Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 10: The exile Tibetan government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), issued a notice on September 9 outlining guidelines for Tibetans in exile who plan to travel to Tibet. In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of Tibetans living abroad travelling to Tibet, prompting the CTA to address safety and security concerns for these travellers.
In its newly released guidelines, the CTA has stressed that all Tibetans, including current and former officials of the CTA and its offices, must inform the CTA’s Department of Security before undertaking any travel to Tibet. The guidelines clarify that while the CTA does not impose restrictions on individual Tibetans traveling to Tibet or China, it is mandatory for them to notify their local Tibetan Representative Office or Settlement Officer of their travel plans. This can be done in person, via email, or by phone. In cases where direct communication with these offices is not feasible, travellers are urged to inform the Department of Security directly.
The CTA stated that the guidelines were issued in response to the Chinese government’s perception of Tibetans in exile as ‘separatists’ and ‘opponents’ of China. Beijing views the exile community as a hostile force or as a tool of external influences. According to the CTA, Chinese authorities have been infiltrating the Tibetan exile community to undermine the Central Tibetan Administration, sowing discord among Tibetans, and employing various deceptive tactics.
“They subject all travellers to and from Tibet to unwarranted interrogations and manipulation,” the notice stated, adding that in recent years, there has been a rise in efforts to lure Tibetans from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other countries back to Tibet under the guise of tourism, family visits, and religious pilgrimages. “They are also increasingly applying cross-border pressure on exile Tibetans,” the notice further warned. The CTA expressed concern over these strategies, advising caution and vigilance among Tibetans planning to visit their homeland.
The notice further highlighted that the Chinese government is imposing various conditions for issuing visas to Tibet. Recently, they have begun requiring endorsements from certain organisations established under their control, often utilising individuals with Tibetan or Tibet-related names. “Be cautious of tours, visits, or travel arrangements organised by these groups, as they may be politically motivated schemes. Avoid participating in such activities or succumbing to their manipulations,” the notice cautioned. The CTA advised that travellers seek guidance from relevant authorities before making any plans. Additionally, Tibetans residing in foreign countries should prepare emergency contact information for their respective embassies in China to ensure their safety while traveling.
The guidelines also stated, “If individuals fall victim to Chinese deception, it could create vulnerabilities that may lead to increased pressure upon their return to their host country. It is crucial to report any such challenges to the Security Department to explore options for mitigating Chinese influence. Failing to do so or keeping secret contacts may result in legal complications in the host country.”
The notice further emphasised that while individuals who travel to Tibet under Chinese influence cannot be definitively categorised as having abandoned the Tibetan cause, any involvement in promoting Chinese government policies or actions harmful to Tibetan interests after their return will be seen as counterproductive to those interests. Such cases should be reported to the appropriate authorities and addressed collectively by all Tibetans.
