Latest Tibet Travel Permit or Tibet Visa Information Updated on May 31st, 2016
According to the todays tourism meeting in Lhasa, the multi-national group permit is stopped, very similar restriction was applied back in 2013 and 2014, but good thing for this time is there is no special requirement for number of people needed for the permit application, so there is an alternative way to apply the Tibet travel permit for multi-national groups, as it can be applied several different permits by regrouping them with same nationalities with same tour, then it never affect the Tibet tour itself.
Tibet travel permit would close from June 18th to 23rd for about 6 days, there is still no any official announcement for what reason the closure has applied, but all the Tibet tour groups planned between this period of time are informed to change the tour itinerary to avoid this period. Then the permit policy would recover to normal process from June 24th. If you are solo traveler or budget sensitive, then we have guaranteed departure Tibet Small Group Tours every week, you can just sign up one of our Tibet Group Tours departure based on your interest and we will find other like-minded travelers to share the cost. For free consultation about Tibet travel permit please write us at service@tibettour.com
Requirements for Tibet travel permit & Tibet Group Visa
This page provides you important and first-hand information about Tibet travel permit and documents needed to apply for the permits. Tibet is officially a province of China and a valid China visa is required to travel to Tibet (except if you enter Tibet from Nepal). As Tibet is different from other places in mainland China, you need some additional travel documents or permits to enter into Tibet. Please check the details below:
There are four main permits required for a foreigner to travel to Tibet.
The Tibet Travel Permits are vary based on the region/places that you travel in Tibet, so the Chinese visa/Group visa and Tibet travel permit is compulsory for all types of tour and other two are only needed if you travel to restricted areas like Everest Base Camp, Mt.Kailash, Ranwu and so on.
1) China visa or Tibet Group visa
2) Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
3) Alien's Travel Permit (ATP/also called PSB permit)
4) Military permit
How to obtain the Tibet Travel Permits (TTP)
The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is necessary for foreigners to get into the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Explore Tibet can apply for the permit for you and currently according to the Tibet tourism bureua policy, all the permit application should be submitted at least 15 days before the trip starting date, but if you are traveling into restricted areas, then you need more additional permits and documents which will take longer time. Once you confirm your trip with us, we request you to send us a clear scanned copy or photo of your passport and Chinese visa at least 20 days in advance by email as it is required for applying for the the Tibet Travel Permit. When the permit is issued we will send a copy or original of the permit to your hotel in China. If you will fly into Tibet then we will send the original permit to your hotel in China as you need it to board the flight. If you will take the train into Tibet, then we will send a copy of the permit by email and you can bring a copy to board the train.
Note: Diplomats, Journalists, professional media photographer and government officials are not able to issue their Tibet permit through ordinary travel agencies. They are only able to travel Tibet under the arrangement of Foreign Affairs Department, Economic Development Committee, etc.
Both Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) and Military Permits are required if your tour passes through a restricted area. ATP is easily obtainable at your arrival as it should be applied for with your original passport, whereas a Military Permit should be applied for along with the Tibet Travel Permit in advance and it will take about 7 working days to issue.
Tibet Visa or Tibet Group Visa
A valid passport with a standard Chinese entry visa is essential for all foreign travelers. A Chinese visa is generally obtainable from most Chinese embassies and consulates in your locality and must be obtained in advance. The cost of a standard Chinese tourist visa varies from US$ 12-120 according to the nationality of the applicant and the type of visa required. Individual visas (an 'L' Visa means tourist visa) may be issued for single or double entry, with a validity of one, two, or three months. Multiple entry visas are normally issued for business or educational purposes only, such as the "F" Visa, "X" Visa or "Z" Visa etc, ranging in validity from 6 to 12 months, and are more expensive (US$ 120-250). Normally three working days are required to process a visa application from the date of its submission, but express services are also available at a premium.
For detail of the visa application and formalities please check your regional Chinese Embassy website HERE
Important Tips from Explore Tibet when you apply for Chinese visa
It’s best not to mention Tibet or any places in Tibet as your travel destination when you are applying for Chinese visa (the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu is the only exception). Since Tibet is politically sensitive in China, your consulate may refuse your visa application if you mention travelling to Tibet in your application form, so please keep this in mind when applying. You can mention any city of mainland China such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu-Sichuan, Yunnan, etc. as your travel destination.
Tibet Group Visa—Documentation for entering Tibet from Nepal
Entering Tibet via Nepal by land or air
If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get your Tibet group visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. Whether you already have a Chinese visa or not, a Tibet group visa is compulsory for all tourists entering Tibet from Nepal. The Tibet Group Visa is an A4 size sheet of paper, with the name, sex, nationality, passport number, date of birth and occupation of each member of your group listed. The dates of entry and exit are precisely recorded. Usually, the visa is valid only for the length of the trip you have booked but it's possible to extend the visa for few additional days, but only for staying in Lhasa. There will be two original copies of the Tibet Group Visa, one for immigration at entry and another for exit. Explore Tibet can easily help you obtain the Tibet Group visa through our partner agent in Kathmandu. We highly recommend you to don’t apply for an individual Chinese visa in your country if you decided to enter Tibet from Nepal, because when you apply for the group visa for entering Tibet, the Chinese embassy will cancel your individual Chinese visa.
How to get Tibet Travel Permit
According to policy of Tibet Tourism Bureau, traveler can not apply the Tibet Travel Permit on his(her) own. He(she) has to book tour service from a certificated agency, and let the agency apply the permit.
1. Work out a detailed itinerary in Tibet and reserve from a China travel agency .
2. Hire a tour guide and driver for your every day tour(your travel agency will arrange for you).
3. Pay a deposit to your travel agency through Paypal or bank transfer
4. Send scan copies of your passport and China visa.
5. Offer an available address in China(hotel or local agency) to receive your permit.
6. We express the permit to you, or let a tour guide give it to you at airport or train station before your trip.
Note: Note: Above policy doesn't apply to Diplomats, journalists, media photographer or government officials.
Can I get the permit in my country before arriving in China?
Normally, we are able to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit 5-7 working days before the trip’s starting date. If you are going to fly into Tibet, you should have the original permit to board the flight to Tibet, so you should provide us with details about your hotel or residence address in China (including the correct name under which the booking is made) and we will send the original permit to you by EMS which takes 24hrs to 3 days within China, we never mail it abroad as it takes longer and could be delayed or lost. If you don't have a long layover or overnight in China, you can send us your detail international flight information and we can arrange someone to deliver the permit to you at the airport.
if you enter Tibet by train,we will scan it and send the permit to you by email. You can print it out into triplicate. Since you will take the train to Lhasa, So only the copy of the permit should be Ok. Please show the copy of the permit when you pass the check in at the train station.
How much is a Tibet travel permit
The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is necessary for foreigners to get into the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Great Tibet Tour can apply for the Tibet travel permit for you. Many guests may ask how much is a Tibet travel permit them should to pay. Here we will you the answer.
Firstly, Please note that we never just SELL a permit as this is illegal. We only help you obtain a permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. The cost for a permit includes both the charge by the government and the service fees by our travel agency. The cost will be calculated into the quote of the whole tour package including tour guide and other items.
What documents are needed if we enter Tibet from Nepal?
If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get the China Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu despite whether or not you already have a Chinese Visa. China Group Visa is an A4 size sheet of paper, with the name, sex, nationality, passport number, date of birth and occupation of each member of your group listed. The dates of entry and exit are precisely recorded. Usually, the visa is valid only for the length of the trip you have booked but it's possible to get the visa extended for few additional days, for stays in Lhasa only. There will be two original copies of the China Group Visa, one for immigration at the entry and one for the exit. We can easily help you with the China Group Visa application. We also highly recommend if you enter Tibet via Nepal not to apply for an individual Chinese Visa in your country; when you arrive in Kathmandu, you will need to apply for the China Group Visa to enter Tibet and the Chinese Embassy will cancel your individual Chinese Visa when you receive the Group Visa.
Tibet Travel Permit
1. Why need permit to travel Tibet?
Tibet as one part of China has unique political climate making it different from the rest regions. Therefore, a valid passport and Chinese Visa are no enough to visit Tibet. And a package of Tibet Travel Permits is needed for foreigners to visit here.
2. Who needs Tibet Travel Permit?
Only foreign passport holders (including overseas Chinese without Chinese Passport) and visitors from Taiwan to Tibet need to apply for a visa, citizens of the mainland and SAR passport holders from Hong Kong and Macao do not need to apply.
Note: Diplomats, Journalists, professional media photographer and government officials are not able to visit Tibet as Tourists and also can’t issue their Tibet permit through ordinary travel agencies.
3. Is there any age-limit for Tibet Permit application?
The answer is No. With an enough preparation to cope with the altitude sickness and join in a tour group, whether you are in the age of 80 or having a family tour with little kids are allowed to visit Tibet, as long as you are in the permitted crowds.
4. How does Tibet Permit charge if I don’t book tour?
It’s not allowed for travelers to visit Tibet independently, that is to say, you must join in a tour agency, like Tibet Discovery for Tibet Permit application and other services offered, including tour guide, four-wheel vehicle with driver, hotel reservation, etc to fulfill your lifetime Tibet travel. And the Tibet Permit application service fee will be included in your Tibet Tour. Remember there is No single travel agency to provide "permit-only" service or sell Tibet Permits.
5. What kind of Tibet Permits I should need, if I want to visit Lhasa, Shigatse and Mt. Everest Base Camp?
First of all, the Tibet Entry Permit is needed compulsorily to enter Tibet for visit anywhere of Tibet region. For other regions, check the table below to find out which permit(s) you may need:
| Top visited areas & featured attractions in Tibet | TTB permit | PSB permit | Military Permit | Border Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lhasa City | √ | × | × | × |
| Shigatse & Gyantse | √ | √ | × | × |
| Mt. Everest & EBC | √ | √ | × | √ |
| Nyingchi Prefecture | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Ngari Prefecture | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Note: if you travel some border places in Shannan area, you should need all of the permits above. With more info, please contact us to know more details.
6. Can I obtain my Tibet Permits on arrival of Tibet?
Most of permits for travel to Tibet must be obtained before enter Tibet, excepting the Aliens’ Tourist Permit (PSB permit). For instance the Tibet Entry Permit (TTB permit), there are check points sited on airports and train stations to check this permit before you getting aboard to Tibet. Without a TTB permit, you can never catch your train/flight heading to Tibet. Also If enter a restricted area without the proper permit, you can be fined, detained and deported.
7. How to apply for Tibet Travel Permit?
By visiting Tibet, foreigners need to book a Tibet tour with travel agency, who will help you to apply for Tibet Permits and other tour service provided. All you need to do are sending your scanning copy of your valid passport and Chinese visa 10-15 days before your visit, with personal info attached, including your name, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth, occupation, etc. With all truly necessary documents supplied to us by email, we’ll offer you all-in-one Tibet Tour without worries. Some detailed steps you need to do before we applying:
a. Work out a detailed itinerary in Tibet and book a tour from a China travel agency.
b. Pay for a tour guide for your every day tour (your travel agency will arrange for you).
c. Hire a vehicle (normally a 4WD) for your transportation outside Lhasa (your travel agency will arrange for you).
d. Send a deposit to your travel agency through Paypal or bank transfer.
e. Send a scan of your passport information and China visa.
f. Arrange a detailed address in China (hotel, guesthouse or local agency) to receive your posted TTP permit.
8. How long can I get the Tibet Travel Permit?
Generally it takes three days to approve a TTB permit with completed documents. And if your itinerary including Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash or Nyingchi Prefecture, the time to get approved will be extend a couple of days. When you get the permits, it may take another 2-4 days to express delivery.
9. Can I keep Tibet Permit while visit Tibet?
Once you arrive in Tibet, your tour guide is required to keep all Tibet permits in the group. And you are not allowed to bring any of them along the way.
Chinese Visa
As Tibet is under the jurisdiction of China, tourist will need to obtain the first document, Chinese Visa, for the purpose of entering China. Tourists can apply for it in a Chinese Embassy overseas or in Hong Kong.
Chinese Visa
A Sample of Chinese Visa
Tibet Travel Permit
The Tibet Travel Permit is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). It is also called Tibet Entry Permit, for the purpose of entering Tibet.
Tibet Travel Permit (sample)
A Sample of Tibet Entry Permit
Travelers need to have Tibet Travel Permit to enter into Lhasa or any other parts of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. It is obtained through tour operators for most tourists. When you take a flight or train to Lhasa, you will be asked to show this permit during check-in. Furthermore, the permit is also needed by groups traveling by road. But this will be arranged by the travel agency organizing the trip.
Important Issues About Tibet Travel Permit
1. Only after having your Tibet Travel Permit can a travel agency buy air tickets for you. You can then pass airport check-in.
2. Even if you have the Tibet Travel Permit, you are not allowed to travel anywhere outside of Lhasa city. If you want to get out of Lhasa, you have to apply for another permit, Aliens' Travel Permit.
3. Generally speaking, it takes three working days to get the Tibet Travel Permit if you submit all the necessary documents on time.
Read More
Tibet Visa for Travel
Tibet visa for Indian passport
Aliens' Travel Permit
The Alien’s Travel Permit is issued by the Public Security Bureau. It is required when tourists are planning to travel to the 'unopened' areas of Tibet, like Mount Everest Base Camp in Shigatse, Samye Monastery in Tsedang.
Aliens' Travel Permit
A Sample of Aliens' Travel Permit
Aliens' Travel Permit is required to visit 'unopened' areas. It is issued by the police (Public Security Bureau, "PSB"). Usually, you can apply for it once you arrive at Lhasa. For tour groups, our guide will ask you for the passport and Tibet Travel Permit, which they will submit to the Foreign Affairs Division of the PSB for the Aliens’ Permit. It normally takes several hours and the cost is 50 CNY per person. If you travel alone, you need to join local tours to 'unopened' areas, and the local travel agencies will arrange the PSB for you as well. Pay attention, no travel agency can provide 'Alien’s Travel permit-only' service.
Notice: If you want to do a Tibet overland tour from Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai or Xinjiang province to Tibet, you must got the PSB permit before your tour starts.
Which parts of Tibet are listed as the closed areas?
At present, you have to apply for a Alien’s Travel permit if you are planning to visit the following places:
Tsedang: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Trundruk Monastery, Yumbulakhang
Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery
Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery & Kubum Stupa
Ngari Region: Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Tsaparang, Years, etc.
Nyingchi Region: Basum-tso, Pomi, Rawo-tso, etc.
Chamdo Region: Chamdo, Riwoche, Tengchen, etc.
Military Area Entry Permit
The military area entry permit is required if tourists are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas in Tibet. Like Mount Kailash in Ali, Rowok Lake in Chamdo.
Military Area Entry Permit
A sample of Military Area Entry Permit.
Sensitive borders such as Mt. Kailash and eastern Tibet not only require a Military Area Entry Permit, but also a Foreign Affairs Permit. For Tholing and Tsaparang in western Tibet, you will also need a permit from the local Cultural Antiquities Department. All these will be arranged by our travel agency one month before you enter Tibet. The Military Area Entry Permit is issued by the military affairs office while the Foreign Affairs Permit is issued by the Foreign affairs office in Lhasa. It normally takes 10-15 working days to get them all.
Tibet Permit Application Procedure
1. Email us the photo copy of your passport and Chinese Visa at least 20 days before your Tibet tour starts.
There are three main types of Chinese Visa, “L”,”F”,“Z”, including other types for studying, travelling and working.
Please refer to Apply for Tibet Visa to understand what Travel documents you need to prepare.
Note: Any Visa issued by associations like APEC is not equal to Chinese Visa for Tibet Travel Permit application.
2. If you work or live in China or visit China for business purpose, you will need to offer a certificate to prove your purpose for visiting China.
Confirmation We herewith confirm that your full name , Passport Number, is working at your company name since the date you join in this company to work as your position .
(for visiting) Visit our company for your purpose , from the date you star visiting to the date you end visiting.If you have any question concerning with your full name, please feel free to contact the telephone number and fax number of your company
Company Name:
Company Seal:
Date: |
2. Your Tibet Travel Permit will be issued within 2-5 working days after we pass your documents to Tibet Tourism Bureau.
The Tibet Travel Permit will be posted to the city from which you depart to Tibet. Please let us know the address and telephone number of your hotel in that city 15 days before you arrive in China. If we want you to pick up the documents at our branch office in that city, we will mention it in the contract.
3. Travelers need to offer unfeigned, effective and related credential, license or certificate through which CITS Tibet Travel Org will apply for necessary permits.
Once any counterfeit credential, license or certificate from travelers is confirmed, CITS Tibet Travel Org reserves the right to cancel the corresponding trip, without any refund. Necessary compensation from travelers also occurs when any counterfeit made by the travelers induces loss to CITS Tibet Travel Org.
Please pay attention: Tibet occasionally sees political tension and social unrest. When there are important political events or any indication of such political or social unrest, the government may not issue Tibet Travel Permits. Although the conflicts are defused day by day, it is still a problem out of our control. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that you will get the Tibet Travel Permit under those circumstances. Moreover, we cannot predict when it will happen. Please do understand and take it into consideration when planning your trip to Tibet. However, it is not necessary to worry too much because it rarely happens. And any unofficial information you find on the Internet or hear from other people, even from travel agencies, can be considered as rumor. Please do not believe it unless you get an announcement from the government.
Read More:
Tibet Visa Application Guidelines Update
Tibet Visa from Nepal
Special Notice about the Nepal Earthquake
As the catastrophic earthquake resulted in widespread damage and loss of life across Nepal, the access to Nyalam County, the Sino-Nepal border, was also temporarily shut down and so was the entire region of Shigatse for both the safety concerns for the tourists and the assistance of the Nepalese disaster relief and rescue efforts.
In addition, the application and issue of Tibet Travel Permit was also affected due to the natural disaster. Currently, Tibet Travel Bureau suspended temporarily the issue of Tibet Travel Permit of Ali and Shigatse region and the suspension was expected to last at least 10-15 days, or even longer.
However, those prime attractions not affected by the aftershocks of earthquake in Tibet, remained safe to travel, places like Lhasa, Namtso Lake, Yalongzangbu river, dozens of monasteries, etc
Visa Extensions
The foreign affairs section of the local PSB handles visa extensions. Extensions are difficult in Tibet (and only likely in Lhasa) so don't count on one. It is far easier to extend your visa in other areas of China such as Chendu, Xining or Xi'an, where a 30-day extension is commonplace.
2017 Latest information on Tibet Travel Permit
So far, the application and issuing of Tibet Travel Permit has been on, as usual. Till now, Tibet Vista has successfully helped more than 4,200 clients get Tibet Travel Permit in 2016. We promise to nail visa to Tibet for every of our clients with 100% guarantee.
So, to tourists who are planning to tour Tibet from 2017 and 2018, Tibet Vista is readily available to help you successfully handle the application of Tibet Travel Permit.
Winter has come to Tibet from November and last to Feb of 2017, and the tourists will enjoy the brilliant sunshine, lower tour price, abundant Tibetan local custom activities, and less tourist crowds while traveling in winter. Read more about our customized Tibet winter tour.
Years of Tibet tour operation experience and outstanding networking within the industry promise hassle-free Tibet Permit Application Service. We will treat your any inquiry responsibly and give timely response. Why not join our fixed-departure Tibet small group tour for your long-awaited vacation at the most competitive price.
Guaranteed Tibet Permit for 2017 & 2018
Benefiting from the favorable policy, Tibet Vista can guarantee you a Tibet Permit. In the past years, we've organized over 54,000 individual travelers and more than 1,000 tour groups with assured permits to Tibet, even during the very difficult period of time in early 2012. Now, we're taking reservations for 2017 and 2018 Tibet tours. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are planning a trip to Tibet. Click the best of Tibet tours here.
Let us apply permit for you
E-mail: TibetTravelAgency@gmail.com
Important Notes:
1) We do not SELL tibet travel permit! If you will not book a trip from us, but want a permit only, we can not help.
2) By booking a trip, you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions.