Tibet Travel Permit FAQs

Question: Can you arrange a Tibet travel permit for us before the tour begins?

Answer: Yes. For those who book tours with TraveTravelChina.com, we will arrange for the travel permit. The permit is checked and issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) for free and is usually issued two weeks prior to your entry to the region.

Question: Do I need to bring photos when applying for a Tibet Travel Permit? If yes, in what size?

Answer: Your photos are not necessary when applying for a travel permit. However, you must provide us some of your pertinent information and documents prior to your applications. You must give us your name (as appears on your passport), nationality, age, sex, occupation passport number as well as the photocopies of your passport and visa.

Question: Can we fly freely to Lhasa without a Tibet Permit?

Answer: No, you cannot. You may purchase your air ticket in advance. However, you are not allowed to board the plane without the permit.

Question: Can I have my permit arranged by your agency? But, I will arrange my own visit in Tibet.

Answer: We do not offer a permit-only service. Foreign visitors must be on an organized tour, either a private or a group tour with five or more members to visit the region. Independent visit is prohibited in that area.

Question: Do I need to apply other documents besides the Tibet Travel Permit?

Answer: Yes. Foreign visitors also need to apply an Aliens’ Travel Permit issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) if they are going to visit the restricted areas in Tibet.

Question: Do I need to apply other documents besides the Tibet Travel Permit?

Answer: Yes. Foreign visitors also need to apply an Aliens’ Travel Permit issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) if they are going to visit the restricted areas in Tibet.

For foreign visitors, the Aliens’ Travel Permit (PSB Permit) can be obtained through their travel agency after they arrive in Lhasa. To get the permit, your passport and Tibet Travel Permit are required, and it takes just a few hours and costs CNY 50 per person. However, an agency is not able to apply the PSB Permit for diplomats, journalists, and government officials who should travel under the arrangement of the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibetan Government.

Restricted areas usually refer to the region closing to the national boundaries. You should apply the permit when your trip includes the following regions:

Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery

Tsetang: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Changdruk Temple, Yumbulakhang

Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery & Kubum Stupa

Nqari Region

Nyingchi: Basumtso Lake

Chamdo Region

Note: Lhasa and Nagqu regions are not restricted areas and are open to visitors with Tibet Travel Permit.

Question: I'm a resident of Hong Kong and I have a Chinese Passport. Do I need Tibet Permit to visit the region?

Answer: No. Chinese Passport Holders do not need the permit to go/travel there. According to the rules and regulations of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), foreign passport holders (including the Taiwanese and Non-Chinese ID card holders need to have the travel permit for visiting. People who hold Hong Kong SAR passports and Macau SAR passports do not need the permit.

Further Reading: Tibet tour    Tibet group tour    Tibet Train