How to Get a Tibet Travel Permit

Who Needs a Tibet Travel Permit?

Many people assume that all tourists must obtain the Tibet Travel Permit before visiting Tibet. However, this is not always the case. International tourists, overseas Chinese tourists without a Chinese passport, expats residing in mainland China, and Taiwan residents are required to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit.

For Hong Kong and Macau citizens, on the other hand, you can visit Tibet without the Tibet Travel Permit if you possess a Home Visit Permit (also known as Mainland Travel Permit).

However, diplomats, journalists and governmental officials must apply for the Tibet Permit exclusively through the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office.

What Documents are Needed to Apply for the Tibet Travel Permit?

When applying for a Tibet Travel Permit, it's essential to have the required documents to avoid delays or rejections. Typically, the documents needed are your passport and Chinese Visa.

Your passport should be valid for more than 6 months. As for the Chinese Visa, usually a tourist visa (L visa), you can apply for it from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or a third country.

The good news is that many countries currently enjoy visa-free access to China. These include France, Germany, Malaysia, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, and others. If you are from one of these countries, you can simply prepare your passport. Check with us whether you need a Chinese Visa or not.

If you are an overseas student or an expat living in mainland China, you need to prepare your work visa or student visa. Besides, you will also need to provide additional documents to verify your status. This includes your school enrollment certificate or working certificate obtained from your school or employer.

Chinese Visa is required for obtaining the Tibet Travel Permit.

How to Get the Tibet Travel Permit? - Follow Our 4 Simple Steps

Many tourists mistakenly believe that obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit is a complicated and troublesome process. This is because the permit cannot be applied for individually and the application process can involve complex procedures.

However, we can make the process easy and stress-free for you. With years of experience in organizing Tibet tours, we have established strong relationships with the relevant authorities, allowing us to efficiently assist you in obtaining your Tibet Travel Permit.

With our assistance, you can focus on planning your trip and enjoying the beauty of Tibet, knowing that we have taken care of the administrative details.

Here are four simple steps to obtain your Tibet Travel Permit through us:

• Step 1: Book your Tibet tour with us.
• Step 2: Send us copies of your passport and Chinese Visa at least 20 days prior to your departure.
• Step 3: We will handle the application process by submitting the documents to the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
• Step 4: Upon receiving the travel permit, we will deliver it to you before you board the train or flight to Lhasa.

Obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit can be simple through us.

Can I Apply for the Tibet Travel Permit On My Own?

No, individual application of the Tibet Travel Permit is not allowed. According to regulations, only a registered local Tibet travel agency is authorized to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on the behalf of tourists.

So it is crucial to select a trustworthy registered Tibet travel agency with a proven track record of successfully obtaining Tibet Travel Permits for their clients. Avoid unregistered tour operators as they may lack the necessary knowledge and experience to navigate the permit application process, which could result in delays or other issues.

As the largest local Tibet travel agency, we process over 8000 permit applications every year, making us experts in obtaining Tibet Travel Permit. Our team can guide you through the entire application process, ensuring that all necessary documents are obtained and submitted correctly.

How Much Does a Tibet Travel Permit Cost?

Once you book a Tibet tour with us, we’ll provide the Tibet Travel Permit service completely free of charge. And we guarantee you’ll receive your permit before your journey to Tibet begins.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain the Tibet Travel Permit?

The typical processing time for the travel permit by the Tibet Tourism Bureau is approximately 8-9 business days. After the permit is issued, we will deliver it from Lhasa to your address in mainland China. The delivery time depends on your distance from Lhasa, and can usually take 2 to 3 days.

However, during the peak season of the Tibet tour, the time needed to process your Tibet Travel Permit may be longer, and it may take more time for delivery. Therefore, it's important to reserve more time for the application process to avoid delays or cancellation.

It is recommended to start the permit application at least 20 days before your Tibet tour date. This will give you enough time for the permit to be processed and delivered to you.

In case of an emergency or if you're applying too close to your travel date, contact us to inquire about emergency processing options. We can expedite the processing of your Tibet Travel Permit. In this case, an extra charge will be required.

Where Will I Receive My Tibet Travel Permit?

Once your newly issued Tibet Travel Permit is prepared in Lhasa, we’ll send it to your hotel in mainland China via express delivery.

If you're flying to Lhasa from mainland China, you must present the original permit to board your flight.

For travelers taking the Tibet train to Lhasa, a printed copy (2) of the permit is sufficient for boarding.

Due to security regulations, we cannot ship the Tibet Permit to locations outside mainland China. However, if you have a brief layover at a Chinese airport before your connecting flight to Lhasa, our staff will meet you there in person to hand over your permit.

How to Get a Tibet Travel Permit If I Enter from Nepal?

If you are entering Tibet from Nepal, the procedure for obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit is the same. Simply confirm your tour itinerary and sign the tour contract with us. Our team in Lhasa will handle the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf.

Unlike travelers from mainland China, you won’t need to carry the permit yourself. Whether you're traveling by road or flying from Kathmandu, your Tibetan guide will keep the permit and present it to the authorities when you go through customs - either at the Gyirong border or upon arrival at Lhasa Gongga International Airport.

We will also help you obtain the Tibet Travel Permit if you are entering from Nepal.

When Will My Tibet Travel Permit Be Checked?

Your Tibet Travel Permit will be checked when you board the train or flight to Lhasa from other cities in mainland China.

If you’re entering Tibet from Kathmandu by road, the permit will be inspected at the Sino-Nepal border. If you’re flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa, it will be checked during customs clearance at Lhasa Gongga Airport. No need to worry - our Tibetan guide will handle the permit and present it to the authorities in both cases.

As you continue your journey beyond Lhasa, the permit will be checked at various checkpoints along the route. For safety and convenience, your Tibetan guide will keep the permit with them at all times.

What Else Permits are Needed Besides the Tibet Travel Permit?

The Tibet Travel Permit only allows you to enter Tibet and visit places around Lhasa. If you want to explore more remote areas of Tibet, you will need additional travel documents.

For instance, to visit Mount Everest in Tibet, you must acquire an Aliens' Travel Permit. Likewise, if you plan to venture to the Mount Kailash area, you will require both a Military Travel Permit and a Foreign Affairs Permit.

However, obtaining these permits is not a concern since our Tibetan guide will assist you in obtaining them once you arrive in Lhasa. Simply inform us of your travel plans and itinerary ahead of time.

Aliens' Travel Permit is also needed for visiting Mt. Everest in Tibet.

Can I Travel Independently in Tibet with a Tibet Travel Permit?

No, even if you have obtained a Tibet Travel Permit, you cannot travel independently in Tibet. All international tourists are required to join an organized tour through a registered Tibetan travel agency. This includes a pre-arranged itinerary, a private vehicle with a driver, and a licensed Tibetan tour guide throughout the trip.

But you can choose between a group or private tour based on your budget and preferences. We offer a wide variety of small group tours with fixed departure dates at the best local prices to minimize your Tibet tour expenses. For those who want more flexibility, our experienced travel consultants can help you customize your Tibet tour.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit is not complicated. However, it’s important to plan well in advance, work with a reputable travel agency experienced in organizing Tibet tours, and ensure all required documents are prepared before the application.

With years of experience in arranging Tibet tours and handling permit applications, we can help you successfully obtain your Tibet Travel Permit. Simply share your travel plans with us, and let us assist you in enjoying a worry-free journey to Tibet.