How do I apply for a Tibet travel permit? A Tibet Travel permit is also known as a Visa for Tibet. This is the biggest question all visitors have before coming to Tibet. The Tibet Tourism Administration issues a Tibet travel permit in Lhasa. So, a Travel Agency in Lhasa, like us ( Tenzin Travel), can apply for it for you in Lhasa.
What is a Tibet travel permit?
A Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for all foreigners visiting Tibet’s autonomous region in China. The Tibet Tourism Bureau is the primary authority responsible for issuing this permit. This permit is also known as the Tibet Entry Permit or Tibet Permit. It is popularly called a Tibet visa, though it is the wrong term.
Any Travel agency with a local presence in Lhasa can apply for your Tibet travel permit; therefore, booking your tour with one is always recommended.
Most popular travel websites also refer to this Document as a Tibet Visa, which is nothing like a Tibet visa. Tibet is officially a province of China, and a Chinese Visa is the only visa required to travel to Tibet. In addition to the Chinese visa, travelers need a Tibet travel permit. The Tibet Tourism Administration issues this permit in Lhasa.
Let’s come back to the main topic of the Post.
How to Apply for Tibet Travel permit or Tibet entry permit?
Only a travel agency based in Lhasa can apply for a Tibet travel permit. No travel agency provides Tibet travel permit-only services. You must book their tour service, including a private tour guide and a Private Tour vehicle.
Once you establish the tour services and book the tour, you must send them copies of your visa and passport to apply for your Tibet entry permit.
How long does it take to apply for a Tibet travel permit?
The duration of applying for the permit depends on the journey’s location. For example, traveling to the Mount Kailash region of Tibet would require around 20+ days to obtain your permit. On the other hand, if you can visit Lhasa only, it will take about 7 to 10 days. If you are visiting central Tibet, including the Mount Everest region, you would at least need about 15+ days to obtain your permit.
What are the Documents required to apply for The permit?
If you are coming from another province in China or Nepal, you will have to send a copy of your passport and a copy of your visa. Most travel websites will tell you that getting the Chinese Group Visa from Kathmandu is mandatory. If you are more than four pax. Getting a Chinese Group visa could be more convenient. Please check the pros and cons of the Chinese Group visa with us. Send us the passports and Visas
Sometimes, travelers do not have a Chinese visa ready or have little time for a Tibet travel permit. In such a case, they can send their Passport copy first, and your travel agency in Lhasa can initiate the Tibet permit application. But they would need a Chinese visa to complete the process.
What if the Visa application gets rejected?
Most travel websites for Tibet advise travelers not to mention Tibet plans while applying for a Chinese Visa. Yet, when a traveler applies for a Chinese visa, the embassy asks them to submit the flight ticket, hotel booking, itinerary, etc., which becomes hard to hide. So many of our clients do not mention the Tibet plan, yet their flight ticket says Lhasa.
Suppose your visa is rejected for no reason. In that case, the best solution is to ask your travel agency in Lhasa to send you a visa invitation from another travel agency on the mainland. We have sent visa invitations to more than 75% of our clients.
It primarily depends on the mode of transportation if you are coming from China or Nepal.
Suppose you are taking a train to Lhasa. You need a copy of the Tibet Travel Permit. You will not require the original permit on yourself. If they are not issuing the train ticket for the copy, try the next counter. They will indeed issue your ticket.
Suppose you are taking a flight from another part of China to Lhasa. You will need an original travel permit while boarding the flight. You can ask your travel agency to send the original copy to your hotel. However, many travelers would not prefer to stay overnight in other parts of China in such a case. Therefore, the travel agency will assign someone in that Chinese city to deliver your permit to the airport.
Most travel agencies in Lhasa prefer Chengdu for transit and permit delivery. We always ask every traveler to transit to Chengdu for more reliable delivery. Read more about it here.
Conclusion of How to apply for Tibet Travel permit
If you have a question about applying for the Tibet Travel Permit. We will gladly provide you with the correct information. Please write to us at info@itibettravel.com.
Tenzin Travel is one of Tibet’s most experienced tour operators, with over 20 years in the industry. Founded by a local Tibetan family with decades of expertise as guides, managers, and route planners, we craft personalized itineraries for every traveler.
Our Lhasa office is just steps from Barkhor Square, and our all-Tibetan team ensures deep cultural, linguistic, and religious insights, setting us apart from other agencies.
Beyond tourism, we support Tibetan communities by donating a portion of each tour to local projects. Your travel to Tibet is about more than profit—it’s about opportunity for us to give back.
