How to apply for Tibet Travel Permit 2026

Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Entry Permit or Permit to Visit Tibet, is an indispensable travel permit for international tourists to enter Tibet in addition to a Chinese visa. But many feel confused about the permit application and think it is difficult to obtain one. Well, the truth is that you can get your Tibet permit easily by following our advice. As the leading tour operator based in Lhasa, we can help you to get the Tibet Travel Permit successfully.

For every foreign traveler, a Tibet Permit is required as a must-have entry pass to board the flight or Tibet train bound for Lhasa.

As one of the Tibetan local travel agencies with over 10 years of experience, we promise your Tibet travel permit in 2026.

Who Needs a Tibet Travel Permit?

Many people assume that all tourists must obtain the Tibet Travel Permit before visiting Tibet. However, this is not always the case. International tourists, overseas Chinese tourists without a Chinese passport, expats residing in mainland China, and Taiwan residents are required to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit.

For Hong Kong and Macau citizens, on the other hand, you can visit Tibet without the Tibet Travel Permit if you possess a Home Visit Permit (also known as a Mainland Travel Permit).

However, diplomats, journalists, and governmental officials must apply for the Tibet Permit exclusively through the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office.

How to apply for Tibet Travel Permit

Foreigners are not allowed to apply for Tibet permits independently. You have to find a China-based travel agency, like China Travel Tibet China, to help you do it. What's more, foreign citizens are not allowed to travel in Tibet independently. You have to be accompanied by a tour guide.

What Documents are Needed to Apply for the Tibet Travel Permit?

When applying for a Tibet Travel Permit, it's essential to have the required documents to avoid delays or rejections. Typically, the documents needed are your passport and a Chinese Visa.

Your passport should be valid for more than 6 months. As for the Chinese Visa, usually a tourist visa (L visa), you can apply for it from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or a third country.

The good news is that many countries currently enjoy visa-free access to China. These include France, Germany, Malaysia, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, and others. If you are from one of these countries, you can simply prepare your passport. Check with us whether you need a Chinese Visa or not.

If you are an overseas student or an expat living in mainland China, you need to prepare your work visa or student visa. Besides, you will also need to provide additional documents to verify your status. This includes your school enrollment certificate or working certificate obtained from your school or employer.

Operating Steps:

Step 1: Book your Tibet tour with us.

Step 2: Send us copies of your passport and Chinese Visa at least 20 days prior to your departure.

Step 3: We will handle the application process by submitting the documents to the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

Step 4: Upon receiving the travel permit, we will deliver it to you before you board the train or flight to Lhasa.

When Checked:

1. At train station

2. At airport

3. Enter Tibet

Aliens'Travel Permit: We will help you apply for this, if necessary, according to your itinerary.

FAQ about Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet Permit Price: How Much Does a Tibet Permit Cost?

For our clients, after you book our Tibet tour, we promise to offer Tibet Permit service for free and guarantee to get your Tibet Permit before you head to Tibet.

How Long Does It Take to Get My Tibet Permit?

Normally, it takes around 8-9 working days to process your Tibet Permit in Tibet Tourism Bureau. But we suggest you email photos of your passport and Chinese visa to us at least 20 days before you leave for Tibet. It's better not leave it to the last min.

*For an urgent permit, it takes 4-5 days to process, and an extra charge is required.

Where Can I Get My Tibet Permit?

After we get your newly-issued Tibet Permit in Lhasa, we will have it delivered to your hotel by express in mainland China.

For those who take a domestic flight to Lhasa, only when you get the original Tibet Permit can you to board the plane legally to Tibet.

If you plan to take Tibet train to Lhasa, the printed copy (2) of your Tibet permit will suffice.

For safety reasons, your Tibet Permit will not be delivered to your country or places outside mainland China. If you happen to have a brief stopover at the airport in China for a connecting flight to Lhasa, our staff will deliver the Tibet Permit to you in person at the airport.

How to Get a Tibet Travel Permit, If Entering from Kathmandu?

All you need to do is confirm your tour itinerary and sign the tour contract with us. Our staff in Lhasa will help you get a Tibet Permit.

The difference is that, in fact, either travelling by road or by flight from Kathmandu to Tibet, your Tibet permit will be kept in the hands of your Tibetan guide. He or she will show it to officers as you go through the customs at the Sino-Nepal border (Gyirong border) or in the Lhasa Gongga International Airport.

When Will Your Tibet Travel Permit Be Checked?

Your Tibet Permit will be checked as you board the Tibet train or flight from other mainland Chinese cities to Lhasa.

If you enter Tibet from Kathmandu by road, your Tibet permit will be checked as you cross the Sino-Nepal border; if you enter Tibet from Kathmandu by flight, your permit will be checked as you go through the customs in the Lhasa Gongga Airport. No worries! Our Tibetan guide will show it to officers in both situations.

As you travel beyond Lhasa, your Tibet permit will be checked multiple times as you cross the checkpoints along the way. Your Tibet permit will always be kept by the Tibetan guide for safety.

Permits for Visiting Places Beyond Lhasa

A further reading of other Tibet permits you may need. Feel a little confused? No worries! We will get them done for you.

In reality, even if you have the Tibet Travel Permit, you are not allowed to travel anywhere else outside of Lhasa city. If you want to get out of Lhasa, such as EBC or Mt. Kailash, you have to apply for other permits, like Aliens' Travel Permit and a Military Permit.

However, you don’t need to worry about getting these permits since your Tibetan guide will help you get them properly after you land in Lhasa and get everything ready for your further visit after the day tour in Lhasa.

Alien’s Travel Permit

The Alien’s Travel Permit is issued by the Public Security Bureau. It is required when tourists are planning to travel to the 'unopened' areas of Tibet, like Mount Everest Base Camp in Shigatse, and Samye Monastery in Tsedang.

Aliens' Travel Permit is required to visit 'unopened' areas. It is issued by the police (Public Security Bureau, "PSB"). Usually, you can apply for it once you arrive at Lhasa. Our guide will ask you for the passport and Tibet Travel Permit, with which they will submit to the Foreign Affairs Division of the PSB for the Aliens’ Permit.

It normally takes several hours, and the cost is 50 CNY per person. If you travel alone, you need to join local tours to 'unopened' areas, and the local travel agencies will arrange the PSB for you as well. Pay attention, no travel agency can provide 'Alien’s Travel permit-only' service.

At present, you have to apply for a Alien’s Travel permit if you are planning to visit the following places:

Tsedang: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Trundruk Monastery, Yumbulakhang

Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery

Gyangtse: PelkorChode Monastery &Kubum Stupa

Ngari Region: Mt.Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Tsaparang, Years, etc.

Nyingchi Region: Basum-tso, Pomi, Rawo-tso, etc.

Chamdo Region: Chamdo, Riwoche, Tengchen, etc.

Military Area Entry Permit

The military area entry permit is required if tourists are planning to travel to some military-sensitive areas in Tibet. Like Mount Kailash in Ali, Rowok Lake in Chamdo.

Sensitive borders such as Mt. Kailash and eastern Tibet not only require a Military Area Entry Permit, but also a Foreign Affairs Permit. For Tholing and Tsaparang in western Tibet, you will also need a permit from the local Cultural Antiquities Department. All these will be arranged by our travel agency one month before you enter Tibet.

The Military Area Entry Permit is issued by the military affairs office while the Foreign Affairs Permit is issued by the Foreign Affairs office in Lhasa. It normally takes 10-15 working days to get them all.

We know the notoriously complex Tibet travel documents may leave you bewildered. However, we promise to get all the permits you need in a timely manner and allow you to solely immerse yourself in experiencing the thrilling Tibet tour.

Can I Travel Independently in Tibet with a Tibet Travel Permit?

No, even if you have obtained a Tibet Travel Permit, you cannot travel independently in Tibet. All international tourists are required to join an organized tour through a registered Tibetan travel agency. This includes a pre-arranged itinerary, a private vehicle with a driver, and a licensed Tibetan tour guide throughout the trip.

But you can choose between a group or private tour based on your budget and preferences. We offer a wide variety of small group tours with fixed departure dates at the best local prices to minimize your Tibet tour expenses. For those who want more flexibility, our experienced travel consultants can help you customize your Tibet tour.