International travellers need a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to visit the Tibet Autonomous Region. Depending on your nationality and travel itinerary, you may also need a Chinese visa.
At Tibetan Guide, we arrange your Tibet Travel Permit directly once your tour booking is confirmed. Our local team in Lhasa will guide you through the application process and help you prepare the necessary documents.
We recommend sending us clear scans of your travel documents at least one month before your arrival in Tibet. Earlier is always better, particularly if you also need to apply for a Chinese visa.
The application process depends on whether you enter Tibet from mainland China or Nepal. Please read the information below and contact us before finalising your travel arrangements.
ENTERING TIBET FROM MAINLAND CHINA
If you are travelling to Tibet from mainland China, we need a clear scan of your passport and, if required, your Chinese visa. Additional documents may be necessary depending on your visa type and personal circumstances.
Once your itinerary is confirmed and we have received the necessary documents, we will apply for your Tibet Travel Permit.
ORIGINAL TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT
Whether you are travelling to Tibet by plane or train, you must have your original Tibet Travel Permit before boarding.
We can arrange delivery of your original permit to an address in mainland China, including your hotel or a friend’s address.
For hotel delivery, we normally need:
- The hotel’s name and full address in Chinese.
- The hotel’s telephone number.
- The name of the person holding the hotel reservation.
- The hotel booking confirmation number.
Delivery to certain mainland Chinese airports may also be available for an additional fee. Please contact us to confirm the arrangements for your arrival airport.
SAME-DAY CONNECTIONS TO TIBET
It may be possible to arrive in mainland China, receive your original permit at the airport and continue to Tibet on the same day.
However, we recommend spending at least one night in mainland China before travelling to Tibet. This allows more time to receive your permit and reduces the risk of missing your connection due to flight delays or cancellations.
Please confirm your travel plans with us before booking your flights or trains.
ENTERING TIBET FROM NEPAL
If you plan to enter Tibet directly from Nepal, either by air or overland, we need a clear scan of your passport at least one month before your planned arrival in Tibet.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality, visa status and the regulations in force at the time of travel.
Depending on your nationality and the current rules, you may be eligible for visa-free entry to China when travelling from Nepal. Please check your eligibility with us and the relevant authorities before making arrangements.
Chinese visa options
If you require a Chinese visa, please discuss your options with us before applying.
An individual Chinese tourist visa (type L) issued before your journey may be an option for entering Tibet from Nepal, subject to the applicable regulations.
Restrictions may apply to other types of individual Chinese visas when entering Tibet directly from Nepal.
Alternatively, you may be able to apply for a Chinese Group Visa in Kathmandu.
CHINESE GROUP VISA IN KATHMANDU
A Chinese Group Visa covers the travellers listed on the visa and may be subject to specific conditions, including a minimum number of applicants, passport submission requirements, an authorised length of stay and restrictions on entering or leaving China separately.
Before arranging your application, we will confirm:
- The minimum number of travellers required for the group visa.
- Whether applicants must attend in person or may submit their passports through an authorised representative.
- Whether all group members must enter and leave China together.
- The conditions applicable to air and overland border crossings.
- The permitted length of stay in China.
- The current application fees and processing times.
Application procedure
Once we receive your passport copy and confirmed travel itinerary, we can help arrange your application and explain the necessary supporting documents.
Your original passport may be required in Kathmandu. Our local visa service partner will explain how and when to submit it and arrange its return.
If you prefer to work with a trusted person or travel agency in Nepal, please discuss this with us in advance.
Processing time
The Chinese Group Visa application may take approximately 4–5 working days after acceptance, although processing times can vary.
Please allow additional time for weekends, public holidays, unexpected delays or changes to application procedures.
We recommend spending at least one night in Kathmandu before beginning the visa process.
Important: Do not finalise your international flights or border crossing arrangements until we have confirmed the applicable visa requirements and current travel procedures.
We can also help arrange accommodation, sightseeing tours and additional travel services in Nepal and Bhutan.
CHINESE VISA AND VISA-FREE ENTRY
Some international travellers can enter China without obtaining a visa in advance.
Eligibility depends on your nationality, passport, purpose of travel, permitted length of stay and the regulations in force at the time of entry.
Visa-free entry does not replace the Tibet Travel Permit. Even if you can enter China without a visa, you must still obtain the necessary travel permit to visit Tibet.
Please contact us so we can confirm which documents are required for your particular trip.
APPLYING FOR A CHINESE VISA
If you require a Chinese visa, please check the current application requirements with the appropriate Chinese embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre.
Official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre:
www.visaforchina.orgWe generally need a clear copy of your Chinese visa at least one month before your planned arrival in Tibet.
If you hold a visa other than a tourist visa (type L), such as a work, business or student visa, additional documents or restrictions may apply.
Please consult us before arranging your trip.
VISITING HONG KONG OR MACAO
If your itinerary includes Hong Kong or Macao followed by a return to mainland China, please check whether you need a Chinese visa allowing more than one entry.
The requirements depend on your nationality, visa status and travel itinerary.
VISA APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
When applying for a Chinese visa, provide accurate information about your travel arrangements and follow the instructions of the relevant visa authority.
If supporting documents, hotel reservations or an invitation letter are required, please contact us well in advance.
The relevant consular authorities determine which supporting documents they will accept.
WHEN TO SEND YOUR DOCUMENTS
Please send us clear scans of your travel documents at least one month before your planned entry into Tibet.
We recommend beginning your travel preparations 2–3 months in advance, particularly if you need to obtain a Chinese visa.
For trips involving special trekking or mountaineering permits, please contact us at least three months before your planned arrival.
TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT APPLICATION DEADLINES
For planning purposes, the usual deadlines for submitting permit applications to the Tibet Tourism Bureau are:
- Lhasa and Everest region: approximately three weeks before entering Tibet.
- Mount Kailash: approximately one month before entering Tibet.
These are application deadlines, not guarantees of permit approval.
We need your travel documents earlier to allow sufficient time to review them, prepare the necessary paperwork and submit the application.
Requirements and deadlines may change, particularly around public holidays, government office closures or changes in local regulations.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your arrival in China and have at least two blank pages available for visas and entry stamps.
Please also check the passport requirements for other countries and transit points included in your journey.
DOCUMENTS WE MAY REQUIRE
- A clear colour scan of your passport identification page.
- A copy of your Chinese visa, if applicable.
- Your confirmed travel itinerary and planned entry date.
- Additional documents depending on your visa status, nationality or travel arrangements.
We will confirm the exact documentation and submission timeline for your trip.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit applications are subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
Requirements, fees, processing times and entry conditions may change without prior notice. Approval cannot be guaranteed.
Please contact us as early as possible so our Lhasa-based team can review your itinerary, confirm the current requirements and help you prepare the necessary documents.
We arrange Tibet Travel Permits directly, without intermediaries.
As a locally based travel agency in Lhasa, we can assist with travel permits, guided tours, transportation and accommodation throughout Tibet.
Whether you are arriving from mainland China or Nepal, our team will help you understand the requirements and prepare your journey.
Please contact us with your nationality, expected travel dates and planned itinerary so we can advise you on the next steps.
