New Policy: Enter Tibet from Nepal with a Chinese Tourist Visa - No Group Visa Required

Good news comes that foreign friends can enter Tibet from Nepal with Chinese Tourist Visa (L-Visa) instead of Chinese Group Visa. This adjustment offers greater convenience and flexibility for international travelers visiting Tibet.Tibet Horizon clients holding their Chinese Tourist Visa have entered Tibet from Nepal successfully, namely, Ms.Sve*** from Russia flew from Kathmandu to Lhasa on Apr.14 and Mr.Jac*** from the USA traveled overland from Nepal to Tibet via Gyirong Port on May.22, 2025.

Group Visa Requirement Was a Long-Time Barrier

For a long time, travelers who enter Tibet from Nepal shall apply for Chinese Group Visa in Kathmandu with unified entry arrangements, which caused significant inconvenience for travelers:

Complicated procedures: To obtain a group visa, a Tibetan travel agency like Tibet Horizon shall issue an invitation letter first and then a Nepalese travel agency would apply on behalf of the group of four travelers.

Time constraints: The processing time for the group visa is relatively long, taking at least three working days, and you must arrive at Kathmandu in advance.

Lack of flexibility: Travelers holding a group visa must enter and exit Tibet with the group, leaving no room for flexible travel plans.

New Policy Highlights

According to the latest information obtained from our partner travel agencies in Nepal, the newly implemented regulations mainly include:

1. With a valid Chinese Tourist Visa (L-Visa), travelers can now enter Tibet from Nepal via Gyirong Port or Lhasa Gonggar Airport normally.
2. No need to apply for a group visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

This change will greatly simplify the entry process for travelers, save both time and costs, and offer travel agencies greater flexibility in planning.

No Group Visa Needed, But Tibet Permits Required

Although Chinese Tourist Visa can now be used to enter Tibet from Kathmandu, please note the following:

1. You need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit in advance, which is mandatory for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet and can only be applied by a licensed Tibetan travel agency like Tibet Horizon. It’s recommended to book your Tibet Tour at least one month ahead and we will assist you with the permit for free.

2. For certain areas such as Ngari, Mt. Kailash, Mt. Everest, and Shigatse, an additional Aliens’ Travel Permit is required. During the trip, our guide will accompany you to obtain this permit, so there’s no need to worry about the permit process.

3. Please make sure your passport and visa are valid for the whole trip. Bring your original passport and visa when entering. Our guide will meet you at the Lhasa Airport or Gyirong Port.

Plan Your Journey with Tibet Horizon

As an experienced local travel agency in Tibet, we offer one-stop services including reception from Kathmandu, assistance at Lhasa Airport and Gyirong Border crossing, permit applications, and customized itineraries - ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey across the plateau.

This adjustment makes the travel between China and Nepal smoother and opens a new chapter for global travelers to explore Tibet and experience its rich culture. If you plan to enter Tibet via Nepal, please contact us!