1. How to apply for Tibet Travel Permit successfully?

Step1. Join a licensed travel agency like us, Tibet Horizon and decide on your travel date and itinerary.

Step2. Prepare your passport and Chinese Visa. Taiwanese residents need to process a Taiwan Compatriot Permit.

Step3. Provide copies or photos of your valid passport and Chinese Visa to the agency. The agency will submit the application.

Step4. Get your Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet.

2. How much does a Tibet Travel Permit cost?

Tibet Travel Permit is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau with No Commission Fee. However, you cannot apply for it by yourself but obtain it through a travel agency. In the application process, the travel agency may cost human and material resources, so you will be charged some fee, which is usually included in your Tibet tour cost. In other words, if you book with a travel agency like us Tibet Horizon, we can help you apply for it at no additional charge.

3. How many days are needed to get my Tibet Travel Permit?

Typically, it takes at least 15 days to get your Tibet Travel Permit. It takes 8-9 working days for the processing of the permit and 3-5 days to deliver it to your address in the Chinese mainland. Therefore, book at least 15 days in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Tibet journey.

4. Where can I receive my Tibet Travel Permit?

If you enter Tibet from cities in the Chinese mainland, your Tibet Travel Permit will be delivered to your address in advance. In other cases, our staff will hand it to you in person at the railway station or airport.

If you enter Tibet from Nepal, our guide will meet you at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Gyirong Border with your Tibet Travel Permit.

1. What places require an Aliens’ Travel Permit to visit?

Shannan Prefecture: Samye Monastery, Yumbulakang Palace, etc.

Gyantse County: Pelkor Chode Monastery, Kumbum Stupa, etc.

Shigatse Prefecture: Sakya Monastery, Mount Everest, Rongbuk Monastery, etc.

Ngari Prefecture: Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc.

Nyingchi Prefecture: Basumtso Lake, Bomi, Ranwu Lake, etc.

Qamdo Prefecture

2. How to apply for the Aliens’ Travel Permit?

Step 1. Arrive in Lhasa and give your original passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit and other necessary documents to your guide.

Step 2. Your guide will submit the application when you tour Lhasa city. It usually takes 1-2 hours to process it. Additionally, the Aliens’ Travel Permit for Tibet is not restricted to Lhasa but can be obtained in other cities as well, such as Shigatse and Nyingchi. If your itinerary includes the majestic Mount Everest, you can secure the Aliens’ Travel Permit in Shigatse. Similarly, if you opt for a direct flight to Nyingchi, you can acquire the permit locally.

Step 3. Visit the restricted areas with the Aliens’ Travel Permit. The permit will be checked at checkpoints on the road.

1. What places require a Military Area Entry Permit to visit?

Ngari Prefecture: Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc.

Overland trips via G318 Highway.

2. How to apply for the Military Area Entry Permit?

Step 1. Join a licensed travel agency like us, Tibet Horizon and decide on your travel date and itinerary.

Step 2. Prepare your passport and Chinese Visa.

Step 3. Provide copies or photos of your valid passport and Chinese Visa to the agency. The agency will submit the application.

Step 4. Embark on your planned Tibet tour with Military Area Entry Permit.

3. How many days are needed to get my Military Area Entry Permit?

The process involves submitting the passport and Tibet Travel Permit, and it may take 15-30 days to process. Therefore, if you want to visit the restricted areas, don’t hesitate to contact us and plan your trip 30 days in advance.

1. How to apply for the Border Permit?

Step 1: Join a licensed travel agency like us, Tibet Horizon and decide on your travel date and itinerary.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents.

Chinese nationals: Chinese ID cards;

Residents in Hong Kong and Macau: Home Return Permit;

Residents in Taiwan: Taiwan Compatriot Permit (prepare by yourself) and Tibet Travel Permit (apply by the travel agency).

Step 3: Apply for the Border Permit.

Chinese nationals: You can apply for the Border ass at the public security bureau or police station corresponding to your household registration location. In other cases, you can apply for it in Lhasa or Shigatse with the help of your travel agency;

Residents in Hong Kong and Macau: After arriving in Tibet, provide the original Home Return Permit to your guide, who will help you apply for the permit;

Residents in Taiwan: After arriving in Tibet, your guide will collect the original documents of yours and your fellow travelers’ and apply for the permit.

Step 4: Typically, you can get your Border Permit on the spot after your application is processed.

2. How many days are needed to get my Border Permit?

It takes at least 1 working day to process. Please book your Tibet tour in advance to ensure enough time for application.

1. How to apply for the Chinese Group Visa?

Step 1: Join a licensed travel agency like us, Tibet Horizon and decide on your travel date and itinerary.

Step 2: Prepare your passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the entrance date. (Note: Please do not apply for a Chinese Visa as it will automatically expire when you apply for a Chinese Group Visa).

Step 3: Provide copies or photos of your valid passport to the agency.

Step 4: The travel agency will apply the invitation letter and Tibet Travel Permit for you.

Step 5: Arrive in Kathmandu in 4 days in advance. Fill the Visa Application Form under the guidance of your guide. Prepare your original passport, passport-size photos, and the visa fee.

Step 6: Your guide take you to the China’s Embassy in Kathmandu to submit the application and attend an interview at China’s Embassy in Kathmandu in person. You’ll have your fingerprints recorded.

Step 7: Typically, after you submit your application, you can get your Chinese Group Visa and original passport on the afternoon of the fourth working day. Once you have your visa, you and your group members can travel to Tibet by flight or overland. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at either Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Gyirong Port, and they will provide you with your Tibet Travel Permit.

2. How many days are needed to get my Chinese Group Visa?

It takes 3-4 working days to apply for your Tibet Group Visa. So, you need arrive at Kathmandu at least 4 working days prior to your tour to Tibet to offer the following documents.

3. How much does a Chinese Group Visa cost?

Notice: a. "Express 1" and "Express 2" represent two different levels of express services for visa processing.
b. Express 1 offers a faster visa processing time, typically making the visa available within three working days after the application is submitted.
c. Express 2 is the fastest service, where your visa can be processed and collected on the second working day.
d. It's important to check with the specific visa application center or consulate for the exact fees and availability of these services, as they can vary.

1. How to apply for the Chinese Visa?

Step 1: Identify the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit.

Step 2: Prepare necessary documents which usually include a visa application form, passport with at least six months' validity, a recent colored photo, and additional documents specific to the visa type you are applying for.

Step 3: Submit the application to the Visa Office at Chinese embassies or consulates in person and have your fingerprints collected.

Step 4: Pay the visa fee at the Visa Office and collect your visa.

2. How many days are needed to get my Chinese Visa?

The processing time for a Chinese Visa is typically 4-5 working days under regular service conditions. However, if there is an urgent need for travel, express service is available, which can process the visa in 2-3 working days, although this service may incur an additional fee. It is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the intended travel date.

3. How much does a Chinese Visa cost?

The Chinese visa application fee varies based on your nationality and times of entry. This table is just for reference. It is better to consult the staff of visa center or China’s Embassy or visit the embassy’s website.

1. How to apply for the Taiwan Compatriot Permit?

Step 1: Find out where to apply: If you are in Taiwan, you shall submit your application to the relevant agencies entrusted by the Exit and Entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security; If you are in Hong Kong or Macau, you shall apply to the entrusted agencies in Hong Kong or Macau; If you are in a foreign country, you shall apply to the diplomatic missions, consular offices, or other overseas offices authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 2: Prepare necessary documents which usually include the application form, a recent colored photo, an identification card in Taiwan, and a passport with at least six months' validity.

Step 3: Submit the application and necessary documents to the agency and pay the fee. You can choose to collect your permit at the office or via delivery.

Step 4: Get your Taiwan Compatriot Permit and travel to the Chinese Mainland.

2. How many days are needed to get my Taiwan Compatriot Permit?

It typically takes 7 working days to process your application under regular conditions. Expedited service is available, shortening the processing duration to around 4 working days with an additional fee.

3. How much does a Taiwan Compatriot Permit cost?

The application fee for a Taiwan Compatriot Permit is USD 28. If you choose to deliver the permit to your address, the fee is generally around USD 3.

1. How to apply for the Home Return Permit?

Step 1: Make an online appointment through the official website and fill in your personal information.

Step 2: Go to the designated document service center with all original documents and materials as per your appointment. Upon arrival, collect an application number, and wait for your number to be called to submit your application.

Step 3: Prepare necessary documents including a completed application form with a recent photo, a valid Hong Kong or Macau permanent identity card, a valid ordinary passport with at least 6 months of validity, and nationality certificates.

Step 4: Submit the application and necessary documents to the agency and pay the fee. You can choose to collect your permit at the office or via delivery.

Step 5: Wait for the approval and processing of your permit.

2. How many days are needed to get my Home Return Permit?

It typically takes 20 working days to process your application under regular conditions. Expedited service is available with an additional fee.

3. How much does a Home Return Permit cost?

The fee for the first application in Hong Kong or Macau is USD 34, while renewal or replacement in mainland China costs USD 33. Postal delivery usually costs USD 3.

1. Visa & Permits for Mount Everest Base Camp in Tibet

Visiting Mount Everest Base Camp in Tibet requires several essential permits to ensure a smooth journey. Here's a summary of the necessary documentation:

a. Chinese Visa / Chinese Group Visa: All foreign visitors, except those who are eligible for the 15- or 30-day visa-free policies, must obtain a Chinese Visa to enter China. For individual travelers visiting cities in Mainland China, a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) is required. Additionally, those planning to travel to Tibet from Nepal must apply for a Chinese Group Visa. The acquisition of these visas is a prerequisite for obtaining other necessary permits for traveling in Tibet.

b. Tibet Travel Permit: This is the most important permit for traveling to Tibet and is required for taking flights and trains to Lhasa.

c. Aliens’ Travel Permit: Also known as the PSB Permit, this permit is required for visiting "non-open" or restricted areas in Tibet, including the Everest Base Camp region.

2. Visa & Permits for Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake

Visiting Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake in Tibet requires several essential permits due to their location in the remote and restricted Ngari Prefecture. Here's a list of the necessary documentation:

a. Chinese Visa / Chinese Group Visa: All foreign visitors, except those who are eligible for the 15- or 30-day visa-free policies, must obtain a Chinese Visa to enter China. For individual travelers visiting cities in Mainland China, a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) is required. Additionally, those planning to travel to Tibet from Nepal must apply for a Chinese Group Visa. The acquisition of these visas is a prerequisite for obtaining other necessary permits for traveling in Tibet.

b. Tibet Travel Permit: This is the basic permit required for foreigners and Taiwan compatriots traveling into Tibet and around Lhasa. It is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is necessary for taking flights or trains to Lhasa.

c. Aliens’ Travel Permit: Also known as the PSB Permit, this permit is required for foreigners traveling to areas outside Lhasa, including Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake.

d. Military Area Entry Permit: Since Ngari Prefecture is a military-sensitive area, a Military Area Entry Permit is required for foreigners and Taiwan compatriots’ visits to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

e. Border Permit/ Frontier Pass: This permit may also be required for Taiwan compatriots and Chinese nationals including Hong Kong and Taiwan residents visiting the restricted areas around Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake.

3. Visa & Permits for Indians Traveling to Tibet

Indian travelers looking to visit Tibet must obtain specific visas and permits to enter the region and access certain sacred sites. Here's what you need to know about the visa and permits for Indians traveling to Tibet:

a. Chinese Visa / Chinese Group Visa: Before booking a tour, Indian citizens must obtain a Chinese Visa from the Chinese Embassy in India. If you enter Tibet from Kathmandu, you do not need to apply for a China Visa from the Chinese Embassy in India but need to arrive at Kathmandu at least 4 working days in order to apply for Tibet Group Visa.

b. Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is essential for foreigners including Indians traveling within Tibet and can take up to 15-20 days to process.

c. Aliens’ Travel Permit: For visits to "unopened" areas of Tibet such as Samye Monastery, Basumtso Lake, and Everest Base Camp, this permit is necessary and is obtained by the tour operator after you arrive in Tibet.

d. Military Area Entry Permit: For trips to sacred Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake in Ngari Prefecture or overland journeys along G318 Highway, this permit is needed.

For Indian pilgrims planning a pilgrim trip to Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Yatra, you will need to be verified and issued jointly by the Foreign Affairs Office of TAR, Tibet Military Region, Armed Police Tibet Frontier Corps and the Department of Public Security of TAR. Indians’ pilgrimage tours can only be operated by Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet and Tibet-India pilgrim Reception Center. Tibet Horizon can handle your pilgrimage tour to Kailash from India.

4. Ultimate List of Chinese Visa and Tibet Permits

Check out the visa and permit requirements for Tibet with our ultimate list. We outline the necessary permits for various traveler profiles, clarifying which are secured by tourists and which are expertly managed by Tibet Horizon.