in order to ensure that you can go on time.