What do I need to know before traveling to Tibet?
What travel documents required to visit Tibet?
- It is suggested to apply for your Tibet permit at least 20 days before your Tibet tour starts.
- If you have more than one passport, please make sure you visit Tibet with the same one you used for your Tibet Travel Permit. ...
- If you enter Tibet from Nepal, you need to apply for a Chinese group visa in Kathmandu.
How can foreigners travel to Tibet?
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining and one blank visa page
- Completed visa application form (Form V.2013)
- Recent passport photo with bare head, full face, and light background
- Proof of round-trip flights and proof of hotel bookings in China (do not include Tibet)
Is an US citizen allowed to travel to Tibet?
Tibet Travel Expert presents guide to obtain Tibet Travel Permits for USA Citizens. For travelers from USA, you need a Tibet Travel Permit to travel to Tibet. a. USA Passport photo copy –Personal type b.
How to travel to Tibet the right way?
- Fly or train to Xining in mainland China
- Stay at least a night and preferable 2-3 there (at the excellent Sofitel Hotel for a splurge). Take day trips to the wonderful Tibetan monasteries. ...
- Take the Tibet train to Lhasa.
- Spend at least 4 nights in Lhasa before moving on to one of the options below…
Can we go to Tibet without visa?
Tibet is a part of China, thus no extra Visa is needed for traveling there. Tibet Travel Permits must be handled by a travel agency in China and independent applications are not accepted. The application procedure is very simple: the only required documents are travelers' passports and China visa copies.
Are foreigners allowed in Tibet?
Tibet welcomes foreigners from all walks of life. But if you are a journalist or a diplomat, you cannot travel to Tibet as an ordinary tourist. No travel agency can handle your tour in Tibet or help to apply for your Tibet Travel Permit. You have to be approved by the China Foreign Affairs Office to visit Tibet.
Why is Tibet closed to foreigners?
The closure has been an annual occurrence since 2008 when the Tibetan capital Lhasa was rocked by riots linked to the anniversary of an uprising against Beijing rule. Authorities have also stopped issuing travel permits to foreign travelers at short notice during periodic unrest.
Can tourists enter Tibet?
Tibet is now open to foreign tourists after its closure of over a year due to COVID-19 precautions. China expats with a Tibet Permit can now easily visit Tibet without any limitation or quarantine. It is very safe to travel to Tibet (pandemic-wise) as it has been the least affected region in China.
How do I get a visa for Tibet?
Visas must be obtained via a registered travel agent or at the Public Security Bureau's office in Lhasa. As a result, Passport Health is not able to obtain a visa for Tibet on your behalf. However, most travelers enter Tibet via China or Nepal.
Is it hard to get into Tibet?
After 50 years of ruling by China, Tibet is still an oppressed nation that enjoys very little freedom of speech and religion. There are lots of travel restrictions to Tibet, and it's NOT easy to enter the region. Visiting Tibet can be an ethical issue for some.
Can I visit the Dalai Lama?
The Dalai Lama no longer holds public audiences, but when 'in town' he does sometimes give public sermons in Dharamsala's 'Dalai Lama Main Temple'. His schedule is public record and can be found here. If you are planning of building a visit to Dharamsala around a public sermon please let us know in plenty of time!
Can foreigners visit Lhasa in Tibet?
It is the key permit every foreigner traveller needs to apply for which allows you to enter Tibet and visit Lhasa. You are expected to apply for it at least 20 days before your Tibet travel by using our passport and Chinese visa. The processing of Tibet permit takes 8-9 days.
Where is the Dalai Lama today?
IndiaSince 1959, the Dalai Lama has lived in exile in Dharamshala, nestled in the Himalayas, and Tibet has remained a sensitive factor in India's relationship with China, with whom it shares a 2,000-mile border. India has control over the Dalai Lama's movements, both within India and abroad.
Is 7 Years in Tibet true?
Mein Leben am Hofe des Dalai Lama; 1954 in English) is an autobiographical travel book written by Austrian mountaineer and Nazi SS sergeant Heinrich Harrer based on his real life experiences in Tibet between 1944 and 1951 during the Second World War and the interim period before the Communist Chinese People's ...
Is it ethical to go to Tibet?
“Free Tibet is officially neutral on this, because we recognise the benefits and the risks,” said Jones. “If you're going just to experience another culture, then it's a perfectly innocent thing to do.
Does Tibet belong to China?
Tibet, the remote and mainly-Buddhist territory known as the "roof of the world", is governed as an autonomous region of China. Beijing claims a centuries-old sovereignty over the Himalayan region.
When did Tibet open to foreigners?
17th century. The first documented Europeans to arrive in Tibet were a pair of Portuguese Jesuit missionaries, António de Andrade and Manuel Marques in July or August, 1624.
Can foreigners visit Lhasa in Tibet?
It is the key permit every foreigner traveller needs to apply for which allows you to enter Tibet and visit Lhasa. You are expected to apply for it at least 20 days before your Tibet travel by using our passport and Chinese visa. The processing of Tibet permit takes 8-9 days.
Is it ethical to go to Tibet?
“Free Tibet is officially neutral on this, because we recognise the benefits and the risks,” said Jones. “If you're going just to experience another culture, then it's a perfectly innocent thing to do.
How long does it take to get a visa for Nepal?
You will need to allow at least 5 days in Nepal waiting for the visa and permit to be issued. Please learn more details about Steps to Get Your China Visa and Tibet Permit in Nepal.
What is the first requirement for a Tibet entry permit?
The first requirement for a Tibet Entry Permit is a China visa. You must obtain China Visa before applying for Tibet Travel Permit.
What is a Tibet visa?
Tibet Visa (permit) is a sheet of paper that lists all the names of the people in your group along with travel dates and travel destinations in Tibet. When your Tibet tour ends, the papers will be returned to the Tibet Tourism Bureau. You cannot use it for your second trip to Tibet.
How to get a Tibet tour permit?
The travel agent who plans your Tibet tour will send you y original permit by express mail service to you in the final city before arriving in Tibet. You need to provide the travel agent with your address in the city where they depart from for Tibet, for example, the hotel address.
How long before flight to Tibet do you need to send passport?
If you are taking flights to Tibet, you are suggested to send passport and China visa copies at least 15 days before departure. Because original permits must be check when boarding, so extra time is needed for mail delivery.
What is China Highlights?
We, China Highlights, are a China-based travel agency that can provide you with professional services. Currently, we have helped our customers obtain Tibet Entry Permits with a success rate of 100%.
When do you need to apply for a Tibet visa?
You need to start applying for your Tibet permits at least one month before departure for Tibet if you want to visit places requiring a Military Permit.
How to visit Tibet?
To visit Tibet you should have a valid passport, a Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit, it is also called a Tibet Entry Permit or Tibet Visa. If your visa is not Tourist Visa, type L, work permit or invitation letter need to be provided. When you book the tour from us, we will obtain the Tibet Travel Permit for you from the Tibet Tourism Bureau, so all what you need to do is to send us scan copies of your passports and Chinese visa by email and we will take care of the rest. You can also check the latest Tibet Travel Permit by clicking this link.
How long does a Tibet visa last?
What is the duration of the Group visa that I can apply for? Can I get the Tibet Group Visa longer than my Tibet tour length? Yes, you can obtain the Tibet Group Visa maximum of 30 days. Still, to obtain the 30 days Tibet Group Visa, you need to clarify it to your Tibet tour company right from the beginning so that when they apply for the Tibet Group Visa invitation letter from the Tibet tourism bureau in Lhasa, they need to put the duration on the invitation letter. There are blanks on the Tibet Group Visa invitation form to fill in the entry and exit date, the duration of your stay, so these should be filled based on your need. The Tibet tourism bureau will approve the invitation form with their stamp and signature on it. Then a copy of the letter is sent to the Nepal agent, and they can apply for the Group Visa with their original passports. Note: The Tibet Group Visa is single entry and can’t extend Below are the costs of group visas for different nationalities How long does the Tibet Group Visa Application Process Take? There are three main visa processing types based on different costs, which are Ordinary, Urgent, and Top Urgent, 1. Ordinary Process: This process will take 5 working days. You must arrive in Kathmandu before 5 working days, then submit your original passport, color passport size photo, and the visa application form to our Nepalese agent. 2. Urgent Process: This process will take 3 working days. You must arrive in Kathmandu before 3 working days, then submit your original passport, color passport size photo, and visa application form to our Nepalese agent. 3. Top Urgent Process: This process will take 2 working days. You should arrive in Kathmandu before 2 full working days, then hand your original passport, passport size color photo, and visa application form to our Nepalese agent. Important Tips: Our Nepalese agent will give you the visa application form and request you to fill it when you meet at your hotel or another scheduled place. Then the passports and Tibet group visa will return to you in the afternoon when it is processed.
How to get to Tibet from Nepal?
There are two main ways to get into Tibet from Nepal, either through a direct flight from Kathmandu to Tibet (normally available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) or by an overland drive to Tibet. The overland drive poses a greater risk of getting Altitude sickness due to the extreme increase in elevation along the way.
How to get a Tibet travel permit?
How to obtain the Tibet Travel Permits (TTP) Documents required to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for foreigners living and working in mainland China. 1. Scan copy or clear image of the main page of the passport. 2. Scan copy or clear image of the main page of Chinese Visa or Residence Permit.
How long does it take to get a Tibet permit?
Normally, Tibet permits can be issued around 15 days, but if your tour itinerary covers some restricted or unopened areas like Mt. Kailash, Sichuan-Tibet highway and Yunnan-Tibet highway, it needs several different permits, thus it would take around 20 working days.
How long does it take to get a permit to visit Tibet?
Explore Tibet can apply for the permit for you. According to the Tibet tourism bureau policy, all the permit applications should be submitted at least 15 days before the trip starting date. Still, if you are traveling into restricted areas, you need more additional permits and documents, which will take longer.
What is a military permit?
4) Military Permit The military permit is a travel document issued by the military authority in Tibet. You need to enter politically sensitive areas and border regions where territory is disputed between China and neighboring countries. The lists of the places that need Military Permit：.
Do I Need a Visa for Tibet?
Yes . A special permit, separate from a visa for China or Nepal, is required to travel to Tibet. Permits typically allow for one entry into Tibet and are valid for maximum of three months. However, it is by no means guaranteed that such a permit will be granted, and the permit typically only permits travel to very select areas of Tibet. Visas must be obtained via a registered travel agent or at the Public Security Bureau’s office in Lhasa. As a result, Passport Health is not able to obtain a visa for Tibet on your behalf. However, most travelers enter Tibet via China or Nepal. Both China and Nepal require a visa for any type of travel, and Passport Health can assist you with obtaining the proper visa for both destinations. In addition to a permit and visa for other destinations, you will need a valid passport for international travel.
Can I Obtain My Visa for Tibet on Arrival?
Permits for travel to Tibet must be obtained in advance. If enter a restricted area without the proper permit, you can be fined, detained and deported. Be sure to obtain all permits in advance of travel to Tibet, and your visa for entry into China must be obtained in advance as well.
How Do I Obtain My Visa for Tibet?
Call ! You will need to obtain your permit for travel to Tibet via a travel agent. However, a visa is required to travel to China, and our travel document experts handle the entire process of obtaining a visa to China on your behalf. We provide you with a full visa application kit that details the exact materials you need to compile to support your application, review your completed application for accuracy, provide pre-paid shipping labels for you to send all documents in to us, and we hand-deliver your application packet to the Chinese consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. Once the visa is issued, we pick it up and mail it directly back to you.
How long does it take to acclimatize to Lhasa?
Altitude sickness can prove to be fatal if left unchecked, so it is recommended to spend a couple of days acclimatizing to the lower altitude of Lhasa, at 3,656 meters, before traveling to areas where the altitudes exceed 5,000 meters. Our customized tour itineraries all include time to acclimatize in Lhasa first, so make the trip safe, even for first-time travelers to Tibet.
What is the highest plateau in the world?
The famous Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China lies on the world's highest plateau, between Sichuan Province and Nepal. With an average altitude of around 4,800 meters, this high-altitude plateau land is a popular destination for the modern tourists.
How long does it take to get a visa for Tibet?
In the first place, you will need to have a Chinese Entry Visa (or Chinese Group Visa for those entering from Nepal), which can take around 3-5 days to process with an Embassy of the People's Republic of China.
Is Tibet a private tour?
While a private tour of Tibet does give you an almost carte blanche to travel wherever you want on your itinerary, this can be a very expensive way to travel. If you are looking for a way to save money, and are not into traveling in the winter months, then booking on a Small Group Tour is the best way.
Can you split up in Tibet from Nepal?
With the Chinese Group Visa, all named members of the visa group must enter and exit Tibet at the same time and at the same port of entry/exit. It is not possible for the group to split up and leave in different ways at different times.
Can you travel alone in Tibet?
You Cannot Travel Alone in Tibet. One of the most common misconceptions about Tibet is the misinformed belief that you can travel alone within the region, just as you can in inland China. The first thing to always remember is that backpacking or traveling alone in Tibet is forbidden. A number of travelers have attempted in ...
What is Tibet Visa/Tibet Travel Permit?
The Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Visa, is the first permit you will need. It is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. The Tibet Travel Permit is the pre-condition to apply for other required documents for Tibet tours. Without it, taking the train or plane from mainland China to Tibet is impossible. Because when you board, the staff will check your Tibet Visa. Tibet Travel Permit has to be applied through an authorized local Tibet travel agency, like us.
How Do Indian Pilgrims Apply for Tibet Travel Permit?
The Indian pilgrims come to Tibet mainly for pilgrimage around Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. In fact, if you are an Indian passport holder, even though you are not a pilgrim, you will be treated as a pilgrim when you plan to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar or just cross Ngari Prefecture.
How About Tibet Visa for Indians holding US or other passports?
Fortunately, if you are an Indian-American with US passport or other passports, you won’t be taken as a pilgrim, even if you go to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar for pilgrimage. So, you can easily book Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour or other Tibet tours with us. The Tibet Visa application procedure will be the same as mentioned above.
What are the two types of Indian passports?
The Indian travelers with an Indian passport are generally categorized into 2 types when traveling to Tibet. The first type is ordinary Indian tourists who plan to visit places other than Ali Prefecture. They are required to apply for the Tibet Visa like other international travelers. The second kind is religious pilgrims or others who desire ...
Where can I fly to Tibet from?
You can take the world’s highest Qinghai-Tibet train or fly to Lhasa from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xining and other cities of China. If entering Tibet from Nepal, you need to apply for Tibet Travel Permit and obtain Group Tourist Visa which is issued at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
How long does it take to get a Chinese visa?
We’ll take care of the rest. Application procedure normally takes 8-9 business days, and the permit needs to be delivered to you. In order to travel successfully, especially in the peak tourism of Tibet, we highly recommend you apply for it at least 20 days ahead of your arrival.
Can Indian pilgrims travel to Tibet?
The application of Tibet Travel Permits for Indian pilgrims is a little bit special. The Foreign Affairs Office of TAR, Tibet Military Region, Armed Police Tibet Frontier Corps and the Department of Public Security of TAR work together to verify and issue the Tibet Travel Permit for Indian pilgrims. And only the Foreign Affairs Office of TAR (governmental) and Pilgrim Center (non-governmental) in Tibet that can authorize the Indian pilgrimage tour. Other organizations and travel agencies are not allowed to receive pilgrims.
How Can You Get Your Tibet Permit?
Obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit for travel into and around Tibet can only be done through a Tibetan travel agency or tour operator. And even then, you have to have first booked one of their organized and pre-arranged tours of the region to get it. Now, this practice is an integral part of the application process for the Tibet Travel Permit.
Is There Anywhere Else Where Tibet Permit Is Not Needed for International Travelers?
However, you can visit some of the Tibetan areas of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Qinghai Provinces, where you get all the Tibetan traditional lifestyles that you get in the TAR itself. The ancient Tibetan empire stretched far into what is now mainland China, and many of the towns in Qinghai Province and the western areas of Sichuan and Yunnan are still mainly Tibetan-inhabited areas. And you do not need the permit to travel there.
Passports
The Tibet Autonomous Region is a province of China and so Chinese visas are required. For regulations and fees, please see the China passport & visa section.
Visas
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
