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Who Needs Tibet Permit to Tibet, Who Needn't One?
| Type | Need | Don’t Need |
|---|---|---|
| Tourists |
Foreign Travelers Taiwan Residents |
Chinese Residents Residents of HK SAR Residents of Macau SAR Overseas Chinese with Chinese ID |
Who Needs Tibet Permit to Tibet:
Basically, all foreign travelers are required to have Tibet Permit to enter Tibet (TAR), including expats living in China;
Journalists and diplomats and officials of foreign embassies can’t get a TTB permit as tourists. They must process the application for Tibet Permit approved by the China Foreign Affairs Office;
Visitors on business, student, or resident visas will also need a Tibet Permit and have to procure a letter of introduction from their school or employment;
Travelers from countries with visa-free access to the Chinese mainland, still need to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit.
Residents of Taiwan need a Tibet Entry Permit, including MTP holders.
Tibet Visa for Indian Citizens: Indian citizens who plan to travel to the Ngari region ( Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar), Western Tibet need to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit through the Tibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center (non-governmental) and Foreign Affairs Office of TAR (governmental). If you are not planning to the Ngari region of Tibet, the application procedure for a Tibet Travel Permit is the same as for other foreign travelers.
Who Does Not Need Tibet Permit to Tibet:
Chinese residents of Hong Kong and Macau do not apply for a TTB permit to enter Tibet;
Chinese living outside of China who has a China identity card and a China passport don’t require a permit to travel to Tibet;
Special note for travelers who coming to Tibet from Nepal:You'll need to obtain a Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. This is different from the Tibet Travel Permit and is required for all foreign travelers entering Tibet from Nepal. You'll need to provide the Embassy with your Tibet Travel Permit and other necessary paperwork, and the visa process can take several days.
Other Extra Permits Need for Visiting Places Beyond Lhasa
If you plan to visit farther areas beyond Lhasa, extra Tibet permits are required, such as Aliens' Travel Permit (PSB Permit), Military Permit. But please don’t worry, Asia Odyssey will help to apply for all the Tibet permits you need to ensure you have a successful trip in Tibet.
The Tibet Permit - issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). It is a mandatory document that allows foreign travelers to enter and travel within Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).
Aliens’ Travel Permit - issued by the Public Security Bureau. It is required when tourists are planning to travel to the 'unopened' areas.
Military Travel Permit - issued by the military affairs office, required if tourists are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas in Tibet.
| Region | Tibet Permits Need |
|---|---|
| Lhasa Around |
Tibet Travel Permit |
| Mount Everest |
Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit |
| Shigatse |
Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit |
| Kailash |
Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Tibet Military Permit |
| Nyingchi |
Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Tibet Military Permit |
| Shannan |
Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Tibet Military Permit |
| Nagqu |
Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit |
| Chamdo |
Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Tibet Military Permit |
How to Apply for Tibet Travel Permit?
It is important to know that the application for Tibet Travel Permit is only can be arranged by a travel agency authorized by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and application from individuals is not accepted. Applying for a Tibet Travel Permit can be a complex process, but working with a reliable travel agency can help get a successful permit by just below simple 4 steps.
STEP 1: Advance Planning:
Decide on your travel dates and itinerary, including which places you want to visit in Tibet. Keep in mind that certain areas may require additional permits. The application process can take 2 weeks, so it's important to plan ahead.
STEP 2: Choose a Travel Agency:
You'll need to book your trip through a travel agency authorized by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. The agency will help you obtain the necessary permits and arrange your itinerary.
STEP 3: Provide Necessary Documents:
You'll need to provide the travel agency with a copy of your passport and Chinese visa (Residence Permit) and other necessary documents.
STEP 4: Receive Your Permit:
Once your permit is approved, the travel agency will send it to you by email or mail. You'll need to bring a physical copy or origin one with you when you travel to Tibet.
The documents required to obtain a Tibet Permit vary depending on the type of visa you held. If you are not an L (Tourist) Visa holder, you are required to provide additional documents.
| Purpose of Visit | Visa Types | Don’t Need |
|---|---|---|
| BusinessWorkCrewTalent |
F Z C
R |
A proof of employment, such as a letter from your company or employer with an official stamp |
| Student |
X1 X2 |
A letter of recommendation from your school with the school stamp and a scanned copy of student ID card |
| PrivateFamily |
S1/S2 Q1/Q2 |
An invitation letter from your relatives and inviter’s passport information |
| JournalistDiplomat |
J1 J2 |
Apply for Tibet permits through the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office. Other organizations and travel agencies in Tibet are not permitted to receive the applications. |
Tips for Smooth Tibet Travel Permit Process
Start planning early:
It is best to start planning your Tibet trip at least 2-3 months in advance. This will allow enough time to obtain all the necessary documents and permits. If you plan to visit restricted areas in Tibet, such as the Mount Kailash region, you may require additional permits. Apply for these permits well in advance to avoid any delays.
Get help with a travel agency well in advance:
It is better to work out your itinerary with your travel agency before Tibet permit application because the itinerary details will be included in the permit. Our travel advisor can assist you in selecting the most suitable date and transportation to reach Tibet and itinerary, and also guide you through the application process,Provide accurate information:
The permit requires accurate information about your departure date, pre-Lhasa city, as well as your itinerary. Once the permit is processed, making changes can be difficult. If the information on the permit does not match, you may be denied boarding the train or plane to Tibet.
Ask the travel agent to organize your transportation:
It is better to ask the travel agent to organize your transportation. Because the flight and train require a Tibet permit to confirm the booking, and the permit only can be obtained by the travel agency.
Don't apply for a China visa before arriving in Nepal:
If you are entering Tibet from Nepal, you must apply for a group visa issued in Kathmandu from its China immigration offices. If you already have a China visa, it will be invalid for applying for a Tibet permit from Nepal.
How Much Does a Tibet Permit Cost?
Asia Odyssey is proud to offer our clients an all-inclusive and unbeatable Tibet service. When you book a tour with us, you'll enjoy our Tibet Permit service for free, with a 100% guarantee to receive your permit before your trip.
Our expert team will guide you through the application process, ensuring that all necessary documents are in order and submitted on time. We work closely with the Tibet Tourism Bureau to ensure a seamless and successful permit application process, so you can just focus on immersing yourself in the beauty, culture, and adventure of Tibet.
FAQs about Tibet Travel Permit You May Concern
How Long Does It Take to Get My Tibet Permit?
Generally, it takes 15-20 days to receive your Tibet Permit after your application has been submitted. It takes 8-9 days for the processing of Tibet Pemit in Lhasa. Then it needs to take 3-5 days to send to your hotel in mainland of China.
However, it's important to note that the application process can take longer during holidays and festivals or when there are special events or political situations in Tibet. The processes are also not available during weekends. So we suggest you email documents to us 20 days ahead. It's better not to leave it to the last min.
Where Can I Get My Tibet Permit?
After we get your Tibet Permit in Lhasa, our staff will mail it to your hotel in your Tibet-entry cities in mainland of China. Under extreme circumstances, our staff will manage to deliver it to you in person at the airport or railway station.
When Will Your Tibet Travel Permit Be Checked?
Your Tibet Travel Permit will be checked at various points before or during your trip to Tibet. Here are the main checkpoints where your permit will be checked:
Checkpoint at the point of entry: When you first enter Tibet, your permit will be checked at the checkpoint at the train station or airport. Without a Tibet permit, even you are not allowed to board a train or plane.Hotels: When you check into a hotel in Tibet, the staff will ask to see your Tibet Travel Permit.Attractions: Many tourist attractions in Tibet, such as temples and monasteries, require visitors to show their Tibet Travel Permit before entering.Checkpoints on the road: If you're traveling by road in Tibet, there may be checkpoints where your permit will be checked.
It's important to keep your Tibet Travel Permit with you at all times during your trip to Tibet, as you may be asked to show it at any point.
Can I Apply for a Tibet Permit without a Tour?
No, it is not possible to apply for a Tibet Permit without a tour package. The Chinese government requires all foreign visitors to Tibet to travel with a guided tour and a private tour guide. To obtain a Tibet Permit, you must book a tour package through a travel agency authorized by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. The travel agency will handle the permit application process for you. In addition, independent travel is not allowed in Tibet and the Tibet Permit can’t be sold separately.
Can I Apply for a Tibet Permit on My Own?
No. Application from individuals is not accepted. You must apply from your Tibet travel permit by a travel agency authorized by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
Can I Travel with My Chinese Friends in the Same Group?
Expats might want to travel with their Chinese colleagues, friends, or relatives. Yes, we can make you on the same group tour or organize a private tour for just your group.
Chinese don't need a Tibet Travel Permit, just bring their Chinese ID card.
Expats need to follow the local travel policies and restrictions to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit.
Entering Tibet from Nepal Border Needs a Group Visa
If you are entering Tibet from Nepal, you need to go to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu to obtain a Group visa ( namely Chinese Tourist Group Visa). It is a special Group Visa only for foreign travelers who enter Tibet via Nepal. Besides, the Group Visa usually be valid for no more than 30 days and will only be issued to a tourist group that consists of at least 5 travelers. And you have to travel together both in and out of China via a pre-arranged tour with a travel agency. (Note: The Chinese Visa you have got in your home country is invalid for Tibet entry from Nepal.)
To apply for a China group visa, you need to have an invitation letter which we have applied for from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Our Tibet office will send the Tibet permit details and invitation letter to the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu to assist you in applying for a group visa.
A group visa is a separate sheet of paper with all the names and passport numbers of the group member.
Explore Tibet with Asia Odyssey Travel
Local based in Lhasa and Tibet for over 10 years, our local team at Asia Odyssey Travel has carefully designed Tibet tours that offer a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. You can choose to travel in the comfort of a private tour with a flexible itinerary or join a group tour that's budget-friendly without compromising on quality. Whatever your preference, Asia Odyssey Travel has a tour that caters to your needs and desires, ensuring that your journey to Tibet is an unforgettable adventure.
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