How to Get Tibet Border Pass: Must-Know Tips for Visiting Border Regions
There's one crucial document you won't want to overlook for your Tibet trip: the Tibet Border Pass, also known as a Frontier Pass. This permit is mandatory for visiting Tibet's border regions, which share boundaries with neighboring countries.
Which Tibet Border Regions Require This Pass?
First, let's clarify where you'll need a Tibet Border Pass. Many of Tibet's most iconic remote destinations fall within border areas, so it's essential to check your itinerary against this list. The entire Ngari Prefecture is a key area requiring the pass—this includes sacred sites like Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake, two of the most revered destinations for spiritual travelers. The Mount Everest region, covering the Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery, also demands the pass. Additionally, the Yadong border area in Shannan Prefecture, a popular spot for those interested in cross-border culture, requires the permit too. Even certain flights require this document: if you're flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa, or departing Lhasa for Kathmandu by air, you'll need a Tibet Border Pass. Flights to Ngari Gunsa Airport, no matter if you're coming from Lhasa, Urumqi, or Kashgar, also require this pass before boarding.
Key Rule: You Can't Apply for the Pass Individually
One of the most important things to remember is that individual travelers cannot apply for a Tibet Border Pass on their own. The permit is issued exclusively by the Tibet Armed Police Border Corps in Lhasa, and the only way to obtain it is through a registered local Tibet travel agency. This rule exists to ensure all foreign travelers in border areas are part of a legitimate, organized tour, which helps maintain safety and compliance with local regulations. Don't waste time trying to apply at embassies or government offices on your own—partnering with a trusted local agency is the only viable way to get your pass.
Conclusion
The process of getting your Tibet Border Pass is closely tied to your overall Tibet travel plans, and it typically follows a clear sequence of steps. First, you'll need to work out a detailed Tibet itinerary that includes all the border regions you want to visit. Sharing this itinerary with our local travel agency allows us to confirm that your plan is reasonable, doable, and compliant with local travel regulations.
Once we've reviewed and approved your itinerary, we'll confirm your tour and request a deposit to secure your booking—this deposit goes toward your overall tour cost and covers the administrative work for permit applications. Next, you'll need to send us clear copies of your passport and valid China Visa; these documents are essential for applying for the Tibet Travel Permit first. The Tibet Travel Permit is a prerequisite for the Border Pass, so we'll handle that initial application process on your behalf. Once the Tibet Travel Permit is issued, we'll use it to apply for your Tibet Border Pass from the relevant authorities in Lhasa. The entire process, from submitting your documents to receiving the final pass, usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, so we always recommend starting this process well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute delays.
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35 Comment ON "How to Get Tibet Border Pass: Must-Know Tips for Visiting Border Regions"
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