Tibet Travel Permit
Every foreign visitor needs a Tibet Travel Permit, and only a registered Tibet agency can apply for it. We file it for you with every booking. There is no extra fee.
Which permits do you need?
Answer three questions. This is a guide only; we confirm the exact documents when you book.
Filed by us before you arrive. Needed to board your flight or train.
The four documents
Most people only ever hear about the first, but depending on your route you may need more.
Tibet Travel Permit
Allows entry to the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is checked when you board a flight or train to Lhasa.
- Who files
- Your agency
- Time
- 15–20 working days
- Our fee
- Included
Aliens’ Travel Permit
Needed for towns and sights outside Lhasa such as Shigatse, Gyantse and Namtso. Checked at roadside checkpoints.
- Who files
- Your agency
- Time
- In Lhasa, 1–3 days
- Our fee
- Included
Border permit
Needed for Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash and some border regions. Issued case by case.
- Who files
- Your agency
- Time
- In Lhasa, 1–3 days
- Our fee
- Included
Tibet group visa
A single group visa issued in Kathmandu replaces your normal China visa for a Tibet tour.
- Who files
- Your agency
- Time
- 2–3 days in Kathmandu
- Fee
- Visa fee applies
How we apply for you
Five steps from booking to boarding.
- You book a tourThe permit is linked to your dates and route.Day 0
- You send two scansPassport photo page and China visa page.20 working days before arrival
- We file in LhasaOur team submits the application to the Tibet authorities.Within 2 working days
- You receive the permitFlying passengers get a copy. Train passengers get the original by courier.7 days before arrival
- You travelShow it with your passport when asked. Your guide handles checkpoints.Arrival day
Your deadline and checklist
Work out when we need your documents, and tick off what is ready.
Permit deadline calculator
The count skips weekends. Chinese public holidays, such as Golden Week in early October and Losar, slow the process, so add extra time near them.
Documents checklist
How long does it take?
Allow more time in busy periods.
| When you travel | Send documents | Why |
|---|---|---|
| May to September | 25 working days before | Busy season. Applications take longer to process. |
| Golden Week (1–7 October) | 30 working days before | Public holiday. The Tibet authorities close and quotas fill early. |
| Losar (Tibetan New Year, Feb or Mar) | 30 working days before | Offices close and some sights shut for several days. |
| November to April | 20 working days before | Fewer applications. Standard timing. |
Permit guides
Detailed answers for each situation. Each one is a separate page, so they are easy to share and to find in search.
Tibet permit for US citizens
Tibet permit for UK citizens
Permit processing time
Tibet permit cost
How to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit
Aliens’ Travel Permit
Entering Tibet from Nepal
Mount Kailash permits
Do I need a permit to visit Tibet?
Recommended Tours
Every tour price already includes permit filing, the Aliens’ Travel Permit and any border permit.
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Tour en grupo de 9 días del Festival de las Flores de Melocotonero de Nyingchi: Monte Namcha Barwa, Lago Ranwu, Lhasa y Shigatse
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Questions about the Tibet permit
Do I need a permit to visit Tibet?
Yes, if you hold a foreign passport. The Tibet Travel Permit is checked when you board a flight or train to Lhasa.
Can I apply for the permit myself?
No. Embassies do not issue it. Only a registered Tibet travel agency can apply, which is why you book a tour first.
How much does the permit cost?
Nothing extra with us. Permit filing is included in every tour price. Be cautious of agencies that list it as a separate fee.
How long does it take?
Allow 15 to 20 working days. Send your scans 20 working days before you arrive, and earlier in busy periods.
When do I get the permit?
About a week before arrival. Flying passengers can show a copy. Train passengers must carry the original, which we courier to you.
Is the permit the same as a China visa?
No. You need a China visa first (or a Tibet group visa if you enter from Nepal). The permit is separate and covers Tibet only.
Do children need a permit?
Yes. Every foreign passport, including a child’s, is listed on the permit.
What if my permit is refused?
It is rare, but it can happen when the authorities restrict travel. We tell you at once and offer a refund or new dates.
We file it. You just send two scans.
Tell us your dates and passport. A permit specialist replies within one working day.