Home > Essential Info > Tibet Visa & Permits >

Tibet Visa & Permits

Tibet permit update on June 17th
Since from April 1^st, Tibet is opened to tourists. Explore Tibet, a Lhasa based local travel agency has successfully operated many tour groups in April, May and June, please check our client’s feedback as below, and there will be more to come, but now all the permit application files should be submitted to Tibet tourism bureau at least 15 days before the trip start, so the last minute booking is not workable for the time. But there are no group size or nationality restrictions now. Please do not hesitate, just go ahead to plan your Tibet tour with us.
Please come back to visit:
Explore Tibet Review: http://www.exploretibet.com/Tibet-tour-reviews/
Client Video Feedback: http://www.exploretibet.com/Tibet-tour-reviews/Video-Feedback/

EBC is open now—Tibet permit updated on April. 11^th
EBC is finally opened for foriegners, so check the best Tibet EBC Tours Here, you can also join a EBC Group Tour Here.

Tibet permit is open now—Tibet permit updated on March. 25^th
After 2 months closure, finally we got formal notice from Tibet tourism Bureau this morning that Tibet will open to foreign tourist start from April 1^st, we’ve already submitted permit application files for our groups coming in the beginning of April.
My dear friends, don’t hesitate anymore, just email us at sales@exploretibet.com and plan your Tibet tour with us
NOW WE WILL GET THE TIBET TRAVEL PERMITS WITHOUT ANY RESTRICTIONS FOR NATIONALITIES AND GROUP SIZE, EVEN FOR SOLO TRAVELER WE CAN GET THE PERMIT, so contact us to proceed your Tibet travel plan.
---By Explore Tibet Team

Tibet travel permit updates on March 22nd, 2013
As usual the Tibet travel permit was closed for whole month of March, but according to our source, it will reopen in the beginning of April. It is still unsure if the nationality and group size restrictions will continue or not this year, however, despite the restrictions, we got permits for banned nationalities as well as small groups in last year. Just for your references check them as below:
1. Check the original reviews of Shelley and Buckley from UK who traveled Tibet during Jan 3rd to 6th, 2013.
2. Armin Greder and Armin Victoria from Switzerland who traveled Tibet from Dec 25th, 2012 to Jan 2nd, 2013.
And you can check more Testimonials here and read what our customers say about our permit capability.
We will keep updating the latest Tibet travel permit information on this page, so please come back to check the permit situation in the first place or you can write us at sales@exploretibet.com and leave a message, so we can inform you when Tibet permit is officially reopened in April 2013.
--- By Sonam Jamphel from Explore Tibet

Tibet Travel Permit Update Released on Jan 22^nd, 2013
This morning, all in a sudden, the Tibet tourism bureau announced that the travel permit is stopped issuing at least until end of March and they will release an update by then. This means it is impossible to travel to Tibet in February and March. In the past 4 years after 2008, Tibet is usually closed in March, and re-open in April. So this is a normal situation, if you are planning to come after April, just go ahead plan your tour with us.
We will keep posting any updates here, therefore please stay in touch and check with us for any detail information, you can reach us at sales@exploretibet.com
---By Explore Tibet Team, Jan 22^nd 2013

Tibet Travel Permit Situation Updated on Jan 6th, 2013
There are still some nationality and group size restrictions are practicing. But Explore Tibet has managed to got permits for all our groups in these months and our clients were very happy that we could make their dream alive, some of them had shared their unbiased experiences of Tibet tour with us.
1. Check the original reviews of Shelley and Buckley from UK who traveled Tibet during Jan 3rd to 6th, 2013.
2. Armin Greder and Armin Victoria from Switzerland who travelled Tibet from Dec 25th, 2012 to Jan 2nd, 2013.
For the most updated permit situation, please write us at sales@exploretibet.com
---By Explore Tibet Team

Latest Tibet Permit Update on Nov 26th, 2012
After the 18th China National Conference, now the Tibet travel permit is issuing again but some restrictions are still in practices, but ExploreTibet has managed to got permits for our clients even there are less than 4 people and different nationality group. Check References Here
---By Explore Tibet Team

Latest Tibet Permit Update on Oct 24th, 2012
Couple of weeks after the previous informal notice of permit closure from end of Oct, there are several permits still issuing and recently we got a permit for our 2 Pax group which is still in Lhasa, James and Colin are very happy to finally they were able to make their Tibet trip.
---By Explore Tibet Team, Oct 24^th, 2012

Latest Tibet Permit Update in Oct. 2012
Tibet travel permit will be closed from end of Oct to mid Nov and then it will reopen again from end of Nov, may be all the restriction won’t be practical from end of Nov, anyhow we will keep updated for any single news through our website
---By Explore Tibet Team, Oct 16th, 2012

Latest Tibet Permit Update in Aug. 2012
Tibet permit situation remains the same.
   ● The Tibet Tourism Bureau still restricts permits being issued to citizens of these six countries: UK, Norway, Korea, Austria, the Philippines and Vietnam.
   ● No foreign groups are permitted to visit the Mt. Everest base camp. Groups are allowed to drive to the border town of Zhangmu and view Everest and the Himalayan range from the village of Old Tingri.
---By Explore Tibet Team, July 23rd, 2012

Tibet Permit Update in July 2012
As the Tibet permit restrictions are changing timely without any prior notice, so there are lots of rumors about the Tibet travel permit, anyhow the latest permit restriction released from the Tibet Tourism Bureau confirmed as below;
1. All the groups entering Tibet through Nepal can get the Tibet travel permit, but the group should have 5 people or more than that.
2. Generally, if the group come to Tibet from mainland China, then it is impossible to get the permit, but if the group is bigger than 5 or more people, then we can apply for the group visa invitation from Tibet Tourism Bureau here in Lhasa, then will send a e copy by email, then a group visa for the whole group can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy. So then the group can enter Tibet through Mainland China. But be informed that, if it is group visa then all the members listed in the group visa should enter and exit China together.
The above restrictions are came into practice since from 24^th June, but no one knows how long that restriction will last and what changes will apply in the coming months, so we will update the first hand information of the permit on our website.
---By Explore Tibet Team, July 5th, 2012

China Tibet permit situation update in May, 2012
On May 7th, Tibet tourism bureau had a meeting with major travel agencies and decided not to give permit to groups which has less than 4 people, and also start from next week, May 14th, all the permit application files must be submitted 10 days in advance which means no emergency permit can be given, these policy had huge impact on many small agencies and foreign clients, however, Explore Tibet has some ways to help our client to get the permit, please contact us on how to get your Tibet permit at sales@exploretibet.com.
---By Explore Tibet Team, May 10th, 2012

Check more>>

Basic information about the Tibet travel permit & Tibet Group Visa
This page provides you important and first-hand information about Tibet travel permit and documents that help you to plan your trip. Tibet is officially a province of China and a valid China visa is required to travel to Tibet. As Tibet is different from other places in mainland China, you need some additional travel documents or permits to travel in Tibet. Please check the details below:

There are four documents 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

Tibet Visa or Tibet Group Visa
A valid passport with a standard Chinese entry visa is essential for all foreign travelers. A Chinese visa is generally obtainable from most Chinese embassies and consulates in your locality and must be obtained in advance. The cost of a standard Chinese tourist visa varies from US$ 12-120 according to the nationality of the applicant and the type of visa required. Individual visas (an 'L' Visa means tourist visa) may be issued for single or double entry, with a validity of one, two, or three months. Multiple entry visas are normally issued for business or educational purposes only, such as the "F" Visa, "X" Visa or "Z" Visa etc, ranging in validity from 6 to 12 months, and are more expensive (US$ 120-250). Normally three working days are required to process a visa application from the date of its submission, but express services are also available at a premium.
For detail of the visa application and formalities please check your regional Chinese Embassy website HERE

Important Tips from Explore Tibet when you apply for Chinese visa
It’s best not to mention Tibet or any places in Tibet as your travel destination when you are applying for Chinese visa (the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu is the only exception). Since Tibet is politically sensitive in China, your consulate may refuse your visa application if you mention travelling to Tibet in your application form, so please keep this in mind when applying. You can mention any city of mainland China such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu-Sichuan, Yunnan, etc. as your travel destination.

Tibet Travel Permits (TTP)
The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is necessary for foreigners to get into the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Explore Tibet can apply for the permit for you and it usually takes only 3 working days, but if you are traveling into restricted areas, then you need more additional permits and documents which will take longer time. 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 the Tibet Travel Permit. When the permit is issued we will send a copy of original of the permit to your hotel in China. If you will 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 will take the train into Tibet, then 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 photographer and government officials are not able to issue their Tibet permit through ordinary travel agencies. They are only able to travel Tibet under the arrangement of Foreign Affairs Department, Economic Development Committee, etc.

Both Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) and Military Permits are required if your tour passes through a restricted area. ATP is easily obtainable at your arrival as it should be applied for with your original passport, whereas a Military Permit should be applied for along with the Tibet Travel Permit in advance and it will take about 7 working days to issue.

Tibet Group Visa—Documentation for entering Tibet from Nepal
Entering Tibet via Nepal by land or air
If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get your Tibet group visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. Whether you already have a Chinese visa or not, a Tibet group visa is compulsory for all tourists entering Tibet from Nepal. The Tibet 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 extend the visa for few additional days, but only for staying in Lhasa. There will be two original copies of the Tibet Group Visa, one for immigration at entry and another for exit. Explore Tibet can easily help you obtain the Tibet Group visa through our partner agent in Kathmandu. We highly recommend you to don’t apply for an individual Chinese visa in your country if you decided to enter Tibet from Nepal, because when you apply for the group visa for entering Tibet, the Chinese embassy will cancel your individual Chinese visa.

Below are the costs of group visas for different nationalities

Category;	Number of working days to obtain visa	Cost for American passport holders	Other nationalities;
Normal	5 days	USD140	USD50
Urgent	3 days	USD144	USD65
Very Urgent	1.5 day	USD175	USD85
Note; The Tibet group visa is only applicable on Monday, Wednesday and Friday(three days in a week). Also, the local Nepalese agencies charge USD20-50 per person service charge according to the number of people in the group.

Tibet Visa & Permit FAQs

1. What documents do I need to visit Tibet?

To visit Tibet you should have a valid passport, a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, also called a Tibet Entry Permit or Tibet Visa. We will obtain the Tibet Travel Permit for you from the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

2. What documents do I need to send you to apply for TTP?

Once you have confirmed your tour with us, we need you to send us clear scanned copies of Passports and China Visas for every member of the group to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. If your China Visa is not an “L” visa, then you must also provide additional documents such as student certificates, work permits, residence permits and so on.

3. How do I obtain the Tibet Travel Permit?

To obtain Tibet Travel Permits, it is necessary to make your travel arrangements through a genuine local travel agency, providing clear scanned copies of you passport and China visa. Please note that it’s impossible to board any flights or trains to Tibet without the Travel Permit. The permits themselves specify every destination and all the towns that you would visit during the tour and cannot be changed once you have arrived in Tibet; therefore, be sure to detail all possible destinations as well as the route before you decide your trip. It usually takes 3 working days for the Tibet Travel Permit to be issued. I can take 5 to 7 days if your particular tour requires the Military Permit and PSB permit.

4. What kind of trip requires the Military Permit, PSB Permit and Alien's Travel Permit?

Military and PSB Permits are only needed for those trips going through sensitive areas or a border region; these trips include the Mt. Kailash trip, Sichuan-Tibet Overland Tour, Tibet-Kashigar Overland Tour and so on. Alien's Travel Permits are necessary if you are going to Mt. Everest Base Camp, Samye Monastery (southern part of Tibet), Nyinchi (Eastern part of Tibet) and Mt. Kailash, but these can be issued from the local PSB just before you enter the region.

5. How long does the Tibet Permit application process take?

Normally, Tibet permits can be issued in 3 working days, but if your tour itinerary covers some restricted or unopened area like EBC, Mt. Kailash, Sichuan-Tibet highway and Yunnan-Tibet highway, you may need several different permits which could take around 7 working days.

6. How and when do I receive the Tibet Permit?

Normally, we are able to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit 10-15 days before the trip’s starting date. If you are going to fly into Tibet, 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. Since you will need the original permit to board the flight to Tibet, we never mail it abroad as it takes longer and could be delayed or lost. If you don't have a long layover in China (overnight), you can send us your detailed flight information and we can arrange for someone to deliver the permit to you at the airport.

If you are taking the train to Tibet, we will send you a copy of the permit by email and you can print it and bring it on board the train.

7. How we can enter Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal?

There are two main ways to get into Tibet from Nepal, either through a direct flight from Kathmandu to Tibet (normally available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) or by an overland drive to Tibet. The overland drive poses a greater risk of getting Altitude sickness due to the extreme increase in elevation along the way.

8. What documents are needed if we enter Tibet from Nepal?

If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get the TIBET GROUP VISA from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu despite whether or not you already have a Chinese Visa. The Tibet 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 Tibet Group Visa, one for immigration at the entry and one for the exit. We can easily help you with the Tibet 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 Group Visa to enter Tibet and the Chinese Embassy will cancel your individual Chinese Visa when you receive the Group Visa.

9. How much does the Tibet Group Visa cost?

Category	Number of Working Days to Obtain it	Cost for American Passport Holders	Cost for other Nationalities
Normal	5 days	$140.00 (USD)	$50.00 (USD)
Urgent	3 days	$155.00 (USD)	$65.00 (USD)
Top Urgent	1 day	$175.00 (USD)	$85.00 (USD)
Note: You can only apply for the Tibet Group Visa on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (three days a week). Also, the local Nepalese agencies have a service charge of $20-50 (USD) per person normally based on group size. Above information are updated on Aug.20th, 2011.

10. How do I apply for Chinese Visa?

Based on our past experience, we suggest you obtain your Chinese Visa from the Chinese Consulate in your home country before you leave to avoid any problems you might encounter trying to obtain you visa in other countries. Explore Tibet also strongly suggest that you not mention your trip to Tibet on your visa application form. Tibet is a very politically sensitive area and mentioning it as a destination on your application might cause some trouble. You can use your return flight tickets and hotel reservation in other cities of China to get the visa