about Tibet Travel Permit
1. only foreign passport holders and visitors from Taiwan to Tibet need to apply for a visa, citizens of the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao residents do not need to apply.
2. to apply for permit to Tibet: You can simply copy your passport and occupation to your travel agents can apply for a permit to Tibet.
Good for Tibet visa, travel agencies in Tibet will give you a confirmation, and only with Tibet in order to confirm the purchase of books and bus tickets and travel tours.
If the foreign guests and compatriots in Taiwan to participate in dream trip to Tibet tour could be a copy of your passport 0086-891-6319888 fax to us, or can give us email: TibetPermits@gmail.com , we can apply for your Tibet procedures.
People can go to the border areas of Tibet Tibet border area to apply for approval of letter of travel permits, generally by Tibet travel agent. General needs of visitors to Tibet for a tourist visa, that is, we often say that the L visa, business visa if it is also Tibet, but some trouble. Be noted, however, is not allowed foreign journalists into Tibet visa, please note that foreign friends in the item.
Tibet Permits: Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit
Latest Tibet Permit News from Tibet Tourism Bureau - last updated on May 4, 2016
Currently Tibet Travel Bureau issues the Tibet Travel Permit normally without restrictions for nationality, group size, days. But still, tourist have to book tour service from a Tibet travel agency, and let the agency apply for Tibet Travel Permit. To obtain the permit successfuly, the scanned copies of your passport and Chinese Visa must be sent to us at least 15 days before your trip, then we deliver to the Tourism Bureau. Once the permit is issued, we will post it to your arrival address in China so that you can board the flight or train to Tibet.
What Documents Do You Need to Travel to Tibet?
Chinese Visa or Tibet Group visa — you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your country;We also strongly suggest you not mention your trip to Tibet on your visa application form, because Tibet is a politically sensitive area and mentioning it as a destination on your application might reject the visa. If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get the Tibet Group Visa(China Group Visa) from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu despite whether or not you already have a Chinese Visa.
Tibet Entry Permit — It is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau and is a must for foreigners entering Tibet;
Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP/also called PSB permit) — It is required when you are planning to travel to the closed areas in Tibet, which you can obtain it after you arrive in Tibet
Military Permit — You have to obtain if you are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas. As a local travel agency, great tibet tour.com is able to assist you to process all of those above documents if you book a Tibet tour with us.
Application Process of Tibet Travel Permit
Step 1. Book a Tibet tour with us at least 20 days before your Tibet tour starts.
Step 2. Pay the required deposit on the tour price.
Step 3. Email us your colour-scan of your passport photo page & China visa page
(Except L Visa, additional stamped paper in Mandarin from your school/company in China stating your position, etc. will be needed). (Journalists, professional photography group and governmental official people could be involved in political matters and could be revoked).
Your Tibet Travel Permit will be issued within 5-7 working days after we pass your documents to Tibet Tourism Bureau.
Entering Tibet by flight,you need the original Tibet entery permit, entering by train, you just need the scan paper of permit
Entering Tibet by flght
After you pay us the deposit, we will arrange all necessary permits for you. After us obtaining the permit from Travel Bureau, we will scan it and send the permit to you by email. You can print it out into triplicate. Since you will take the train to Lhasa, So only the copy of the permit should be Ok. Please show the copy of the permit when you pass the check in at the train station.
Entering Tibet by Train
If you are going to fly into Tibet, you should have the original permit to board the flight to Tibet, so you should provide us with details about your hotel or residence address in China (including the correct name under which the booking is made) and we will send the original permit to you by EMS which takes about days within China, we never mail it abroad as it takes longer and could be delayed or lost. If you don't have a long layover or overnight in China.
Who Has to Carry a Tibet Travel Permit?
1. The Taiwan visitors, who do not have the valid identity card of China
2. Non-Chinese passport holders
3. The overseas Chinese, who do not have Chinese passport
Note: The Hong Kong and Macau citizens who hold SAR passport, Home-Visiting Certificate or Permit to Traveling to and from Hong Kong and Macau do not need a Tibet Travel Permit.
Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet, the permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator.
For those overseas visitors want to go to the region as an individual, the administrative offices of Tibet Tourism Bureau in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu (in Sichuan) and Golmud (in Qinghai) will answer for the related affairs.
Important information on Tibet travel permit & Tibet Group Visa This page provides you important and first-hand information about Tibet travel permits and documents needed to apply for the permits. Tibet is officially a province of China, so a valid China visa must travel to Tibet (except if you enter Tibet from Nepal, please see the Tibet group visa section). As Tibet is different from other places in mainland China, you need some additional travel documents or permits to travel. Please check the details below:
The Four Tibet Travel Permits and Visas required for a foreigner to travel to Tibet.
1) China visa or Tibet Group visa
2) Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
3) Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP/also called PSB permit)
4) Military permit
The Tibet Travel Permits are vary based on the region/places that you travel in Tibet, so the Chinese visa/Group visa and Tibet travel permit are compulsory for all types of Tibet tour, where the Military Permit and Alien’s Travel Permit are only needed if you travel to restricted areas like Everest Base Camp, Mt.Kailash, Ranwu and so on.1) Chinese Visa / Tibet Visa or Tibet Group Visa
Tibet is officially a province of China, so every traveler must have a valid passport and Chinese visa to enter Tibet (except if you are entering from Nepal). A Chinese visa is generally obtainable from most Chinese embassies and consulates in your area and must be obtained in advance.
Tips: Since Tibet is a politically sensitive area, the Chinese Consulate or Embassy may refuse your visa application if you list Tibet as a travel destination. We recommend choosing an alternate city in mainland China such as Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and your destination.
If you enter Tibet from Nepal, you will need to obtain a Tibet Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. It is an A4-size sheet of paper with the name, sex, nationality, passport number, date of birth, and occupation of each member listed in your group. The dates of entry and exit are precisely recorded. All travelers in the group must enter and leave China together.
To apply for the Tibet Group Visa, you will need a visa invitation letter from the Tibet Tourism Bureau sent by a tour agency in Tibet. Our office in Lhasa can prepare the necessary arrangements and send them to our local agent in Nepal to help traveler apply for the Tibet Group Visa.
For detail of the visa application and formalities, please check your regional Chinese Embassy website HERE.
2) Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
Often mistakenly known as the “Tibet Visa,” the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is actually the entry permit to enter the province. TTP must be applied through a local tour agency in Tibet. Foreign tourists can’t board a train or flight to Tibet without a TTP. The permits specify every destination and attraction you will visit on your tour and cannot be changed once you arrive in Tibet. Therefore you must confirm your itinerary with your tour operator before they apply for the TTP. If you hold a visa different from the (L) Tourist visa, such as a student or work visa, you will need a letter from your school or company to clarify the purpose of your visit.
3) Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP)
If your itinerary includes passing through destinations within a restricted area, you will need an Alien Travel Permit (ATP). The ATP is a travel document issued by the Public Security Bureau, a police branch that handles affairs with foreigners. When you travel to a restricted place in Tibet, your tour guide will take your original passport to the local Public Security Bureau and apply for the ATP on your behalf.The lists of the restricted places in Tibet that need Alien’s Travel Permit:
Ali (Far Western Tibet)
Basum Lake (In Nyintri)
Chamdo (Far East Tibet)
Guge Kingdom (Far Western Tibet)
Gyirong (New Border to Nepal)
Mt Kailash
Mt Everest Base Camp
Ranwu (Eastern Tibet)
Sakya monastery (about 200 km west of Shigatse)
Shalu monastery (a few kilometers north-west of Gyantse)
Samye Monastery
Cochin
4) Military Permit
The military permit is a travel document issued by the military authority in Tibet. You need to enter politically sensitive areas and border regions where territory is disputed between China and neighbouring countries. The lists of the places that need Military Permit：
Ali (Far Western Tibet)
Guge Kingdom (Far Western Tibet)
Gyirong (New Border to Nepal)
Lake Manasarovar (Near Mt Kailash in Far Western Tibet)
Mt Kailash (Western Tibet)
Nyima Country (Border country between Ali and Nakchu prefecture)
Cochin
It is important to note that you are only responsible for the Chinese visa and deciding your itinerary. Tibet Vision Tour will apply for all necessary permits after you’ve sent us the documents required.
How to obtain the Tibet Travel Permits (TTP) Documents required to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for foreigners living and working in mainland China.
1. Scan copy or clear image of the main page of the passport.
2. Scan copy or clear image of the main page of Chinese Visa or Residence Permit.
3. Scan copy or clear image of one of the following:
4. Work Permit /Foreign Expert Certificate
5. Company Invitation Letter (including traveler’s name, passport number, and date of birth).
6. The applicant’s company or local police station, or residential committee issued a letter to prove that you haven’t left Mainland China within the last 28 days. This information can be written in the same letter as your company invitation letter.
7. Screenshot of Green QR Health Code issued by your city.
8. Recent COVID-19 Nucleic Acid negative test report (suggested within 7 days). This is needed when applying for the Tibet Travel Permit.
The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is necessary for foreigners to get into the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Tibet Vision Tour can apply for the permit for you. According to the Tibet tourism bureau policy, all the permit applications should be submitted at least 15 days before the trip starting date.
Still, if you are traveling into restricted areas, you need more additional permits and documents, which will take longer. Once you confirm your trip with us, we request you to send us a clear scanned copy or photo of your passport and Chinese visa at least 20 days in advance by email as it is required for applying for the Tibet Travel Permit. When the permit is issued, we will send a copy or original of the permit to your hotel in China.
If you fly into Tibet, then we will send the original permit to your hotel in China as you need it to board the flight. If you take the train into Tibet, we will send a copy of the permit by email, and you can bring a copy to board the train.
Note: Diplomats, Journalists, professional media photographers, and government officials cannot issue their Tibet permit through ordinary travel agencies. They can only travel to Tibet under the arrangement of the Foreign Affairs Department, Economic Development Committee, etc.
How to get Tibet Travel Permit
According to policy of Tibet Tourism Bureau, traveler can not apply the Tibet Travel Permit on his(her) own. He(she) has to book tour service from a certificated agency, and let the agency apply the permit.
1. Work out a detailed itinerary in Tibet and reserve from a China travel agency .
2. Hire a tour guide and driver for your every day tour(your travel agency will arrange for you).
3. Pay a deposit to your travel agency through Paypal or bank transfer
4. Send scan copies of your passport and China visa.
5. Offer an available address in China(hotel or local agency) to receive your permit.
6. We express the permit to you, or let a tour guide give it to you at airport or train station before your trip.
Note: Note: Above policy doesn't apply to Diplomats, journalists, media photographer or government officials.
Can I get the permit in my country before arriving in China?
Normally, we are able to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit 5-7 working days before the trip’s starting date. If you are going to fly into Tibet, you should have the original permit to board the flight to Tibet, so you should provide us with details about your hotel or residence address in China (including the correct name under which the booking is made) and we will send the original permit to you by EMS which takes 24hrs to 3 days within China, we never mail it abroad as it takes longer and could be delayed or lost. If you don't have a long layover or overnight in China, you can send us your detail international flight information and we can arrange someone to deliver the permit to you at the airport.
if you enter Tibet by train,we will scan it and send the permit to you by email. You can print it out into triplicate. Since you will take the train to Lhasa, So only the copy of the permit should be Ok. Please show the copy of the permit when you pass the check in at the train station.
How much is a Tibet travel permit
The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is necessary for foreigners to get into the Tibetan Autonomous Region. TibetPermits.com can apply for the Tibet travel permit for you. Many guests may ask how much is a Tibet travel permit them should to pay. Here we will you the answer.
Firstly, Please note that we never just SELL a permit as this is illegal. We only help you obtain a permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. The cost for a permit includes both the charge by the government and the service fees by our travel agency. The cost will be calculated into the quote of the whole tour package including tour guide and other items.
What documents are needed if we enter Tibet from Nepal?
If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get the China Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu despite whether or not you already have a Chinese Visa. China Group Visa is an A4 size sheet of paper, with the name, sex, nationality, passport number, date of birth and occupation of each member of your group listed. The dates of entry and exit are precisely recorded. Usually, the visa is valid only for the length of the trip you have booked but it's possible to get the visa extended for few additional days, for stays in Lhasa only. There will be two original copies of the China Group Visa, one for immigration at the entry and one for the exit. We can easily help you with the China Group Visa application. We also highly recommend if you enter Tibet via Nepal not to apply for an individual Chinese Visa in your country; when you arrive in Kathmandu, you will need to apply for the China Group Visa to enter Tibet and the Chinese Embassy will cancel your individual Chinese Visa when you receive the Group Visa.
Tibet Travel Permit
1. Why need permit to travel Tibet?
Tibet as one part of China has unique political climate making it different from the rest regions. Therefore, a valid passport and Chinese Visa are no enough to visit Tibet. And a package of Tibet Travel Permits is needed for foreigners to visit here.
2. Who needs Tibet Travel Permit?
Only foreign passport holders (including overseas Chinese without Chinese Passport) and visitors from Taiwan to Tibet need to apply for a visa, citizens of the mainland and SAR passport holders from Hong Kong and Macao do not need to apply.
Note: Diplomats, Journalists, professional media photographer and government officials are not able to visit Tibet as Tourists and also can’t issue their Tibet permit through ordinary travel agencies.
3. Is there any age-limit for Tibet Permit application?
The answer is No. With an enough preparation to cope with the altitude sickness and join in a tour group, whether you are in the age of 80 or having a family tour with little kids are allowed to visit Tibet, as long as you are in the permitted crowds.
4. How does Tibet Permit charge if I don’t book tour?
It’s not allowed for travelers to visit Tibet independently, that is to say, you must join in a tour agency, like Tibet Discovery for Tibet Permit application and other services offered, including tour guide, four-wheel vehicle with driver, hotel reservation, etc to fulfill your lifetime Tibet travel. And the Tibet Permit application service fee will be included in your Tibet Tour. Remember there is No single travel agency to provide "permit-only" service or sell Tibet Permits.
5. What kind of Tibet Permits I should need, if I want to visit Lhasa, Shigatse and Mt. Everest Base Camp?
First of all, the Tibet Entry Permit is needed compulsorily to enter Tibet for visit anywhere of Tibet region. For other regions, check the table below to find out which permit(s) you may need:
| Top visited areas & featured attractions in Tibet | TTB permit | PSB permit | Military Permit | Border Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lhasa City | √ | × | × | × |
| Shigatse & Gyantse | √ | √ | × | × |
| Mt. Everest & EBC | √ | √ | × | √ |
| Nyingchi Prefecture | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Ngari Prefecture | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Note: if you travel some border places in Shannan area, you should need all of the permits above. With more info, please contact us to know more details.
6. Can I obtain my Tibet Permits on arrival of Tibet?
Most of permits for travel to Tibet must be obtained before enter Tibet, excepting the Aliens’ Tourist Permit (PSB permit). For instance the Tibet Entry Permit (TTB permit), there are check points sited on airports and train stations to check this permit before you getting aboard to Tibet. Without a TTB permit, you can never catch your train/flight heading to Tibet. Also If enter a restricted area without the proper permit, you can be fined, detained and deported.
7. How to apply for Tibet Travel Permit?
By visiting Tibet, foreigners need to book a Tibet tour with travel agency, who will help you to apply for Tibet Permits and other tour service provided. All you need to do are sending your scanning copy of your valid passport and Chinese visa 10-15 days before your visit, with personal info attached, including your name, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth, occupation, etc. With all truly necessary documents supplied to us by email, we’ll offer you all-in-one Tibet Tour without worries. Some detailed steps you need to do before we applying:
a. Work out a detailed itinerary in Tibet and book a tour from a China travel agency.
b. Pay for a tour guide for your every day tour (your travel agency will arrange for you).
c. Hire a vehicle (normally a 4WD) for your transportation outside Lhasa (your travel agency will arrange for you).
d. Send a deposit to your travel agency through Paypal or bank transfer.
e. Send a scan of your passport information and China visa.
f. Arrange a detailed address in China (hotel, guesthouse or local agency) to receive your posted TTP permit.
8. How long can I get the Tibet Travel Permit?
Generally it takes three days to approve a TTB permit with completed documents. And if your itinerary including Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash or Nyingchi Prefecture, the time to get approved will be extend a couple of days. When you get the permits, it may take another 2-4 days to express delivery.
9. Can I keep Tibet Permit while visit Tibet?
Once you arrive in Tibet, your tour guide is required to keep all Tibet permits in the group. And you are not allowed to bring any of them along the way.
Let us apply permit for you
E-mail: TibetPermits@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 86 13908917080