Tibet is now open for traveling, but all foreign travelers must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit before visiting. Some travelers call it Tibet Visa, which is not exactly correct. Tibet is part of China, so your China visa is still required.
Obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit must be done through a licensed travel agency in China; independent applications are not accepted. The application procedure is very simple: the only required documents are travelers' passports and China visa copies.
For travelers from visa-free countries, short trips of less than 15 days only require passport photos for the application. With our help, securing your Tibet Travel Permit is simple, leaving you free to enjoy your journey on the Roof of the World.
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- 1. What Is a Tibet Travel Permit?
- 2. Do I Need a Tibet Travel Permit?
- 3. How to Apply for a Tibet Travel Permit?
- 4. Can I Apply for a Tibet Travel Permit Myself?
- 5. How Much Does a Tibet Travel Permit Cost?
- 6. When Will I Receive My Tibet Permit?
- 7. Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejection
1. What Is a Tibet Travel Permit?
A Tibet Travel Permit is an official document required for all foreign travelers to enter Tibet.
It's a sheet of paper that lists the names of all travelers in a tour group, along with the approved travel dates and destinations within Tibet. Unlike a China visa, the Tibet Travel Permit is returned to the Tibet Tourism Bureau at the end of the tour and cannot be reused for a second trip.
Tibet Travel PermitYou don't need to worry about handling these permits yourself. We will apply for all necessary documents on your behalf, at no extra service fee. All you need to do is provide copies of your passport and China visa. Check our Tibet tours.
2. Do I Need a Tibet Travel Permit?
Not every traveler needs a Tibet Travel Permit, but the majority of international visitors do. The requirement depends on your nationality, travel document type, and where you are entering Tibet from.
| Traveler Type | Tibet Travel Permit Needed? |
| Foreign passport holders | Yes √ |
| Taiwan residents (MTP holders) | Yes √ |
| Hong Kong/Macau residents with Home Return Permit | No × |
| Chinese mainland citizens (China ID card) | No × |
Special Notes:
- Diplomats, journalists, and government officials must secure approval from the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office, not from a travel agency.
- If you have both a China passport and a China ID card, using your China ID card so that you can visit every region in Tibet. Travelers using a China passport without a China ID card will have restrictions beyond Lhasa, not allowed to go to places like Mount Everest or Mount Kailash.
- If in doubt, share your passport type and intended itinerary with us, and we can confirm whether a permit is required and guide you through the process.
3. How to Apply for a Tibet Travel Permit?
Applying for a Tibet Travel Permit may seem complicated, but with our help, the process is easy and hassle-free. For most international travelers, just follow these four steps:
1)Book a Tibet tour with us – The Tibet Travel Permit can only be obtained through a licensed travel agency, and the permit fee is already included in your package.
2)Apply for a China Tourist Visa (L visa) – We will issue an invitation letter to support your visa application at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. If you already have a L visa, skip this.
China Visa3)Send us copies of your passport and China visa – These documents are required to submit your Tibet Travel Permit application.
4)Receive your Tibet Travel Permit – We will deliver it to your hotel or your guide in the final city before you enter Tibet.
Tips for Special Cases
① Visa-Free Travelers
If your country enjoys visa-free entry to China (such as France, Germany, Malaysia, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand) and your Tibet itinerary is shorter than 15 days, you don't need a visa. Simply provide your passport to us for the Tibet Travel Permit application.
② Non-Tourist Visa Holders
Depending on your visa type, extra documents may be required:
- Work (Z) / Business (F) / Crew (C) / Talent (R): A stamped work certificate from your employer.
- Student (X): A stamped recommendation letter from your school and a copy of your student ID.
- Private (S-1, S-2) / Family (Q-1, Q-2): An invitation letter from your relative in China plus a copy of their passport information page.
- Journalist (J-1, J-2) / Diplomatic Visa: You must apply directly through the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office, not via a travel agency.
Whatever your visa type, we'll guide you step by step and provide templates for the necessary paperwork.
③ Entering from Nepal
In addition to book a Tibet tour for Tibet Travel Permit, entry from Nepal requires some special steps:
- Apply for a China Group Visa in Kathmandu. Visas issued elsewhere are not valid for Tibet entry from Nepal (except Visa-free travelers to China).
- Collect your visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu (processing takes 4–5 working days). If booked through us, we'll arrange the delivery.
- Receive your Tibet Travel Permit from our local partner in Kathmandu. While waiting for your visa, you can still explore Nepal with a photocopy of your passport.
China Group Visa④ Additional Permits (ATP & Military Permit)
Besides the Tibet Entry Permit, some areas require extra permits:
- Alien's Travel Permit (ATP): Needed for destinations like Everest Base Camp, Sakya Monastery, Samye Monastery, Mount Kailash, and Lake Manasarovar. Applied for by your guide after arrival in Tibet.
- Military Permit: Needed for remote or sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Basumtso, Ranwu, and certain border regions. It must be applied for in advance, ideally at least 20 days before your trip.
If you book a tour with us, both permits will be handled by us with no extra fees.
4. Can I Apply for a Tibet Travel Permit Myself?
No, you cannot apply for a Tibet Travel Permit on your own. According to Chinese regulations, only a registered and licensed travel agency in Tibet has the authority to apply for Tibet Travel Permits on behalf of travelers.
Also, Tibet Travel Permits must be issued as part of a tour package. Independent travel is not allowed in Tibet, and every visitor must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide throughout the trip.
Choosing a trustworthy travel agency with a proven track record of successfully handling Tibet Travel Permits is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
5. How Much Does a Tibet Travel Permit Cost?
The Tibet Travel Permit itself is free of charge. However, it cannot be obtained independently and must be applied for through a licensed travel agency as part of a tour package.
When you book a Tibet tour with us, the Tibet Travel Permit service is included in your tour package at no extra cost, and we guarantee you will receive it before your trip. Check our 5-Day Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok Tour.
6. When Will I Receive My Tibet Permit?
The Tibet Travel Permit usually takes 5–7 working days to be processed by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
If you are flying to Lhasa, the original permit will be delivered to your guide or hotel in the city before Lhasa. This delivery usually takes another 3–5 days, so you should send your documents to your travel agency well in advance.
If you are taking the train to Lhasa, only a copy of the Tibet Travel Permit is required at the train station. No delivery time is needed, and your agency will provide you with a copy as soon as the permit is issued.
Tip: To avoid delays, it is recommended to send all required documents to us at least 10 working days before your Tibet tour, depending on whether you fly or take the train.
7. Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejection
To ensure your Tibet Travel Permit application goes smoothly, keep these important tips in mind:
Avoid last-minute changes
Decide your Tibet entry city, arrival date, and departure date together with your travel advisor before submitting the application.
- Once the permit is approved, changes are not allowed.
- You may leave Tibet earlier than the approved departure date, but never later.
- Any later adjustments (e.g., changing dates or destinations) will require a new permit application, which can be time-consuming and may disrupt your travel plan.
Submit Your Application Early
Send all required documents to your travel agency at least 10 working days before your Tibet tour.
- Example: If you plan to arrive in Tibet on Friday, August 22, 2025, you should submit your application by August 12, 2025.
Late submissions risk delays or rejection.
Do Not Book Flights Before Receiving the Permit
You might find that a Tibet permit is required to confirm the booking, but the permit cannot be obtained until 2–7 days before the tour!
It is better to ask the travel agent to organize your flight tickets (which will be similar in price to the airlines' best deal), as it is easy for them to handle the problems.
Prepare Complete and Clear Documents
Ensure your passport, China visa, and any additional documents (such as work certificates, student letters, or invitation letters) are valid, accurate, and clearly scanned or photographed. Incomplete or unclear documents are a common cause of delays.
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