Tibet Travel Permit Guide for Foreign Travelers
How to apply a Tibet Travel Permint
Located in southwest China, Tibet is known as the "Roof of the World."It has beautiful views of the highlands, like Mount Everest and Nam Co Lake, as well as cultural treasures of Tibetan Buddhism, like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. This makes it one of the world's most popular tourist places.
But foreign tourists have special travel rules for Tibet. A Tibet Travel Permit must be applied for through a qualified travel agency ahead of time. Independent travel is not permitted; visitors must join a guided tour and be with a licensed guide the whole time. This policy protects Tibet's fragile ecosystem and unique culture, and also keeps travel safe on the high plateau.
This article aims to help foreign tourists understand the precautions for traveling in Tibet, including how to apply for entry into Tibet, the materials required to enter Tibet, the rules to be followed, and the precautions for visiting some special areas. We hope this article will help you understand Tibet. If you have any questions about traveling in Tibet, please contact us. China Educational Tours has been committed to providing customized travel services with cultural exchange as the core, and can provide you with compliant, safe and culturally rich Tibet travel solutions.
Table of Contents
- What Is Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)?
- Who Needs to Apply for a Tibet Travel Permit?
- How to Apply for the Tibet Travel Permit?
- Where to Use the Tibet Travel Permit？
- Common Questions About the Tibet Travel Permit
- What Other Documents Are Required Besides the Tibet Travel Permit?
- Recommended Duration of Visit
What Is Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)?
The Tibet Travel Permit, officially known as the "Permit for Foreigners and Taiwan Compatriots to Travel to Tibet", is a mandatory document exclusively issued by the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It has legal effect and anti-counterfeiting features, and is divided into two pages of A4 paper. The first page indicates the travel date, destination and reception travel agency; the second page indicates the tourist's personal information (name, passport number, date of birth, etc.), and is affixed with an official seal and anti-counterfeiting mark.
Note：Tibet Travel Permit is not a visa, but a special travel permit for the Tibet region.
Sample of Tibet Travel PermitWho Needs to Apply for a Tibet Travel Permit?
- Non-Chinese citizen ID card holders - tourists from Taiwan, Chin.
- Non-Chinese passport holders - foreign passport holders.
Exempted people: Hong Kong and Macao tourists holding Hong Kong and Macao SAR passports or Hong Kong and Macao residents' travel permits to the mainland do not need to apply for a Tibet travel permit; Chinese citizens holding foreign permanent residence permits but retaining Chinese passports also do not need to apply, but they need to apply for a border pass to go to border areas such as Mount Everest and Ali.
Diplomats, journalists and government officials cannot apply for the Tibet Travel Permit through travel agencies, but must apply through diplomatic channels.
How to Apply for the Tibet Travel Permit?
Foreign tourists cannot apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on their own. They must submit the application through an authorized travel agency. The specific process is as follows:
Processing Steps
- Double-check your travel plans: Call a licensed travel agency to make sure you have the right travel dates, destination, number of travelers, and the city and mode of transportation you will use to get there.
- Send in the papers: Give the travel agency the papers they need.
- Get the confirmation letter: The travel agency will send the materials to the tourism department for approval. The travel agency will send you the "Confirmation Letter for Entering Tibet for Tourism" after you get approval. You need this letter to book flights or train tickets to Tibet and join the group.
Submit Documents by Visa Type
Tourist Visa (L Visa):
Copy of passport + Chinese visa (only passport copy for visa‑exempt visitors).
Non‑Tourist Visas – additional documents required:
| Visa Type | Additional Documents |
|---|---|
| Work Visa (Z Visa) | Employment letter from your Chinese employer. |
| Student Visa (X1/X2 Visa) | Official school certificate with school seal. |
| Business Visa (M/F Visa) | Official invitation letter with seal from a Chinese organization. |
| Family Visit Visa (Q1/Q2 Visa) | Invitation letter to Tibet Tourism Bureau from your Chinese relative (signed + copy of relative’s ID card). |
Processing Time
Normal processing takes 7-14 working days, and the time may be extended during peak tourist season or when the materials are complex. It is recommended to confirm the itinerary and submit the materials 1-2 months in advance. In case of emergency, expedited service can be provided, but additional fees may be incurred.
Where to Use the Tibet Travel Permit？
- Airport
- Railroad station
- Checkpoints in Tibet
- When checking in at hotels in Tibet
- Some tourist attractions in Tibet
- Border ports
Note: During the trip, the Tibet Travel Permit should be kept by the tour guide. After the trip, it should be returned to the tourism department for the record. Tourists are not allowed to take the original with them out of Tibet.
Common Questions About the Tibet Travel Permit
How much does it cost to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit?
Usually, there is no separate charge, and it is mostly included in the travel package; if you apply for it urgently before departure, there may be an additional service fee.
How long is the Tibet Travel Permit valid?
It is usually consistent with the established travel itinerary and is only valid for the start and end times corresponding to the itinerary.
Is there an age limit for the Tibet Travel Permit?
No. There is no clear age limit. As long as the applicant meets the conditions for foreign tourists or Taiwan tourists, they can apply for the permit.
Is there a minimum number of people required to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit?
No. Single or multiple people can apply for the permit. As long as the application conditions are met, the application can be submitted thru a travel agency.
Is there a high possibility of being rejected?
No. In compliance with the regulations, the application can be basically processed successfully. Only foreign journalists, diplomats and other special groups, or those who falsify information or whose passports and visas have expired will be rejected.
If I am already in China, can I mail my passport to apply for the visa?
Yes. To apply for the visa, you only need to provide the travel agency with a copy of your passport and other materials. If you are already in China, you can mail the relevant materials to the travel agency for processing.
Can the Tibet Travel Permit be mailed to my country?
No. After the permit is issued, it is generally mailed to the hotel where the tourist is staying after the tourist arrives in a mainland Chinese city, rather than mailed to a foreign country.
Can I go to places not marked on the Tibet Travel Permit?
No. The Tibet Travel Permit marks the planned destinations for the tour, and tourists can only move within the marked range.
What if there is an error in the information on the Tibet Travel Permit?
Once the information has been approved, it cannot be modified at will. You need to contact the travel agency that handles the permit for you in a timely manner and reapply for the permit based on the error.
What if the Tibet Travel Permit is lost?
If it is lost before entering Tibet, and the railroad station of the city entering Tibet can be passed with a copy of the Tibet Travel Permit, then only one copy needs to be made; if the original Tibet Travel Permit is required, it needs to be re-applied for. It is recommended that you carry two more copies of the Tibet Travel Permit and save a clear photo of the Tibet Travel Permit on your mobile phone for future use.
Can I enter Tibet from Nepal by land?
Yes. You need to enter thru the Gyirong Port, and apply for the Tibet Travel Permit in advance. However, you should note that you need to apply for a group visa from the travel agency when entering Tibet from Nepal, regardless of whether you have a Chinese visa or are a visa-free tourist.
Do I need to return the Tibet Travel Permit to the travel agency after the trip?
Yes. After the trip, the travel agency will take back the original Tibet Travel Permit, bind it into a file, and return it to the Tibet Autonomous Region Tourism Development Department for record.
What Other Documents Are Required Besides the Tibet Travel Permit?
In addition to the Tibet Travel Permit, some areas in Tibet require additional supplementary documents to be processed before they can be visited. These are all processed by the travel agency:
Aliens' Travel Permit: Required for traveling to Nyingchi, Shannan, and Qamdo.
Border Pass: It is a must for going to the border areas such as Tingri (Mount Everest Base Camp), Zhangmu, Yadong and Ali.
Military Area Pass: Required for going to some un-opened border areas in Bomi, Ranwu and Ali.
Note: These documents are not issued by the tourism bureau, but need to be applied for from other Chinese national institutions such as the Public Security Bureau and the Immigration Bureau. The procedures are more stringent. If you need to apply for them, you should consult the travel agency and prepare the materials at least one month in advance.
Recommended Duration of Visit
For those in good health (without serious underlying diseases): 7-12 days. It can cover classic routes such as Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, and Mount Everest Base Camp, or extend to Nyingchi to enjoy the natural scenery. Here are our classic travel routes for you to explore:
For those who are physically weak or visit Tibet for the first time, it is recommended to stay for 5-7 days. Focus on low-altitude areas, such as Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple), Barkhor Street and the surrounding Yamdrok Lake, and avoid going to high-altitude areas such as Ali and Namtso. Here are our classic travel routes for you to explore:
For more information or to book a tour of Tibet, please contact us and we will answer all your questions and help you start an unforgettable journey on the roof of the world!