How to Get a Tibet Travel Permit?

Tibet Travel Permit also called a TTB permit or Tibet Visa is an essential travel document required for all overseas travelers to Tibet. The Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) issues this permit. It is valid for up to 13 days and allows the holder to remain in Tibet as a tourist for the allotted time. Make sure to hold on to your Tibet Travel Permit and keep it a safe place, as you'll need to show when you are departing from the country. 

The Tibet permit has a significant influence on your Tibet tour. Without it, you are not allowed to cross the border of Tibet, board the train or flight to Tibet, check-in hotels, ride the vehicles in Tibet, and importantly you'll not be able to explore the significant landmarks in Tibet. Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa is the only authoritative department that issues Tibet Travel Permit. Our travel partner in Lhasa can only apply it on your behalf. So, you need to book a Tibet cultural tour with us, and for that, you have to send your copy of your passport and Chinese Visa. 

You might be thinking about why you need Tibet Travel Permit even if you have a Chinese Visa. Yes, you are absolutely right. You need a permit to enter Tibet even you already have a Chinese visa. Apart from the Tibet permit, you might also need other permits like Aliens' Travel Permit, Military Permit, or Foreign Affairs Permit. All these permits are necessary to visit restricted areas such as Mt. Kailash, Mt. Everest, Mansarover Lake, etc.  

Likewise, international travelers require an additional document named China Group Visa to enter Tibet from Nepal. The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, issues this visa. Also, the Chinese Embassy doesn't give visas to individual travelers, so you need to book an authorized travel agency like Third Rock Adventures.

Meanwhile, if you already have a Chinese visa, it will be canceled while applying for the Chinese Group Visa. So, if you want to have Nepal and Tibet Tour, we suggest you not process for a Chinese Visa in your home country. Once you are in Nepal, we'll help you get all the travel documents for you. We have got you covered, you need to contact us, and one of our travel consultants will help you apply for the Chinese Group Visa. You'll get a group visa within 3-5 working days. 

This article covered all essential information regarding applying for a permit, where to use it and coordinating with our travel partner in Tibet to facilitate this process. With the evident knowledge of the permit application, we can step you through to ensure you meet all documentation requirements. 

Now, let's dive into the detailed guide of How to get a Tibet Travel Permit

What Is A Tibet Travel Permit?

Every year, Tibet hosts tons of travelers worldwide because of the unparalleled natural beauty of the high Tibetan plateau, unique Tibetan culture, and ancient architecture. However, there are specific laws you, as a foreign traveler, need to follow to visit legally in Tibet. According to the direction of the Republic of China, you must need Tibet Travel Permit. 

Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet, an autonomous region of China. Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) issued this permit, also known as the TTB permit. It is an essential travel document that an overseas tourist needs to enter Tibet. Since only Tibet Tourism Development Committee in Lhasa is the only government agency that issues this document, our travel partner in Lhasa will apply it on your behalf. Since this agency doesn't take an individual application, you need to book a tour with us.

Who Needs Tibet Travel Permit?

Generally, all foreigners should obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet legally. Currently, the Tibet permit is available up to 178 countries that have established diplomatic ties with China. It includes the citizens of the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Norway, Bhutan, and other tourists from the west and Asian countries. If you are not sure about getting Tibet Travel Permit, just let us know, and our expert travel advisor will get back to you shortly with detailed information.  

The residents of Hongkong and Macau no longer have to obtain permits to visit Tibet. However, you need to get the Home Visit Permit, also known as Mainland Travel Permit. We are here to ease your Tibet Travel application procedure. As your trustworthy tour operator, we'll handle obtaining your permits.

Note: If you are a diplomat, journalist, government official visa holder then you need to go through the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office for a Tibet Permit application.

How To Obtain A Tibet Travel Permit?

Apparently, you cannot independently apply for The Tibet Travel Permit. Undoubtedly, it is the essential travel document that every international tourist must obtain before entering Tibet. According to current rules and regulations, you can only apply with the help of a registered Tibet travel agency. Please remember, Tibetan Tourism Bureau doesn't allow individual application. Since the permit is instantly unavailable, you need to reserve extra days for application before the journey to Tibet. 

However, we are here to guide and help you get the Tibet Travel permit without any hassle. As a trustworthy authorized travel agency, we will help you to get a Tibet Permit, and you have to follow these four easy steps; 

1. Firstly, discuss your Tibet tour plan and itinerary with our travel consultant. Then, choose your tour itinerary and book your tour with us. 
2. Secondly, you need to apply for a Chinese Visa at the nearest Chinese Embassy in your home country. An "L" visa (namely Chinese Tourist Visa) is the most common type of visas for tourists. Once you submit your Chinese Visa application and pay a visa fee, you'll later get it. 
3. Thirdly, you need to email us your essential documents, such as a scanned copy of your passport and China Visa, a minimum of 20 days in advance. Our travel partner in Tibet will submit the Tibet permit application to Tibet Tourism Bureau. 
4. The Tibet Tourism Bureau will check your documents and send us a Tibet Travel Permit in 7 days before entering Tibet. 
5. Finally, our Tibetan guide will give you the travel permit before boarding the flight or train to Lhasa. In some cases, our staff in Lhasa will deliver it by express to your hotel in mainland China.

Likewise, if you are planning to enter Tibet through Nepal by land or flight, then you need to follow these steps to get permits; 

1. Firstly, you need to confirm your Tibet Tour with us by choosing your preferred itinerary and signing the tour contract by paying the deposit. You also need to email the photo image of your passport to us. 
2. Secondly, we'll gather all your travel documents and submit the Tibet Travel application to Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). After 8-9 days, TTB will issue the permit and send the visa invitation letter to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. 
3. Thirdly, you need to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal; at least three days prior, you enter Tibet either by flight or road. You have to fill the Group Visa application form and submit your original passport, personal photo, and Group Visa fee to us. 
4. Once we receive your Chinese Group Visa, we will deliver it to you in person in your hotel in Kathmandu.
5. Finally, with the help of a Chinese Group Visa, you'll take the flight or travel by road to Tibet. Once you arrive at Lhasa airport or Gyirong Border, our Tibetan Guide will have the Tibet Travel Permit ready for you. Hence you can dive into an exciting, memorable journey to Tibet. 

Nonetheless, if you are unsure how to get a Tibet permit, just reach out to us, and our travel advisor will get back to you with detailed information. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Tibet Travel Permit?

Tibet Tourism Bureau will take around 8-9 days to process your Tibet Travel Permit. Once it gets issued, the respective travel agency will immediately deliver it to your hotel in mainland China. For this, it might take 2-3 days, depending on the delivery distance. So, you can start your application at least 20 days before your departure date to Tibet for a smooth process. 

 Likewise, if you are traveling in the high season (April to October) of Tibet and traditional Chinese festivals, then the travel permit processing time might get delayed or take more time for delivery. So, it would help if you double-checked your Tibet permit with your respective travel agency five days before heading to Tibet. Besides, in some emergency cases, we can arrange your Tibet permit within a short period of 4 or 5 days. In this case, you have to pay extra charges. 

Moreover, if your Tibet tour itinerary includes restricted areas such as the Mt. Kailash region, Everest Base Camp, and southern Tibet, then your permit process could take even more days. In addition to Tibet Travel Permit, you have to get an Aliens' Travel Permit, Military Travel Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit. So you can proceed with your application process before one month to your departure to Tibet. In a nutshell, the duration to get Tibet Travel Permit will differ as per your travel itinerary. For more details, you can consult our professional travel consultants via email. 

How Much Does A Tibet Permit Cost?

Generally, you don't have to pay extra fees for a Tibet permit as it's included in your travel package. We will charge you a negligible amount to handle the China Group Visa Application in the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and Tibet Permit Application in Tibet on your behalf and deliver it to you in person in your hotel or airport. Also, please note that we can not apply for the permit through an online application.  

You can reach out to us who still have questions about the Tibet permit cost. Our travel consultant will elaborate you all the cost details for your Tibet trip. You just need to contact us!

How To Apply For Tibet Travel Permit?

Unlike an ordinary Chinese Visa, a registered travel agency must coordinate the Tibet Travel Permit application with the Tibet Tourism Bureau. You can submit your Tibet Travel Permit application in Tibet as it can be processed only in Tibet. It is necessary to apply for Tibet Permit through Tibet Tourism Bureau. Also, you have to provide the following details;  

• Personal information such as full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, occupation, etc.)
• Scanned copies of your China Visa and Passport

If you need help with your Tibet Travel Permit, we can do that for you. As we assist our customers with all travel arrangements in and to Tibet, we'll assist you with the Tibet Travel Permit application. Please reach out to our specialist travel consultants. We have thousands of travel permits for Tibet tours explicitly tailored for Western or Asian travelers. 

What Documents Are Required To Apply For Tibet Travel Permit?

After booking your Tibet tour with a local travel agency, you can apply for your Tibet Travel Permit at the Tibet Tourism Bureau. In addition, you also need to confirm with us about your tour information, including itinerary, entry, and departure date. We have to put all this information in the Tibet permit. To get permits, you need to submit the following documents along with the permit application;

1. Valid Passport

The first important document you need is to send a scanned copy of your passport via email to our travel consultants. Your passport must be valid for over six months and on which you have your Chinese Visa applied. Also, if you have a Chinese Visa on your old passport, which is no more valid, then in such case, you'll have to send both passports. You'll also have to bring both passports while traveling in Tibet.  

2. Chinese Visa/Chinese Group Visa

The second important document that is essential is the Chinese Visa and Chinese Group Visa.

• If you are entering Tibet from other parts of China, you will have to get a China Visa from the Embassy in your country. 
• In case you are entering Tibet from Nepal. You'll have to get a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal. You also need a photo for a group visa. 

 Key Note: If you have an existing Chinese Visa on your passport, you need to cancel your existing one to get the Chinese Group Visa. 

What Are Other Permits Required For Tibet Tour?

Even if you have the Tibet Permit, you cannot travel anywhere outside Lhasa cities such as EBC or Mt. Kailash. You need to apply for other permits like Aliens' Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affair Permit. 

Applying these permits is not too complex. You can calmly arrive in Lhasa and proceed. In any case, you don't need to worry about getting these permits, as our Tibetan guide will help you to get these permits before landing in Lhasa. Besides the Tibet Travel permit, you also need other permits such as; 

Aliens' Travel Permit

Tibet's Public Security Bureau (PSB) issues an Aliens' Travel Permit, also called the PSB Permit. Usually, tourists plan to travel to the unopened areas of Tibet like Everest Base Camp in Shigatse, Samye Monastery in Tsedang, etc. You can apply it once you arrive at Lhasa. Our Tibetan guide will submit the required documents (passport and Tibet Travel Permit) on behalf of you to the Foreign Affairs Division of PSB. 

Currently, you need to carry Alien's Travel permit whenever you plan to visit the following restricted areas in Tibet:

1. Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Mt. Everest
2. Gyantse: Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa
3. Tsedang: Samye Monastery, Yumbulhakhang, Trandruk Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan Kind
4. Chamdo Region: Chamdo, Riwoche, Tengchen, etc.
5. Nyingchi Region: Basum-tso, Pomi, Raw-to, etc. 
6. Ngari Region: Mt. Kailash, Lake Mansarover, Tsaparang, etc. 

 An important note is that Aliens' Travel Permit can only be applied once you arrive in Tibet. You need to submit these documents: original passport, Chinese Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit. However, the process takes only a few hours and costs CNY 50 per person for this permit.

Related Tour: Lhasa And Tsedang Tour, Lhasa And Shigatse Tour

Military Travel Permit 

Besides TTB and PSB permits, there is another additional travel document that you might require while traveling to Tibet, depending on the region you intend to travel. Military Travel Permit is mandatory to travel to some remote areas which are military sensitive such as Mt. Kailash and eastern Tibet. Moreover, for traveling to western Tibet, such as Tholing and Tsaparang, you'll also require a permit issued from the local Cultural Antiquities Department.

Generally, the Military Office in Lhasa issues Military Permit. Typically, it takes 10-15 business days. You need to apply through the travel agency. You have to provide a copy of your passport and Chinese Visa. Since it takes a long time to process, we recommend you apply for this permit before leaving for Tibet. 

Currently, you require Military Permit to visit these Tibetan regions:

• Ngari Region: Mt. Kailash, Mansarover Lake
• Nyingchi Region: Draksum tso, Pomi, Raw, and other remote Shannan areas
• Chamdo Region: Chamdo, Riwoche 

Important Note: If you are traveling from Sichuan, Xinjiang, Yunnan, or Qinghai provinces, you'll require Military Permit. 

Foreign Affairs Permit

Along with Military Travel Permit, you'll also have to get Foreign Affair Permit to travel to some remote areas which are military sensitive such as Mt. Kailash and eastern Tibet. Moreover, the local Cultural Antiquities Department issues Foreign Affairs Permit to visit western Tibet, such as Tholing and Tsaparang.  

Foreign Affairs Office in Lhasa issues Foreign Affairs Permit. Likewise, it also takes 10-15 business days, and the application must go through the travel agency. You need to submit a copy of your passport and Chinese Visa. 

Hence, on the one hand, you might feel confused about arranging all these travel documents. On the other hand, if you are not sure whether to get these permits, then ease off and just contact us with your preferred destination in Tibet. Our travel consultant will inform you about that.

We promise you to get all these permits timely, and you just need to sit, relax, and experience an exhilarating Tibet tour. 

When Tibet Travel Permit Checked?

There are few places or entry points where the authoritative persons/department will check your Tibet Travel Permit. If you enter Tibet from mainland China, you need to show your travel permit to the respective authorities in the railway station and Lhasa Gonggar Airport before boarding the train or flight. You need to show your original permit for the flight and train departing from Chongqing, Xi'an, and Lanzhou to Lhasa city. Also, please note that if authorities demand to see your travel permit twice, you must do while you aboard the Tibet train or flight. 

Similarly, if you enter Tibet from Kathmandu by the overland journey, you need to show your Tibet permit while crossing the border at Gyirong Border. Also, if you are entering Tibet from Nepal by flight, you need to show your permit at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Your Tibetan guide will deliver it to the officers on your behalf, whether you're getting to Tibet from Kathmandu by flight or road. So you don't have to get worried and trust us, we are here for you!

Also, when you are planning your trip beyond Lhasa city or visiting other districts of Tibet, you need to disclose and get checked your Tibet permit in different situations as required. Your Tibetan guide will assist you and keep your permit and provide it for the necessary check-in of the needed places. 

Nonetheless, for your convenience, we have listed few possible places where you need to get your Tibet Travel Permit Checked;

• At the respective airport of mainland China from where you take a flight to Tibet 
• At Lhasa Gonggar Airport, when you enter Tibet from Kathmandu by flight
• At the railway station prior you take the train to Tibet from mainland China
• At Gyirong Port, when you enter Tibet from Kathmandu by road

Entering Tibet From Nepal - Group Visas Required

Every year, several tourists travel to Tibet from Kathmandu by overland or by air. Whether you are entering Tibet from mainland China or Kathmandu, you need to follow specific rules and regulations of Chinese Immigration as Tibet is a part of Autonomous China. If traveling from Nepal to Tibet, you require a Group Visa, also known as a Chinese Tourist Group Visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, and Tibet Travel Permit issued from Tibet Tourism Bureau. 

Unlike a Chinese visa, a group visa is not stamped in your passport and only allows single entry to China. It will include all personal information of all group members with entry and exit dates. Also, to apply for this group visa from Nepal, you need to get a visa invitation letter. Our travel partner in Tibet will send it to us. And then we'll help to prepare the necessary paperwork for travel. We'll coordinate with our trusted partner in Tibet and get your paperwork done. 

Here is the simple application process you need to follow to get the Group Chinese Visas;

• Contact us to book an interested Tibet tour and customized your preference travel itinerary
• Fill out an application and submit payment for the visa depending on your travel date and country of your citizenship
• Once the visa is approved, you'll get your passport and visa. 

Likewise, you need the following documents to apply for Group Visa; 

• Complete application form
• Passport, valid for at least six months
• Copies of passport and previous Chinese visas (if you have any)
• Passport size photo 

We can submit visa applications from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. It can be issued within 3-5 business days if we apply before 11 am. Please allow us at least three full working days to receive your visa. Chinese Group Visa fees consist of two sections: the visa fee and the processing fee. The processing fee ranges from $20-45 per person, depending on the number of travelers in a group.  

Key Notes:

• If you already have a Chinese Visa and are entering Tibet from Nepal, you still have to apply for Group Visa. 
• Chinese Embassy in Nepal doesn't accept individual applications for a group visa.

We will assist you with the application process, and it requires at least 2-3 business days for processing. 

FAQs About Tibet Travel Permit

1. What is the difference between China Group Visa and Chinese Visa?

Currently, two types of visas are required to enter Tibet, i.e., the standard Chinese Visa, entering from China, and Chinese Group Visa for those entering from Nepal. You can choose depending on your preference of travel route into Tibet. Each visa type has its pros and cons. However, if you have no choice, you can enter from either direction. Here is the difference between China Group Visa and Chinese Visa;     

2. Where can I get my Tibet permit?

It will depend on your travel route to Tibet if you travel to Tibet via flight from any major city in China. In that case, we'll deliver your permit to the respective hotel you'll be staying in before flying to Lhasa. In an emergency case, we might provide it to you at the airport as well. 

Likewise, for those who are taking the train to Tibet from mainland cities of China, then you don't need the original permit in hand. You can show a scanned copy of the permit while boarding the train. Your Tibetan guide will be waiting at the train station with the original Tibet Travel Permit. 

Last but not least, if you are opting for an overland journey to Tibet from Nepal or a flight to Tibet, then our travel partner will deliver your Travel permit at the airport. Please remember that if you are coming to Tibet from Nepal, you also need a Group Visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. So you can plan accordingly. 

Don't worry about the procedure, you have to send us the required documents, and the rest will be taken care of by our staff members! We will arrange your Tibet Tour, including a Tibet Travel Permit and other permits if any required. 

3. Can I apply for Tibet Permit directly from Tibet Tourism Bureau?

No, you can't directly apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, but you can get through a local travel agency that offers Tibet tour services. Due to strict government regulations, we can't help independents travelers regarding Tibet permit anymore. When we apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, on behalf of you, we need to submit your detailed tour schedule, including travel itinerary, entry, and exit date, to the Tourism Bureau. So once you get your permit, you are not able to change your trip itinerary and schedule. 

4. I already have a Chinese Visa; why do I need a permit to travel to Tibet?

Yes, if you have got a Chinese Visa from your home country, you still need Tibet Travel Permit. As Tibet is one of the provinces of China, international tourists will need to obtain a Chinese Visa first on their own to apply for Tibet Permit. Yes, tourists need a Chinese Visa to go to mainland China and later, after getting a Tibet permit, they can legally board either a Tibet train or flight to reach Lhasa. 

Key Note: Currently, if you are working or living in China or visiting China for business purposes, you also have to show a certificate to prove your purpose for visiting China.

5. How to get Tibet Travel Permit and China Group Visa while entering from Kathmandu?

You need to follow these easy four steps to get Tibet Travel Permit and China Group Visa if you're traveling to Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal, by overland or flight. 

6. Where can I get my China Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit?

You'll get a China Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. You'll get Tibet Travel Permit from Tibet Tourism Bureau in Tibet. 

7. Can I travel independently in Tibet?

No, it's impossible to travel to Tibet independently without a tour guide. All foreign travelers have to be organized by a travel agency. As Tibet Tour experts, we can customize your travel itinerary and apply for the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit for you. Besides, an official local Tibetan guide must accompany you during your Tibet visit, including transportation. 

We've got you covered; please contact us; we will help you plan your next Tibet Tour. 

8. Can I obtain my Tibet Travel Permit on arrival?

No, you need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit in advance. You are fined, detained, and deported if you enter a restricted area without proper travel permits. So, make sure to obtain all essentials permits in advance of travel to Tibet. Also, you require a Chinese visa if your entry into Tibet is from China and a Chinese Group Visa if your entry into Tibet is from Nepal. You need to obtain all these travel documents in advance. 

Conclusion

We hope this guide on how to get a Tibet travel permit answers all your doubts and confusion. Still, if you want to learn more about a Tibet Travel Permit for travel in Tibet, reach out to our Tibet Travel consultants. They'll assist you in getting a Chinese Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, and the Aliens' Travel Permit. 

Well, we have served thousands of western travelers. We totally understand your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tibet really means a lot to you. And our first preference is always the customer choice. So, we provide helpful information regarding essential details related to Tibet Permit to help make your travel run smoothly from start to end. 

Lastly, please see some of our popular culture and city tours packages if you're planning a Tibet tour. Alternatively, you can simply contact us to prepare a customized tour itinerary according to your interests and requirements.