Firstly, you need to have a wide variety of travel documents to enter Tibet, many of which can take some time to obtain. 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. Only once you have your visa (for entry from inland China) can you book your Tibet tour with a registered Tibet travel agency.
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 you go to Tibet without a 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.
Can foreigners go to 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.
How much does Tibet Visa cost?
Tibet entry travel permits: CNY 250-450 per person you will need this to fly from any China cities to Lhasa, or take the train to Lhasa; Alien's Travel Permit: RMB 50 per person charged by Public Security Bureau in Tibet; Foreign Affairs Permit Service fee: RMB 50-100 for travelers who visit Mt. Everest, Mt.
Why are foreigners not allowed in Tibet?
Wu Yingjie, the Communist Party secretary for Tibet, on Wednesday said the region remained open to foreigners but restrictions were necessary because some visitors suffered from altitude sickness.
Is Tibet open to tourists 2022?
Tibet is Open to Foreign Travelers in 2022 Tibet has reopened to foreign nationals after being closed due to COVID-19.
How do I get a Tibetan visa?
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 Tibet part of 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.
Where can I go in Tibet?
Below are Tibet's 10 most beautiful places to visit in Tibet.The Potala Palace - Palace of Art. ... Jokhang Temple - The Spiritual Center of Tibet. ... Namtso - Heavenly Lake. ... Yamdrok Lake - Sacred Lake. ... Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon - The Most Beautiful Canyon in China. ... Mt. ... Mt Kailash - Breathtaking Remote Pilgrimage Site.More items...•
Does Tibet have an airport?
Tibet has five airports including at Nyingchi, Shigatse and Ngari located close to the Indian and Nepal borders. The massive expansion of air, road and rail infrastructure is aimed at boosting civilian and military transportation considering Tibet is located close to Arunachal Pradesh in India, Nepal and Bhutan.
Is it difficult 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.
Is it ethical to go to Tibet?
On balance, most do not consider the act of visiting Tibet – and the TAR in particular – to be unethical.
Can you go to Tibet on your own?
Can I travel to Tibet Alone? Simply put, the answer is now a resounding “NO”. Since 2008, Tibet has become a tourist destination that cannot be traveled to independently. The tourism policy of China with regards to Tibet is one of restricted tourism and environmental impact reduction.
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.
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.
Is Tibet safe to visit?
Is It Safe To Travel In Tibet? Tibetans are a friendly people, and major crime is not common. Tibet is a safe place, probably safer than many other countries around the world. A few minor incidents do occur, such as pickpockets and minor thefts, and you can find a few scams, which are generally easy to avoid.
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.
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.
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.
How long does it take to get a Tibet visa?
To apply for Tibet Permit, you need to prepare your passport and Chinese Visa; Leave at least 20 days for getting your Tibet Travel Permit; The processing of Tibet Permit lasts 8-9 business days. Then it will be sent to your hotel in mainland China; For Tibet entry from Nepal, you need both China Group Visa and Tibet Permit.
Which province is the largest in Tibet?
Qinghai Province is the biggest Tibetan inhabited area next to the Tibet Autonomous Region. And you can freely explore here without Tibet Permit.
What is the biggest Tibetan inhabited area?
Qinghai Province is the biggest Tibetan inhabited area next to the Tibet Autonomous Region. With rich Tibetan culture, swarms of cattle, friendly nomads and thousands of nesting birds, it is definitely the perfect gateway for you to escape from the hu. View Details. TOP PICK. Is there any age-limit on Tibet permits.
When will Tibet tour reopen?
Big News: Tibet tour is reopened to all expats in China from May 9th, 2021. It's time to restart your Tibet tour! We're ready for arranging the Tibet tours and Tibet Travvel Permit for tourists who are living in any of the cities of mainland China.
Do you need an alien travel permit to visit Tibet?
Besides Tibet Travel Permit, an Alien's Travel Permit is required if you plan to travel to places officially closed to foreigners in Tibet, such as Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery, Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasorovar. View Details.
Can you visit Sichuan without a Tibet permit?
Visiting Sichuan Tibetan inhabited area is a way to experience Tibetan culture freely without Tibet permit required. See what and where Tibetan areas are in Sichuan and how to visit without a Tibet permit.
Does the Tibet Tourism Bureau accept applications?
Tibet Tourism Bureau doesn’t accept any individual’s application. You need to book your Tibet tour with a local Tibet travel agency and submit it your application through its help.
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 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 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 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 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 an ATP in Tibet?
The ATP is a travel document issued by the Public Security Bureau, a police branch that handles affairs with foreigners. When you travel to a restricted place in Tibet, your tour guide will take your original passport to the local Public Security Bureau and apply for the ATP on your behalf.
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.
What is a Tibet visa?
Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Visa or Tibet Entry Permit, is an indispensable travel permit for international tourists to enter Tibet in addition to Chinese visa. For every foreign traveler, Tibet Permit is required as a must entry pass to board the flight or Tibet train bound for Lhasa.
Who can handle Tibet visa application?
If you are a diplomat, journalist or a government official, only the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office can handle your Tibet Permit application.
What is a Tibet travel permit?
Tibet Travel Permit is an official travel document issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. On this paper your tour group number, Tibet tour date, and day-to-day itineraries, the number of travelers and tour operator will be written.
How long does it take to get a Tibet visa?
It normally takes 10-15 working days to get them all. We know the notoriously complex Tibet travel documents may leave you bewildered.
How many countries have Tibet permits?
Currently, Tibet permit is available up to 178 countries that established diplomatic ties with China, including US citizens, Canadian citizens, UK citizens, German citizens, French citizens, Spanish citizens, and other tourists from the west and Asian countries. In last year, Tibet Permit was already available for Norwegian citizens, and this year, ...
Why do you need a travel group list for Tibet?
In addition, a travel group list is also attached to the Tibet Travel Permit to show the identity of each traveler in a Tibet tour group.
When will Tibet travel permit be reopened?
But as long as we stay positive, better days are on their way. The great news is that the Tibet tour will be reopened to the foreigners living in mainland China from May 9th, 2021.
Where to fly to Tibet?
It is easy and convenient to take a flight to Tibet from most major cities in mainland China. Among all the entry cities, Chengdu offers the most frequent daily flights to Lhasa and Nyingchi.
Which country has international flights to Tibet?
Nepal is another popular gateway to enter Tibet, and Kathmandu is the only overseas city that offers international flights to Lhasa. The daily Kathmandu to Lhasa flights are run by Sichuan Airline and Air China.
How much does it cost to visit Tibet?
Overall, the total cost of a Tibet tour alone ranges from US$400 to over US$2500 (not include the transfer to Tibet). And it all depends on how long you are staying for, the travel season you are in, where you want to go to visit in Tibet, and your personal expenses like souvenirs.
When is the best time to visit Tibet?
Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Tibet for the perfect weather, during which the weather in Tibet is warm enough to travel, yet neither too hot nor too cold. Also, you can have more chances to enjoy a clear view of the mountains in Tibet, especially when you visit Everest Base Camp.
What are the must-sees places in Tibet?
Covering a total area of 1,228,400 square km, Tibet promises infinite opportunities for adventure, spiritual, and cultural discovery.
How to cut down the cost of a Tibet tour?
The best way to cut down the cost of a Tibet tour is to travel with more people as a group. You can share the transfer cost, the accommodation, and the service fee with your group members.
What to pack for a Tibet tour?
Some Packing Tips for Visiting Tibet. Clothing: Warmth is the main concern. Also, it is recommended to wear a windproof jacket for your Tibet tour. Shoes: Comfortable shoes or more professional hiking boots if you are going to enjoy a Tibet trekking tour.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
