Do I Need a Military Permit to Visit Tibet as a Tourist?
First off, while the Tibet Travel Permit is a total must-have for any Tibet trip, the Military Permit is only non-negotiable if you're planning to visit specific areas—not every traveler needs it! Don't stress: For regular, popular routes—think Lhasa's Potala Palace, Nyingchi's Basumtso Lake, or Shigatse's Tashilhunpo Monastery—you won't need a Military Permit at all. But if your itinerary includes Tibet's remote border regions or less-developed spots, this permit becomes essential. Also, keep in mind: The Military Permit is different from the Aliens' Travel Permit—they cover different restricted areas, so one can't replace the other.
Which Tibet Counties Require Military Permit?
Below are the counties where you'll need this permit.
Shigatse Prefecture: Counties like Xaitongmoin, Kangmar, Tingri (home to Everest Base Camp), Yadong, and Gangba. If you're dreaming of standing at the foot of Everest, this permit is non-negotiable.
Chamdo Prefecture: Tengchen, Lhorong, and Palbar counties.
Nyingchi Prefecture: Medog (famous for its remote waterfalls and rainforests) and Zayul counties. Even though Nyingchi is super popular for peach blossoms, these two spots need extra authorization.
Shannan Prefecture: Tsome, Lhodak, Gyatsa, Lhuntse, Nakartse, and Tsona counties.
Nagqu Prefecture: Chali, Biru, Nyerong, Shantsa, Sokshan, Bachen, Nima, and Shuanghu. Think vast grasslands, wild yaks, and Lake Namtso's more remote bays—all need the permit.
Ngari Prefecture:Zanda, Puran, Rutok, Gakyi, Gertse, Tsochen—including holy sites like Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
To ensure a smooth trip: We regret to inform you that Chamdo Prefecture, Yadong County, and Medog County are not presently open to international visitors. As regulations can change, we strongly advise double-checking with our travel experts to build your perfect Tibet itinerary.
How to Get Military Permit?
What you need to provide:
To apply for any permits on your behalf, we will need just a few documents from you:
A clear scan of your passport photo page (valid for at least 6 months).
A clear scan of your valid Chinese Visa.
Your detailed travel itinerary and planned dates.
How It Works:
All permits including Tibet Travel Permit and Military Permit for Tibet must be applied for by a licensed Tibetan travel agency. You cannot apply for them yourself. Our role is to handle all the paperwork and secure these documents for you before you arrive.
Conclusion
Get a free consultation by messaging us on WeChat, WhatsApp, or email. For the fastest service, a phone call is best!
Related Articles & Posts
35 Comment ON "Do I Need a Military Permit to Visit Tibet as a Tourist?"
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.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash