Shigatse border permits suspended after Gyirong Port mudslide (Aug 2026)

📰 China News — Shigatse (Xizang / Tibet) border permits suspended after the Gyirong Port mudslide Heads-up if you were planning to cross into the Tibet region overland from Nepal, or travel to the Shigatse border area: China's National Immigration Administration has suspended electronic border administration area permits for Shigatse City, Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region. What happened On 26 August 2026, a large mudslide hit the Nepalese side near Gyirong Port (吉隆口岸) — the main road crossing between Nepal and China's Tibet region. Roads and communications at the port are cut, and further landslides are still possible. Rescue and relief work is ongoing. What changed for travelers From 00:00 on 28 August 2026, new electronic border administration area permits listing Shigatse as the destination are no longer being issued. If you already hold a valid e-permit with Shigatse as your destination, authorities are asking you NOT to travel to that area for now. No restart date yet — issuance will resume "when conditions allow," announced separately. Do you need to worry? This specifically affects the border administration zone around Shigatse and the Nepal–China overland route — not regular entry into China, and not the standard Tibet Travel Permit (入藏函) you'd arrange through a registered Tibetan tour operator for Lhasa or Everest Base Camp. If you were planning the Kathmandu → Gyirong → Shigatse → Lhasa overland route, expect it to be disrupted for now. Build in flexibility, watch for the official reopening notice, and keep a flying-in alternative (Lhasa has flights from several Chinese cities) as backup. Official source: National Immigration Administration (Exit and Entry Administration of the PRC), Announcement No. 5 of 2026, issued 27 August 2026. Kat's note: my heart goes out to everyone affected by the Gyirong Port mudslide. This is just the practical travel update — please keep the people there in your thoughts. 🤍

Shigatse border permits suspended after Gyirong Port mudslide (Aug 2026)

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