Thorn Tree travel forum

Tibet Travel Permit News

Hello,
My friend and I are planning to visit Tibet somewhen in July and are pretty much confused about the possibility of independent travel there.

I have just read the following article at: www.tibet.cn

Bulletin on Tibet Travel Permit
June 28, the Tibet Tourism Bureau issued a bulletin on the Tibet Travel Permit (also known as Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit). The full text is as following:

According to a conference of TAR People's Government, since July 1, 2007, inland offices of the TAR Tourism Bureau stop transacting the operation of TTB-permit (Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit).

The TTB-permit will be only issued by the TAR Tourism Bureau Calling Management Office and a new edition for TTB-permit will be launched while the former edition has been called off.

There will be no charge to apply for the TTB-permit.

Tibet Tourism Bureau

June 28, 2007
Text

As I understand, TAR Tourism Bureau and TAR Tourism Bureau Calling Management Office are two different institutions. Where is the last located? What does this change mean to the travellers? Can I aply by myself as an independent traveller for permit there or tour is still a "must"? Any contact details?
Thanks a lot.