Tibet Visa & Travel Permit

Travel to Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal

If you are entering Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal, you are required to obtain a Chinese visa in the consulate of P.R China in Kathmandu; the opening time for the Consulate of P.R China in Kathmandu is only available between 9:30 A.M and 12:00 P.M on each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Please note this visa application is compulsory despite you have already had a Chinese visa in your country or not since this is regulated by the border agreement signed between Nepal and China.

The Chinese visa you get in Kathmandu is a "group visa". A "group visa" is not entered in travelers' passports but is a separate sheet of paper issued in duplicate by the Chinese consulate in Katmandu, listing all members of the group. It usually allows a stay of 20 or 30 days. Applying a group visa requires at least two clear days in Katmandu and Alpine Eco Trek take cares all the responsibilities to apply your Tibet/China Visa, we just need your passport and two photographs.

More about Tibet Visa & Permit

Why a permit needed for foreigners? Considering the special ethnic traditions, the cultural relics, the environmental protection and the transportation capacity of Tibet, when non-Chinese citizens, including foreign tourists, Taiwan tourists and overseas Chinese travel to China, you need to have a valid Chinese visa along with Tibet Travel permit.

Tibet Permits & Visa Categories

Please be noted that Tibet travel permit and visa are two different things that you must get before entering Tibet . There are overall four documents required while you are travelling in Tibet.

• Chinese Visa - you can obtain one in Chinese Embassy in your country.
• TTB (Tibet Entry Permit) - It is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau and is a must for foreign tourists entering Tibet
• PSB (Alien's Travel Permit) - It is required when you are planning to travel to the closed areas in Tibet, which you can obtain it after you arrive in Tibet;
• Military Permit - you have to obtain if you are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas.

Tips When Planning Your Trip to Tibet

• It is not a good idea to mention that you plan to travel to Tibet on your Chinese visa application.
• Do not plan to travel to Tibet in late February, through the month of March or the first week in April. This is a sensitive time when the Chinese government has closed access for the past 5 years.
• Even though you are required to hire a guide, you do not need to spend 24/7 with the guide. You can negotiate some free time for wandering or shopping but if you wander off to someplace that you aren't supposed to go, your guide and the travel agency may get in trouble.
• If you have a special interest, there is probably a company and guides who can fulfill provide the services you want.

Important issues about Tibet Travel Permits

• You have to tell us your real occupation because journalists and people involving in political matters (such as diplomats and government officials) require more complicated procedures to be issued a permit.
• All kinds of people can get Tibet permit through us except diplomats, journalists, and government officials who need to contact the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government to arrange a permit.
• It's advisable to apply for your travel permits at least 25 days prior to your entry date.
• After you have got a TTB Permit, we can buy the air/train tickets for you. And only with the permit in hand you can pass the airport check-in counter.
• Beware that no travel agency can provide "permit-only" service according to the Tibet Government and Tibet Tourism Bureau. A MUST service includes vehicle and tour guide. So if you don't book any tour with us, we are unable to help you get any Tibet permits.
• It will take 5 to 6 working days to get the travel permits if you could supply the full necessary documents in time.
• We have no authority to sell a permit. We only help you obtain a permit from local authorities.
• Only the tour guide could hold the TTB Permit after you establish yourself on Tibet land. You may not carry it by yourself or travel with it to anywhere in Tibet. PSB Permit is required for travel outside of Lhasa.