Dharamshala — Chinese authorities have reportedly issued orders banning travel in to Tibet from October 18 to 28, a politically charged ten days during which the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China meets.
“During this period, it is not just foreigners but also Tibetans living in the Amdo region of Qinghai who are not allowed to travel in the Tibet Autonomous Region,” an anonymous source told RFA’s Tibetan Service.
Because October is a popular month for tourists, the travel ban will deal a severe blow to the economy of the TAR, he said.
Though the Tibet Tourism Bureau has not released an official announcement, several local travel agencies report receiving the notice earlier this month.
During the sensitive, high-level talks, Tibet will close its borders to foreigners, while visitors traveling the country during that period will likewise be required to leave by October 17.
