Additional Tibet Permits Guide: Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit and Frontier Pass

Because of Tibet’s position in China, it is not so easy to travel to Tibet as other Chinese Mainland provinces. In addition to a Tibet Travel Permit (which is used during the whole Tibet tour itinerary from your entering into Tibet to leaving from Tibet), you will also need an Aliens’ Travel Permit and Military Area Entry Permit, if your destinations cover the special sites, the non-open areas, or border area in Tibet, such as Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Visitors from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan will also need a Frontier Pass. Tibet Horizon will help you apply for these Tibet permits.

Aliens’ Travel Permit

What is Aliens’ Travel Permit?

Aliens’ Travel Permit is a “must” paper for an international traveler whose Tibet itinerary covers the special site, the non-open area or border area in Tibet. It is issued by the local Public Security Bureau so also known as PSB permit.

Usually, one group will have a Aliens’ Travel Permit paper together for the rest of itinerary. On the permit, tour destinations, travel date and traveler’s information will be listed.

Which Places Require an Aliens’ Travel Permit

If your Tibet tour only contains Lhasa city and the surrounding area, Nyingchi, Tsedang, Gyantse, Shigatse, Mount Everest, and Namtso Lake, you do not need an Aliens’ Travel Permit.

But if your Tibet tour contains these two special sites: Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in the Ngari Prefecture, or visiting areas beyond the regular Sichuan-Tibet Highway G318, an Aliens’ Travel Permit is still required.

How to Apply for Aliens’ Travel Permit

Applying for an Aliens’ Travel Permit is quite easy, but it can only be done through a travel agency. This permit needs to be obtained after you enter Tibet, as your original passport and China Visa are required for processing:

Step 1: During the Tibet trip, your Tibetan tour guide will remind you to hand over your passport, China Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, and other necessary documents.

Step 2: Your guide will submit the application during your Lhasa tour and obtain the permit before you proceed to the next destination outside Lhasa. It normally takes around 1-2 hours to process the permit applications. Furthermore, the permit is not limited to Lhasa; it can also be obtained in other cities. For example, the PSB in Shigatse issue the permit for a group to the Ngari Prefecture.

Step 3: Travel to restricted areas with your Aliens’ Travel Permit. During your visit to the aforementioned non-open area, your Aliens’ Travel Permit will be checked at various checkpoints. It's recommended that you communicate the travel plans with us in advance so that we can process your permit as appropriate.

Military Area Entry Permit

What is Military Area Entry Permit?

Military Area Entry Permit is a permit for international travelers and Taiwan compatriots whose trips cover “sensitive” areas of Tibet under military control. This permit is issued by the Military Affairs Office in Lhasa and can only be applied for through Tibetan travel agencies.

Which Places Require a Military Area Entry Permit?

If your itinerary contains the following regions, we will need apply for a Military Area Entry Permit. They are:

(1) Ngari Prefecture: Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, etc.
(2) Traveling to Tibet or Mount Kailash by road: overland group from Xinjiang, Sichuan or Yunnan to Tibet.
(3) Qamdo Prefecture (not open)

How to Apply for Military Area Entry Permit?

Unlike the Aliens’ Travel Permit, the Military Area Entry Permit needs to be obtained before you arrive in Tibet. The specific steps are as follows:

Step 1: Confirm your travel dates and itinerary with Tibet Horizon.
Step 2: Provide us with copies or photos of your valid passport and China Visa, and we will submit your application.
Step 3: Wait for approval and obtain your Military Area Entry Permit to begin your Tibet tour.

Tips: Usually, we have got it before you start the Tibet trip. It often takes 15-30 days. Therefore, if you will visit the above regions, please try to send your passport and China Visa copies to us 30 days in advance.

Frontier Pass / Border Permit

What is the Frontier Pass?

The Frontier Pass is also known as the Border Permit (边防证). It is required for Chinese citizens holding a Chinese ID Card or residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan whose Tibet itinerary contains the western Tibet Ngari Prefecture or border areas, such as Mount Everest, Gyirong Border. It is issued by the Tibet Armed Police Border Corps in Lhasa and can also be processed by travel agencies. After you book a Tibet tour with us, we will help you apply for it in Lhasa, and it usually takes one day to process.

How Do Travelers from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Apply for Frontier Pass?

Step 1: Confirm your travel dates and itinerary with a qualified Tibet travel agency like Tibet Horizon.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents. The required documents differ slightly for residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Residents of Hong Kong and Macau need to prepare your Home Return Permit (回乡证) to apply for this permit. Taiwan residents, in addition to preparing the Taiwan Compatriot Permit (台胞证), also need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit in advance.

Step 3: Apply for the Border Pass. After arriving in Tibet, please give your Home Return Permit or Taiwan Compatriot Permit, or other relevant documents, to your guide, who will assist you in applying for the Frontier Pass.

Step 4: The Frontier Pass is usually processed quickly, and you can obtain it on the spot.

Tips: Chinese citizens can apply for it at the Public Security Bureau or police station corresponding to your household registration location. Alternatively, you can apply in Lhasa or Shigatse with our assistance with your ID card.

Summary Table of Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit & Frontier Pass

The table below clearly summarizes the differences between these three permits, helping you understand them more quickly and easily.

Conclusion

A Tibet tour starting in Lhasa requires more than just a Tibet Travel Permit. If your trip includes more restricted or border areas, such as Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, you'll also need additional documents like an Aliens’ Travel Permit, a Military Area Entry Permit, and a Frontier Pass. To ensure a smooth journey, we strongly recommend arranging your itinerary through Tibet Horizon. We will plan your trip and ensure all Tibet travel permits are in order.