Tibet Travel Permit & Entry Visa
Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Entry Permit or Tibet Visa, is a single permit for foreign passport holders or Taiwan compatriots to enter Tibet. It is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, known as TTB Permit. It is the most important visa for foreign tourists to enter Tibet besides the Chinese visa. Without this travel permit, you can’t board a flight or train to Tibet. In addition, if you want to travel to the Tibetan border or military-sensitive areas, such as Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash, etc. You also need to apply for additional permits with your Tibet Permit, such as Aliens’ Travel Permit, Tibet Military Permit, etc. Therefore, you must have a Tibet Travel Permit before traveling to Tibet.
According to the Law of the People's Republic of China, foreign tourists entering Tibet must apply for a Tibet Travel Permit. It is usually processed by a Tibet travel agency that is qualified to receive foreign guests. Foreign tourists can't apply for it on their own. You can apply for a Tibet Travel Permit by simply giving a copy of your passport and occupation to the travel agency that arranges your tour. Generally, the process to apply for Tibet Traveler Permit takes about 8-9 working days. But we still recommend you'd better apply for it 20 days before heading to Tibet.
As a top Tibet travel agency, TTC can help you apply for a Tibet Travel Permit, plus an expert’s guide to Tibet permit application. In 2024, we have successfully processed thousands of Tibet permit applications, without a single failure. We promise to offer you the most reliable Tibet permit service.
You just give us your Tibet travel plan and passport copies, and relax while we take care of the whole complicated application procedures.
The latest news about Tibet travel permit
China Tourist Visa and Tibet Travel Permit have now been resumed, it is time to plan your Tibet tour in 2024! We’re ready to arrange unforgettable Tibet tours and obtain Tibet Travel Permits for visitors from around the globe.
We offer the following services:
- Tibet Travel permit application for travelers entering Tibet from mainland China
- Special Chinese group visa application for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal
- Alien's Travel permit and Military permit for travelers visiting closed areas in Tibet.
- Tibet Travel Permit Application for Free
- Once you sign your Tibet Tour with us we'll apply your Tibet Visa free of charge
- Permit to Visit Mount Everest
How to get Tibet Travel Permit
Tibet Travel permits can only be processed by the Tibet Travel Agency. You cannot get this permit yourself and it cannot be obtained from a China Embassy or Consulate. In addition, Tibet Travel Permits are only issued to travelers who are on an organized journey to Tibet. You must have a private vehicle, driver, tour guide, official travel itinerary as well as a permit. You can't just get a permit and then travel to Tibet on your own.
1. You will need to get a China Visa from a Chinese embassy / Consulate nearest you. Please apply for a Chinese visa about 8 to 12 weeks in advance.
2. Book your Tibet tour with Tibet Travel Agency.
3. Once you have your visa, you will need to email it, along with the information page of your passport, to the Tibet travel agency you are working with. In addition, you will also need to finalize with your travel company the exact travel itinerary and travel dates you will follow in Tibet.
4. With this information, the travel agency will then go to the Tibet Tourism Bureau to get your permits for you. It is a very easy process that only requires you to send a few short emails.
5. Upon receiving the travel permit, the travel agency will deliver it to you.
What are the Aliens’ Travel Permit
The Aliens’ Travel Permit, also called travel permit is the must-permit in the restricted areas, such as Everest Base Camp, Mt.Kailash, Syaka Monastery, Samye Monastery, Ranwu and etc. This permit is issued by Foreign Affairs Section in the local Public Security Bureau in Tibet as it should be applied for with your original passport. So you will not get this permit before the tour.
An Example:
If you plan to visit Mt Everest, you can only get this permit at Public Security Bureau in Shigatse, as Mt. Everest located in Shigatse.
Note: Your guide will help you to get this permit at Public Security Bureau. It is easily obtainable at your arrival. Wait for your guide for about 30 minutes or more depending on the number of tourists there.
Tibet Military Permit
Ngari, Nyingchi, and Nagqu are the military sensitive regions in Tibet, so the Military Permit is a necessary document in these areas. But it is rarely used as only a few special tours involving those places. Original passport and Tibet permit are the documents to apply for the Military Permit which is only issued by the Lhasa military office. Usually, applying for the Military Permit takes one or two weeks.
Necessary Documents to Apply for the Permit
Once you confirm your tour with us, you need to send us a scanned copy of your passport and the Chinese tourist visa and offer real and true personal information such as full name, nationality, and occupation at least 20 days in advance by email.
Travelers can apply for an individual permit or a group permit which can be only handled by travel agencies in China. It is the absolutely wise choice to ask a travel agency to handle the Tibet Travel Permit.
When to apply a Tibet Travel Permit
In order to travel in the restricted regions, it is better for foreign travelers to apply for the permit at least 20 days prior to the date of Travel. And it is at least 10 days prior to the date of Travel for a tour to the open places such as Lhasa (the capital of Tibet), and Mt. Everest.
Restricted Regions in Tibet
Although visitors can travel in Tibet, some parts in Tibet are still not open to the public. However, travelers with a travel permit can travel in the restricted regions. The restricted regions are consisting of Tsedang, Shigatse, Gyangtse, Ngari Region, Nyingchi Region, and Chamdo Region.
Additional Information about the Tibet Permit
Foreign travelers can go to Tibet from both China and Nepal. The Tibet permit is on the must-prepared document list on the journey from other cities in China to Tibet. The permit is necessary when travelers check in the airport or travel on the train to Tibet.
Entering Tibet via Nepal by Land or Air
If travelers plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get Tibet group visa from the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Travelers need to keep a fax copy of the permit from the Embassy.
Why Do You Need a Tibet Travel Permit
Considering the less developed tourism industry in Tibet as well as the need to protect its ethnic traditions, cultural relics, etc. The Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) regulates that non-Chinese citizens, including foreign tourists, Taiwan tourists as well as overseas Chinese who already got the local passport must obtain Tibet Travel Permit from TTB except a valid passport and China visa if they'd like to visit Tibet.
Who Needs Tibet Travel Permit
The Tibet Tourism Bureau stipulates that tourists who need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit mainly include international tourists, overseas Chinese tourists without a Chinese passport, ex-pats residing in mainland China, and Chinese Taiwanese citizens. 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).
Currently, most foreign tourists can apply for Tibet Travel Permit, including US citizens, Canadian citizens, UK citizens, German citizens, French citizens, Indian citizens, Singapore citizens, Malaysia citizens, etc. However, diplomats and journalists must apply for the Tibet Permit exclusively through the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office. If you're not sure about being able to get a Tibet travel permit, our travel consultant will get back to you for detailed information.
What Does Tibet Travel Permit Look Like
Tibet Travel Permit is an official travel document issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. It is a license document consisting of 2 A4 size sheets. The first page will include your tour group number, Tibet tour dates, daily itinerary, number of travelers, and travel agency. In addition, the second page will include your name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and occupation, as well as an official seal and anti-counterfeiting mark.
More Articles about Tibet Travel Permit
In addition to Tibet Travel Permit, you should have some other extra supporting documents, if you want to travel further places outside of Lhasa, including Alien’s Travel Permit, Border Permit and Military Permit. If you travel Tibet from Nepal, you should firstly have a Tibet Group Visa, instead of Chinese Visa provided to make all your Tibet permits approved.
Tibet Travel Permit FREE of Charge
The Tibet Tourism Bureau does not charge anything to issue the permit. Any cost associated with processing the TTP is charged by the travel agency that you hire, and is usually just included in your tour price.
2024 & 2025 Latest Tibet Travel Permit Information
Nowadays, it becomes much easier to get Tibet travel permits for international tourists. The processing only takes 8-9 working days
Tibet Visa for Indian Citizens
How can Indian passport holders get Tibet Visa and travel from India or Nepal to have pilgrimage tour in Tibet? The ultimate guide about Tibet travel permit for Indian tourists.
How to Get Tibet Permit in Chengdu
If you want to get Tibet travel permit in Chengdu, our Tibet Odyssey Tours reception office can rapidly obtain the necessary travel permit to visit Tibet.
Tibet Travel Permit Without Tour
Some of our customers preferring independent travel would ask us for a Tibet permit only. Though we did provide such services before, we have to say “SORRY” now.
How to Get Tibet Permit in China
If you want to get Tibet travel permit in China, Tibet Travel Agency reception office can rapidly obtain the necessary travel permit to visit Tibet for you.
Permit to Visit Mount Everest
Mount Everest permits should be obtained to pay a visit to the Everest Base Camp or cllimb to the summit, from both Tibet and Nepal
Is there any age-limit on Tibet permits
There is no strict restriction on the age of travelers, but it is suggested to consulate to your doctor for physical advice.
Tibet Visa for Indian Passport
It is easy to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. Generally, the Indian citizens or Indian passport holders can be divided into three types as follows: The ordinary Indian citizens: they travel to the places other than Ngari Prefecture
Chinese Visa for Tibet
The Chinese visa for Tibet is a visa required for foreigners to come to China. It is a necessary material for applying for a Tibet tourist permit.
How to Apply for Chinese Visa for Tibet Travel?
Generally speaking, Chinese visa should be applied through a Chinese Embassy in your home country or in a third country. If you enter Tibet from Mainland China
Tibet Group Visa & Tibet Travel Permit from Nepal
Tibet Group Visa is a special type of single entry Chinese visa usually maximum for 30 days and issued by Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu Nepal for tourists who plan to travel to Tibet from Nepal
Tibet travel permit matters needing attention
Tibet Travel Permit FAQs.Tibet travel permit matters needing attention I was often asked by my clients in the past, so I collected it here. They are useful when you are designing your Tibet tour.
How to apply for Tibet permit 2024
We would love to help travelers apply for Tibet Travel permit, just provide us your passport and Chinese visa, and we guarantee 100% to help you apply for a Tibet permit.
How Can I Extend My China Visa
Foreign travelers who want to stay longer in China need to apply for an extension. To get an extension on your L visa, you need to submit a form to the Local Public Security Bureau 7 days before the expiration date of your visa. Most visas are issued for
Apply for Tibet Visa from Nepal
Apply for Tibet Visa from Nepal, Many travelers choose to enter Tibet from Nepal after visiting Nepal, all tourists entering Tibet from Nepal should apply for Chinese Group Visa, as well as Tibet Travel Permit.
Tibet Travel Permit FAQs
Tibet Permit & Visa - 100% Free & Guaranteed.Free Tibet Travel Permit & Tibet Visa By Local Agent, Check Now!
Tibet travel permit cost
Tibet travel permit cost,Tibet Travel Permit and Tibet Visa.So, to tourists who are planning to tour Tibet from 2024 and 2025, Travel Tibet China is readily available to help you successfully handle the application of Tibet Travel Permit.
Tibet Permit Without Tour
Tibet Permit Without Tour. Unfortunately due to governmental regulations we are no longer allowed to help with Tibet Visitors Permits for independent travelers.
What is Tibet Permit
Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, Tibet Permit (also known as Tibet visa) is an A4 size document that allows you to enter and travel in Tibet. Tibet permit has been existed since the 1980s when Tibet firstly opened its door to foreign tourists.
Tibet permit price & Tibet travel permit cost
What is Tibet permit cost and how much is the Tibet permit price? Almost every traveler plans to visit Tibet has this question in mind. Travelers with this question must be not familiar with Tibet travel rules, there is no single Tibet tour operator sells
How to get the travel permit to Tibet?
Travel permit to Tibet is issued by Tibet Tourism Administration. To apply for it, the copy of your passport and Chinese visa, together with other information such as your occupation should be provided.
How many types of Tibet Permit & Tibet Visa?
Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) - It will be arranged by our company, this is the most important document of your tour to Tibet
Tibet Visa & Travel Permit
You will get important information about Tibet Travel Permit or Tibet Visa and necessary documents to apply for the permit on this page.
Malaysia to Tibet visa
All travelers from Malaysia are required to have a visa to enter China, as well as the documents that are required for entry into and travel around Tibet. Travel Tibet China provide the Malaysia to Tibet visa,Tibet tour package from Malaysia.
Tibet Visa Guide
TIBET VISA GUIDE - Get your Tibet permit here. Learn about the documents you need in order to travel to Tibet.
Tibet Military Permit
Tibet Military Permit is required if you are planning to travel to such as Eastern Tibet and Mt.Kailash which are regarded as the military sensitive areas in Tibet.
Tibet Border Pass
Tibet Border Pass is required if you are planning to travel to Mount Everest, Mount Kailash and other border areas in Tibet. One has to contact a Tibet travel agency to apply for it.
FAQs about Tibet Travel Permit
Is a Tibet Travel Permit the same as a Tibet Visa?
No, the permits required for Tibet are not a Tibet Visa. They are more similar to an entrance ticket to a National Park. Though your China visa and passport copy are needed to obtain your permits, nothing is stamped or placed inside your passport. As Tibet is not a country, there is no such thing as a Tibet Visa. The only visa you need is a visa for China.
Does Everyone Need a Tibet Travel Permit?
Yes, everyone is required to have a Tibet Travel Permit. There are no exceptions. Some countries, such as Singapore, Mauritius, Japan, and Mongolia do not require a China Visa as they can get one upon arrival. However, these nationalities and ALL others still require travel permits for Tibet. If you are from a country that does not require to get a visa in advance for China, all you will need to do is email a copy of your passport’s information/picture page to the travel company you are using.
Can Anyone Get a Tibet Travel Permit?
The Tibet Tourism Bureau will not issue travel permits to people holding a diplomatic passport, holding a journalist visa or to ethnic Tibetans holding a foreign passport. In the past, certain nationalities were also not able to get a Tibet Travel Permit, but as in 2019, ALL nationalities can travel to Tibet.
How long does it take to get a Tibet Travel Permit?
Before 2019, it took a minimum of 15 days for a Tibet Travel Permit to be issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. However, a recent news article from the China Daily states that starting in 2019 the time will be cut to just half that time. I still recommend contacting a travel company at least 2 months in advance to make sure that you have enough time to plan your journey, finalize your travel itinerary and get your permits processed and issued.
Do I Need Other Permits for Tibet?
Depending on which parts of Tibet you plan to go to, you might require additional permits besides a Tibet Travel Permit. These permits could include an Alien Travel Permit, Military Permit, and a Border Permit. However, don’t worry about these. If you are using a reputable travel agency, they will already know all of the permits that you will need and they will get ALL of them for you. You don’t need to do anything except get your own China visa and email the travel agency your visa and passport information page. The travel agency will take care of everything else!
What does a Tibet Travel Permit Look Like?
The permit has 2 pieces of paper (full size or close to full size) that are normally stapled together. The first page is written only in Chinese and Tibetan. It contains the travel agency name you are using, your permit number, the travel dates you will be in Tibet, the city you will be entering Tibet from, your travel route in Tibet and the city you will depart Tibet too. The permit usually has at least 4 red government stamps on it along with one blue stamp. The second page lists everyone’s names, birthdates, passport number, gender, nationality, and profession. This page will also have at least 2 red government stamps and one blue stamp on it.
How do I use my Tibet Travel Permit?
If you plan to fly from Mainland China to Tibet, you normally will need to spend one night at a hotel so that your permit can be mailed to you. When checking in for your flight, you will show your permit along with your passport. Your permit will then be checked again before going through security. It will then be checked again once you exit the Lhasa Airport. All of these places will just take a quick look at your permit. It will not take long. Once you meet your guide at the airport, your guide will take your Tibet Travel Permit from you and you likely will not see it again. Your guide will keep it as it will be checked throughout your time in Tibet at checkpoints.
If you plan to take the train from Mainland China to Tibet, a copy of your permit is all that is needed. The travel agency you use will email it to you for you to print out in color. You will then show a copy of your permit when checking in for your train and again once more inside the train (the attendant will come and look at it). It will then be checked again once you exit the Lhasa Train Station. All of these permit checks will be very quick.
What about going from Nepal to Tibet?
The above information is for travelers going from Mainland China to Tibet. But, what about if you plan to go from Nepal to Tibet directly? These travel regulations are slightly different, but also easy. If you plan to go from Nepal directly to Tibet, you will need to get a Group China Visa from the China Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal. If you get a China visa in advance before arriving in Nepal, you will NOT be able to use that visa. The travel agency you use will assist you in getting this special type of visa in Kathmandu.