Permit Rules for Trains to Tibet: Originals Required or Copies Accepted?
Probably you already know entering Tibet can't be separated from a Tibet Travel Permit. When it comes to the specific access permit rules for taking a train to Tibet, the situation will vary slightly depending on the departure city you choose.
Three major gateway cities currently enforce strict rules that only accept original stamped Tibet Travel Permits for boarding. These cities are Xi'an, Chongqing and Lanzhou in which you need to show the original document at both the ticket check and boarding gates. Train staff will carefully compare the original Tibet Travel Permit against your passport, and no copies will be accepted under any circumstances. This rule applies equally to all train classes, from hard seats to soft sleepers.
Which Trains Accept Colored Copies of Tibet Travel Permit?
Trains departing from all other major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xining allow boarding with a colored copy of your Tibet Travel Permit. Black and white copies will be rejected, as staff need to verify the authenticity of the official seals. It is always wise to print two or three extra copies and keep them in separate bags, just in case one gets lost or damaged during your travels.
Why Tibet Travel Permit Can't Be Mailed Outside of Mainland China?
Tibet Travel Permit can never be shipped internationally to your home country. First, the permit is a single-use document valid only for your specific travel dates and pre-approved itinerary in Tibet. Second, international shipping from Lhasa is slow and unreliable, with a significant risk of lost or delayed packages. Instead, our travel agency will send the original permit to a Chinese address you provide if you need the permit to board the train or flight to Tibet. The most convenient and widely used option is the hotel where you will be staying before your train departure.
Mailing Timelines of Tibet Travel Permit to Your Address
Once your Tibet Travel Permit is approved and issued in Lhasa, our travel agency will send it to your designated address using a trusted domestic courier service. Standard delivery time from Lhasa to most major Chinese cities ranges from 2 to 5 days. Chengdu and Xining usually receive permits within 2 to 3 days as they are closer to Tibet than other cities. Our travel agency will send you a tracking number as soon as the permit is shipped, so you can monitor its progress online. If you need the original permit to enter Tibet, the mailing time should also be taken into account.
The Critical Importance of Keeping Your Permit Safe
Your Tibet Travel Permit is the single most important document you will carry during your Tibet trip, and losing it can lead to serious consequences. If you misplace the original permit before boarding a train that requires it, you will not be allowed to board. Applying for a replacement permit takes 7 to 15 working days, which will almost certainly result in the cancellation of your entire Tibet itinerary and significant financial losses.
Even if you travel from a city that accepts copies, you will still need the original permit once you arrive in Tibet. It will be checked at hotels, tourist attractions, and road checkpoints throughout your stay. For absolute safety, I always recommend keeping the original permit in a secure, waterproof document pouch and carrying a copy with you at all times. When you arrive in Tibet, your guide will usually take responsibility for the original permit to prevent loss or damage.
Conclusion
Once you have completed your Tibet trip and are ready to travel to other parts of China by train, you no longer need your Tibet Travel Permit. The permit is only required for entry into Tibet, not for departure. Note that you can't take your Tibet Travel Permit with you when you leave Tibet. At the end of your trip, your guide will collect the original permit as required by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
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39 Comment ON "Permit Rules for Trains to Tibet: Originals Required or Copies Accepted?"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.