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Tibet Travel Permit

According to the regulations of China National Tourism Administration (Now: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China), International tourists (non-Chinese passport holders), overseas Chinese (who have no Chinese ID Card or Chinese passport) and Taiwan citizens (who have no China’s ID Card) are required to get a Tibet Travel Permit to travel to Tibet and only authorized Tibet local tour operator can apply for it.

As a local Tibet tour operator, our permit application team has helped thousands of foreigners each year to apply for their Tibet Travel Permit successfully. You just need to book your Tibet tour with us and offer the scanned copies of your passport and visa, and we will take care of the whole complicated permit application procedure.

We also offer the latest and most complete Tibet permits application tips and articles here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and our Tibet travel expert will get back to you.

Step-by-step Tibet Travel Permit Application Guide

Step1.
Know the latest Tibet Travel Permit application policy here
Step2.
Apply for China Visa from Chinese Embassy in your country in advance
Step3.
Plan a trip to Tibet at least 20 days before the date you board a fight or train to Lhasa
Step4.
Confirm your Tibet tour with us at least 15 days in advance
Step5.
Tibet Travel Permit application usually needs 7-10 working days, and delivery needs 3-5 days
Step6.
Keep in touch with us about your permit application to Tibet
Step7.
Do Not change any plan when applying for Tibet Permits, such as entering Tibet city, transportation modes
Step8.
Traveling to Tibet should strictly follow your Tibet Travel Permit

Visa-Free Travel to China

Starting December 2024, transit travelers from 54 countries can stay for up to 10 days without a visa. Better yet, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several Asian countries enjoy 30-day visa-free stays through 2025. US, U.K., and Canadian passport holders can visit for 6 days visa-free.

FAQs on Tibet Travel Permit

1. What is a Tibet Travel Permit?

The Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit) is a mandatory document issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. It allows foreign travelers to enter and travel within the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is not a visa and does not replace a Chinese visa; however, it is required in addition to it, with no exceptions. All foreign travelers must book a tour through a licensed travel agency to obtain the permit. Some additional permits may be needed for certain areas, such as Mount Kailash. Without the Tibet Travel Permit, entry into Tibet is not allowed.
2. Who needs to apply for Tibet Travel Permit for Tibet tour?

According to the regulations of China National Tourism Administration (Now: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China), the listed below persons need to apply for Tibet permit before traveling to Tibet:
1) International tourists, such as USA citizens, Australia citizen, Canada citizens, Singapore citizen,etc.
2) Overseas Chinese with no China’s ID Card or Chinese passport;
3) Taiwan citizens
3. Can I apply for a Tibet Travel Permit without a tour package?

No, it is not possible to apply for a Tibet Permit without joining a tour package. The independent travel is not allowed in Tibet. It requires that all foreign tourists to Tibet should travel with a tour guide. To obtain a Tibet Permit, you must book a tour package through a travel agency authorized by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
4. Can I apply for a Tibet Travel Permit on my own?

No. The Tibet Tourism Bureau does not accept individual applications. You must apply for the Tibet Travel Permit through an officially authorized travel agency.
5. What are the different types of Tibet Permits and where are they required?

Tibet Travel Permit: This is a mandatory document for foreign tourists to enter and travel within the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Aliens' Travel Permit: issued by the Public Security Bureau. It is required when tourists are planning to travel to the 'unopened' areas, like Mount Kailash, Mansarovar Lake, etc.
Military Entry Travel Permit: issued by the military affairs office, required if tourists are planning to travel to some military-sensitive areas in Tibet, like Ngari Prefecture.
6. How to apply for a Tibet Visa (entering from China)?

Getting into Tibet from the Chinese Mainland is simple. By following the below four simple steps, you will find it is not as difficult as you thought to get your Tibet Travel Permit.

Step 1: Consult online travel agency, confirm your Tibet tour and book it.
Book your Tibet tour with a licensed travel agency.

Step 2: Prepare valid passport and China Tourist Visa.
Apply for a Chinese Visa before traveling to Tibet. Most travelers need a L visa; travelers from visa-free countries can skip this step. If you are not an L (Tourist) Visa holder, you are required to provide additional documents.

Step 3: Send the copies of valid documents to us.
Email us a copy of your passport and Chinese Visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.

Step 4: Get your Tibet Travel Permit before traveling to Tibet.
Once approved, we will deliver the Tibet Travel Permit to your hotel in China. Bring the original permit when traveling to Tibet.
7. How to apply for Tibet Travel Permit successfully (entering from Nepal)?

Simply email us a copy of your passport. We will assist you in applying for the Tibet Travel Permit and China Group Visa invitation for entering Tibet from Nepal. The issued Tibet Travel permit will be kept by your Tibetan guide and presented to officials at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Gyirong Port upon your entry into Tibet.
8. What documents do travelers need to offer to travel agency when applying for Tibet permit?

For different passport or visa holders, you need to offer the different documents.

1) For foreign personal passport holders, such as USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia citizens, you will only need to offer the scanned PDF file copy or clear and complete picture copy of personal passport and China tourist visa (also knows L visa because the type is L).
If you hold X visa, you need to offer passport, X visa and additional study proof.
If you hold Z visa or China residence permit, you need to offer passport, visa or permit and additional work certificate or Foreigners’ work permit.
If you hold Q2 visa, you need to offer passport, Q2 visa and additional invitation Letter from relatives.
If you hold APEC card, you need to offer passport, APEC card and additional work certificate.
If you hold other visa, you need to consult your trip advisor which additional certificate or invitation letter.

2) For Taiwan passport holders, you are Chinese and holding This Card is Intended for Its Holders to Travel to the Mainland of China (Chinese: 台湾居民来往大陆内地通行证) , abbr.: Home Return Card (Chinese: 台胞卡or台胞证). You will need to offer the scanned PDF files or clear and complete pictures of Taiwan passport and the Home Return Card.

In addition, when applying for travelers’ Tibet Travel Permit, travel agency also need to prepare other documents, such as reserved itinerary, guide and car & driver’s information.
9. Can I join the same tour group as my Chinese friends?

Yes, you can. If foreign tourists wish to travel with your Chinese colleagues, friends, or relatives, we can arrange for you to join the same tour group or organize a private tour for your small group.
Please note that Chinese citizens do not need a Tibet Travel Permit, but need to bring their Chinese ID card. Foreign tourists need to comply with local travel policies and regulations to obtain a Tibet travel permit.
10. How long does it take to apply Tibet permit in advance?

According to the current policy of Tibet Tourism Bureau, Tibettourism can apply for the Tibet permit for you, all the permit application need about at least 8 working days and documents should be submitted at least 15 days before your Tibet tour starting date. But if you are traveling into restricted areas, such as Ngari Kailash region or Nyingchi Bomi region, you need more additional permits and documents which will take longer time.
11. How much is travelers’ Tibet permit application cost?

Tibet Travel Permit is free of charge by Tibet Tourism Bureau. You can also see “No Commission Fee” words on your Tibet permit when you receive it. But during the permit application process, your travel agency need to spend much human and material resources. Therefore, you will be charged some fee, which is usually included in your Tibet tour cost. It is known that Tibet Travel Permit is free in tour cost inclusion part.
In addition, your Tibet permit can not be applied separately . That is to say, you do not book Tibet tour with travel agency, and travel agency is unable to apply for your Tibet permit from TTB. If some one says that he can help you apply for Tibet permit with some money and let you travel alone into Tibet, it is cheating.
12. Where to get or receive Tibet Travel Permit?

When you travel to Tibet from the Chinese Mainland, you will receive your Tibet Travel Permit at the following places:
1) At Hotel or Friend’s Home of Mainland China city;
2) At Airport of mainland China city;
3) In your email.

When you go to Tibet from Kathmandu, your original Tibet Travel Permit will be checked when you arriving at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport. If you take a Kathmandu to Lhasa tour by land, Tibet Travel Permit will be check at Gyirong Port. Your tour guide will take the permit to meet you at Lhasa Airport or Gyirong Port. Of course, if you need your Tibet Travel Permit, we can also send the scanned permit copies to your email in advance.
13. When and where will my Tibet Travel Permit be checked?

Keep your Tibet Travel Permit handy, because you'll need it throughout your Kailash tour. Here's where you'll show this essential document:

Before Entering Tibet:
At your departure city's airport or train station;
During security checks and boarding.

Entering Tibet:
Lhasa Airport or Train Station;
Gyirong Port (if coming from Kathmandu);
Tuotuo River checkpoint (if entering from the Amdo region);
Border checkpoints and security stations.

During Your Tibet Stay:
Every hotel check-in;
Major attractions like: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Mount Everest, Mount Kailash.

Smart Traveler Tips:
Always carry your permit (original or copy as required) and keep it clean and protected;
Make extra copies just in case;
Let your guide, which know the drill, handle the checkpoints.
14. What are some important things to keep in mind when applying for a Tibet Travel Permit?

1) Don't wait until the last minute to apply for your Tibet Travel Permit. The process usually takes 15-20 days. Plan ahead and start your application at least one month before your trip to Tibet.
2) Choose a local Tibetan agency with the appropriate resources. They are familiar with the latest regulations and can help you process your permit application smoothly.
3) Don't overlook special permits. You will need additional permits if you plan to visit restricted areas, such as Mount Kailash or Everest Base Camp.
4) Stick to your original plan. Your permit is tied to specific dates and locations. Changing them means starting the entire application process over again. Therefore, be sure to finalize your plans early and stick to them.

Guide for Tibet Travel Permit Application

These guides explain how to apply for and get a Tibet Travel Permit successfully, which is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet. For more detailed information about Tibet Entry Permit, please refer to the following guide.

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Step-by-step Tibet Travel Permit Application Guide

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