Nepal is the only global gateway to Tibet. If you are traveling to Tibet via Nepal, you do not need to apply for a Chinese visa. All visitors entering Tibet from Nepal must apply for a Chinese group visa through the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. This is the only country where you can obtain a Chinese group visa. To obtain a Chinese group visa, you must plan and arrange your vacation through a certified travel operator in Tibet. The Tibet Tourism Bureau will issue a visa invitation to the Chinese Embassy in Nepal three days before your trip to Tibet.
It takes approximately three working days to process a Chinese group visa. The relevant travel agency in Nepal will assist you in obtaining the visa. A group visa, unlike a Chinese visa, is not stamped on your passport and enables you to enter China only once. As such, it will include the personal details of all group members, as well as the arrival and departure dates. Furthermore, the cost of a Chinese group visa is divided into two parts: the visa fee and the processing fee. Depending on the number of tourists in the group, the processing fee ranges from $20 to $45 per person. Similarly, you will need the following documents to apply for a group visa.
- Application Form
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Copies of passport and previous Chinese visa (if you have one)
- Passport size photo
If you are interested in booking a Tibet tour from Nepal or customizing your travel plans, please contact AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. You just need to fill out the application and pay for the visa based on your travel dates and citizenship. We will handle the rest of the process and issue it to you once your visa is approved.
What are the Other Permits Required to Visit Tibet?
In fact, even if you have a Tibet Travel Permit, you are not allowed to leave Lhasa. If you want to go outside Lhasa, such as to the Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, you must first obtain other permits, such as an Aliens Travel Permit and a Military Permit. However, you don’t have to worry about obtaining these permits because your Tibetan guide will help you obtain them correctly upon arrival in Lhasa and make all the preparations for your next visit after the day trip to Lhasa. Some of the other permits required to visit Tibet here in below:
- Foreign Travel Permit:
The Public Security Bureau (PSB) of Tibet issues Aliens Travel Permits, commonly known as PSB permits. Usually, travelers seek to visit unexpected places in Tibet, such as the Everest Base Camp in Shigatse and the Samye Monastery in Tsedang. You can apply for it upon arrival in Lhasa. Your Tibetan guide will submit the necessary paperwork (passport, Chinese visa/Chinese group visa, and Tibet travel permit) on your behalf to the Foreign Affairs Department of the PSB. This usually takes a few hours and costs 50 CNY for each participant.
- Military Travel Permit:
The Military Office in Lhasa issues military permits. A military travel permit is required to travel to some remote military-sensitive locations, including Mount Kailash and Eastern Tibet. It usually takes 10 to 15 business days. In addition, you must apply through a travel agent. Similarly, you must bring a copy of your passport and Chinese group visa/Chinese visa. We recommend that you apply for it before traveling to Tibet because it takes a long time to process. You will need this permit to visit three regions of Tibet – Ngari Region, Nyingchi Region, and Chamdo Region.
- Foreign Affairs Permit:
To visit highly sensitive locations such as Mount Kailash and Eastern Tibet, you will need to obtain a Foreign Relations Permit in addition to a Military Travel Permit. The Foreign Affairs Office in Lhasa issues foreign affairs permits. If you are visiting western Tibet, including Tholing and Tsaparang, the Department of Culture and Antiquities issues foreign affairs permits. This usually takes 10 to 15 business days. In addition, you must apply through a travel agent. In addition, you must bring your passport and a copy of the Chinese group visa/Chinese visa. We recommend that you apply for it before traveling to Tibet because it takes a long time to process.
Current Status of Tibet Travel
Previously, Tibet travel was only open to tourists living in mainland China, foreign ex-pats, and a few others. Finally, after a long wait of three years, China has started issuing all categories of visas to foreigners. This means that international tourists can finally apply for Tibet permits. However, there have been some changes to the document requirements, which are as follows:
- A copy of your passport and visa or residence permit
- A letter of acceptance from your employer (including full name, passport number, nationality, and affiliation with the host organization)
- A 3-month non-departure record certification letter issued by your workplace or neighborhood housing committee.
- A screenshot of your health green code
We hope that our information on how to obtain a Tibet travel permit will clear up any uncertainties you may have. Knowing the best time to visit Tibet (April-October), it is wise to apply for a Tibet travel permit in advance. This will give you full rights to enjoy the peach blossoms in Nyingchi or explore the centuries-old temples and caves. Remember, applying for a Tibet travel permit is not difficult if you are with an experienced local agency and a professional Tibetan guide.
As a result, we provide useful information on important elements related to Tibet travel permits to ensure that your trip runs smoothly from start to finish. Moreover, you may be confused about how to organize all these travel documents. You can contact us for your preferred location in Tibet. Our travel consultant will inform you about it. We guarantee that you will get all the Tibet permits on time, and you will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy an exciting Tibet trip.
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