Back in Lhasa

Trip Start May 01, 2007
1
61
209
Trip End Jun 17, 2008


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of China  ,
Thursday, September 20, 2007

Visas, visas, visas.  Arggh.  If you've read most of my entries than you know I have spent way too much time dealing with Chinese visas.  Today I attempted to secure my final visa extension so that I can remain in Tibet until October 2.  Otherwise I have to leave, somehow, instantly, on Sunday. 

Today I arrived in Lhasa around lunch time from my six days in the mountains.  The Lonely Planet Tibet advised that I first stop by and inquire at some travel agents.  I stopped by 4 or 5, and all told me that I had to take care of it personally at the PSB (gonganju, Public Safety Bureau). 

So, I headed to the PSB marked in the old Lhasa map in the Lonely Planet and then realized that it wasn't the PSB office that handles visas.  Correcting myself, I head to the address listed in the Lonely Planet only to find a block full of furniture shops.  A kind man points me across the street, where upon closer inspection I found a nice reception area labeled 'Exit/Entry Office'.  Unfortunately the nice, English speaking officer explained that this was the PSB office only for travel agents, not individuals.  The individual exit/entry office was two blocks northwest.  Of course.

I walk the two more blocks, find the exit/entry office of this PSB branch, only to find a sign on the door that says 'In Meeting' and "This office is now closed Tuesday and Thursday afternoons."  Argggggggh.

So I try again tomorrow...

[Next Day]  Went by the first thing this morning and was able to secure an extension for
(are you sitting down?) seven days.  One more week to see a province twice the size of Nepal.  And it cost me 760 yuan.  That's $100.  For 7 days.  Ah, the privilege of being an American. 
Print this entry Lhasa hotels