Tibet update: China not processing applications for travel

The situation remains tense in Tibet following widespread unrest and violent protests in Lhasa, as well as in some Tibetan areas of the Chinese provinces of Sichuan and Qinghai and at Xiahe in Gansu.

According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) the Chinese authorities have said they will not currently process applications for travel to Tibet.

The FCO advises that people should not attempt to travel to Tibet without permission.

Arrests, numerous injuries and fatalities have been reported in Lhasa in the past week, although the Chinese authorities claim there is no curfew in force.

Travellers already in Tibet should take care, avoiding all areas where demonstrations are taking place.