Tibet Travel Permit Tips
Before finalizing your Tibet tour first you need Tibet travel permit, there are several crucial aspects to bear in mind. These clear and practical guidelines are designed to ensure that your trip to Tibet is seamless and stress-free. Kindly review each of these Tibet travel tips carefully. If you require any in-depth details regarding Tibet tours or other travel-related information in Tibet, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are more than happy to assist you and provide the necessary services.
1. How to Reach Tibet
There are three primary modes of transportation for traveling to Tibet.
By Air
Taking a flight is the most convenient and comfortable way to reach Tibet. This mode is a little expensive compared to others.
- From Nepal: Only from Kathmandu.
- From China: Chengdu, Xining, Beijing, Xi-an, Chongqing, Kunming, etc.
For detailed flight info, contact: info@tibetroofofworld.com
By Train
The Qinghai-Tibet railway is one of the world’s most scenic routes. Witness snow-capped mountains and nomadic life.
Travel Times:
Xining (20-21 hrs), Beijing (40 hrs), Chengdu (36 hrs), Shanghai (47 hrs).
Note: Tickets are hard to get in peak season. We can arrange guaranteed tickets.
Overland Expedition
Gain a deeper comprehension of Tibetan culture via overland routes.
- From Chengdu (G318/G317): 7 days journey through glaciers and forests.
- From Nepal: Requires a Chinese Group Visa issued in Nepal.
2. Tibet Travel Permits
The Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for all foreign travelers. Though it seems confusing, it just takes a few simple steps, and your travel agency will do the rest.
1. Tibet Travel Permit
Mandatory for entering the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Your Travel Agent will obtain this for you once your tour is confirmed.
2. Alien Permit
Required for extended travel to Gyirong, Kailash, Ngari, EBC, Tsedang, and Nyingchi areas.
3. Military Permit
Required for border regions like Ali, Guge Kingdom, Lake Manasarovar, and sensitive areas.
Document Requirements
1. Valid Passport: Must have 6 months validity.
2. Chinese Visa: Compulsory unless you are from a visa-free country.
Visa Free Countries (Enter with Permit):
- 15 Days: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Switzerland, etc.
- 30 Days: Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Maldives, etc.
- 60-90 Days: Mauritius, Armenia, Bosnia.
Important Note
You don't have to worry about permits! Tibet Roof Of World will obtain such permits on your behalf. You just need to cooperate by sending scanned copies of your China Visa and Passport.
Contact for PermitsDos and Don'ts in Tibet
Essential Travel Tips for a Respectful Journey. Understanding local customs enhances your experience.
Cultural Sensitivities
Respect local customs regarding time, space, and communication. These differences are purely cultural.
Dress Code
Wear long pants. Avoid shorts and revealing tops. Women should dress modestly, especially in monasteries.
Photography
Always ask permission. Do not offer money unless asked. No photos in sensitive military areas or some chapels.
Beggars
Giving to pilgrims is okay, but avoid pushy beggars in towns. Donate to schools/orphanages instead of giving sweets to kids.
Monasteries
Remove hats. No smoking. Walk clockwise. Leave a small donation if appropriate.
Shopping
Bargain at Barkhor Market. Support local artisans. Do not buy wildlife products.
In Summary
Mastering the do's and don'ts in Tibet is the key to an unforgettable tour. Embracing the cultural and custom differences isn't just part of the journey—it's what makes your adventure truly exceptional.
Tibet Travel Permits
The Tibet Travel Permit, also referred to as the Tibet Entry Permit, is a mandatory document for all foreign visitors traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Tibet Travel Permit is the basic required permit to travel to Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), every foreign travelers must need Tibet Travel Permit to enter to Tibet along with your Chinese Visa or Tibet Group Visa.
Though it seems very hard or confusing, it just takes few simple steps, and your travel agency will do the rest.
Tibet Travel Permit is mainly obtained from Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa, Tibet, which stated the tourist’s information and confirmed itineraries.
Tibet Permit Types
As mentioned above, without Tibet Travel Permits, you can’t enter Tibet (Tibet Autonomous Region), but it is not hard to get that permit.
Your Travel Agent will get it for you if your Tibet Tour has been confirmed through mutual contract for the Tibet tour.
Alien Travel Permit is an additional permit which is required if your itinerary is in Gyirong, Kailash, Ngari and EBC in western part of Tibet, Tsedang, Nyinchi, Ranwo Lake, Basum Lake, Sakga or Shalu Monasteries in Shigatse area.
The Military Permits as you can see from the word, this permit is related to military department, thus this travel document is mainly issued by the military authority in Tibet.
In fact, this permit is compulsory for entering to any border regions between China and neighboring countries.
Places Requiring Military Permit
- Ali (Far Western Tibet)
- Guge Kingdom (Far Western Tibet)
- Gyirong (New Border to Nepal)
- Lake Manasarovar (Near Mt. Kailash in Far Western Tibet)
- Kailash (Western Tibet)
- Nyima Country (Border country between Ali and Nakchu Prefecture)
- Cochin
Document Required For Tibet Permit
According to the latest Chinese regulations for foreign visitors, passports must have a validity of six months to apply for a Chinese visa.
This requirement also applies when traveling to Tibet.
A visa is required to enter most countries around the world, but many nationalities are allowed to travel to China visa-free to boost tourism.
For visitors from visa-exempt countries who do not need a Chinese visa, we can directly arrange and apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf.
Travelers from countries not eligible for China’s visa-free entry must hold a valid Chinese Visa to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.
Important Note
This permit can apply only from Lhasa, Tibet, you don’t have to worry about it as your respective Tibet Travel Agency (Tibet Roof Of World) will obtain such permits on your behalf and you just need to cooperate by sending your scanned copies of China Visa and Passport to your travel consultant.
If you want to know more details about Tibet Travel Permits, you can contact us at info@tibetroofofworld.com Our professional travel consultants will reply to you with their extensive knowledge and rich Tibet tour experiences.
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