Due to Tibet's unique ethnic situation, all foreign tourists traveling to Tibet must hold both Chinese visa and Tibet travel permit and if travel to certain restricted areas in Tibet, also Alien's travel permit. We know, this is a  pain, but We will make it as painless as possible. What's more, you will find that you make so much more out of your trip because of our expertise in local tourism, our drivers' experience, our tour guides knowledge and BECAUSE WE CARE!

China Visa

Arriving Lhasa via mainland China:
If you are planning to arrive in Lhasa via mainland China, you would need to apply for your Chinese visa from the Chinese Embassy in your own country from the closest Chinese Embassy.

Arriving Lhasa via Kathmandu:
If you are coming to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you'd better get China visa from Kathmandu because whether you've already got the visa in your country or not, you must get a visa in Kathmandu, which is regulated in an official memo between China and Nepal.

you would need to arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 (urgent application) to 6 days (if you want to apply for the minimum visa - normal charge) before your entry into Tibet.

Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu issues visas only on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 0900 hrs to 1100 hrs.

Once you have the Chinese visa, you will need to scan the visa page and the first two pages of your passport (pages with your picture and passport number, expiration date, etc.) and email them to us so that we can apply for Tibet Travel Permit for you. Both documents should be clear and readable otherwise it will be rejected by the Tibet Travel Bureau (TTB). Along with the documents, please also provide us the following information: Your occupation and possibly a proof letter (could be a letter from your employer).

Tibet Travel Permit (issued by Tibet Travel Bureau TTB)

In addition to Chinese visa, all foreign tourists, Taiwan and overseas Chinese tourists (except Hong Kong, Macao residents who hold Chinese passports or return certificates) need to apply for Tibet Travel Permit in order to enter Tibet. Please note that you would not be eligible for the Tibet Travel Permit without the Chinese visa.

All licensed travel agencies can apply for Tibet Travel Permit in behalf of you, but it has to be the travel agency that you book tours with. No travel agencies are allowed to offer the service of applying for TTP alone. Violators will face the suspension of their licenses. To apply for TTP, we will need the copy of your passport and visa at least 10 days before your entry to Tibet.

Once your Tibet permit is issued, you have the option of have it delivered to your residence at your own cost or have it delivered to your hotel you would be staying while in mainland China at an extra charge of USD 30.

This is what it looks like:

Alien's Travel Permit (issued by Public Security Bureau - PSB)

This is a third document you will need if you travel outside of the city Lhasa. But no worry on your part, we will arrange this after your arrival in Lhasa as part of the tour arrangement at no extra cost for you.

This is what it looks like:

SPECIAL NOTE:
1. Do not apply for the Chinese visa in your country if you are intending to travel to Tibet via Kathmandu (Nepal). You need to apply in Kathmandu. Please allow at least 2 days before your entry to Tibet.

2. If your occupation is diplomat or journalists, you will have to travel to Tibet under the arrangement of the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office, not through any travel agencies.