If you do not apply for a Tibet Travel Permit in advance, your long-standing desire to learn about Tibetan culture may not be fulfilled. The Tibet Travel Permit, also known as the Tibet Entry Permit, is a legal document that allows foreign tourists to visit and stay in Tibet. Note that it is not a Tibet visa. The Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa issues the TTP, not any Chinese embassy. These permits are valid for your entire trip to Tibet. To enter Mount Kailash, Everest, Lake Mansarovar, and other restricted areas, you will need other permits such as an Aliens Travel Permit, Military Permit, or Foreign Affairs Permit.
In addition to a Chinese visa, a Tibet Entry Permit is mandatory for international travelers to enter Tibet. Every international tourist must apply for a Tibet Travel Permit to board a plane or train to Lhasa, check into a hotel, and visit famous sites in Tibet.
You may be wondering why you need a Tibet Travel Permit when you already have access to a Chinese visa. However, a Chinese visa and a Tibet Entry Permit are two different things. The Tibet Travel Permit is like an entry ticket, and it is not printed on your passport like a visa. Tibet is a part of China and only one visa is required to visit Tibet, which is a Chinese visa. If you are visiting Tibet from mainland China, you can apply for a Chinese tourist visa at your home country or at other Chinese embassies around the world. However, you must obtain a collective Chinese visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu to enter Tibet from Nepal. You will not be allowed to use a Chinese visa obtained elsewhere; you must obtain one from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
Keep your Tibet Travel Permit in a safe place as you will need to show it when you leave the country.
Obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit is easy for any traveler. At the same time, if you do not have the appropriate knowledge, it can seem difficult. The information presented here is based on our local professional expertise. We hope that this information will make your trip to Tibet easier.
Who requires a Tibet Travel Permit?
To legally enter Tibet, all foreigners must obtain a Tibet travel permit. Tibet currently issues permits to 178 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China. This includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Bhutan, Spain, and other Western and Asian visitors. The table below shows who does and does not need a Tibet travel permit.
1). Who needs: International Visitors/ Chinese living in Taiwan
2). Who doesn’t need: Citizens of HK SAR/ Citizens of Macau SAR/ Overseas Chinese having Chinese ID
3). Who can’t get one: Diplomat/ Journalist/ Government Officials/ Indians Visiting Ngari
Note: Diplomats, journalists, and government officials also need Tibet entry permits, but only the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office can handle their Tibet permit applications.
Indians visiting Mansarovar, Mount Kailash, or any other part of Ngari (Western Tibet) must book their tour and obtain a Tibet Travel Permit through a Nepali or Indian travel agency working with the TAR’s Foreign Affairs Office or a pilgrimage center. Furthermore, if you are a resident of Hong Kong or Macau, you do not need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit. However, you must have a return permit and a Hong Kong/Macau passport.
If you have any queries regarding obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit, please contact us. AlpineTrav Treks is here to help you with your Tibet Travel Permit application in a hassle-free manner. We, as your trusted tour operator, will take care of securing your permits. One of our professional travel consultants will get in touch with you as soon as possible with further information.
What is the best time or month to visit Tibet?
Apart from summer, autumn, especially October, is considered the best time to visit Tibet. The days can be pleasant as the plateau receives plenty of sunshine, especially in the capital Lhasa. In addition, the sky is clear, allowing for a clear view of the beautiful mountains located in its midst. Here is a more detailed description:
Spring (February-April)
Visiting Tibet in spring is difficult. The country lowers its shutters to celebrate its biggest festivals – the Tibetan New Year (Lhosar) in February and the Butter Lamp Festival in March. However, reopening in April, the spring season is one of the best times to explore Tibet. The temperature starts to rise, and you will get unobstructed views of the magnificent mountains. Since fewer people visit during this time, you will definitely enjoy your visit.
Summer (May-September)
Summer is the best season to visit Tibet. As the climbing season approaches, many climbers attempt to climb the many peaks in the area, such as Mount Kailash, in May. It is easy to visit attractions that are far away, with easy access to accommodation and local guides.
Apart from the availability of cheap accommodation and local guides, summer brings in more visitors, and so does the monsoon rains. However, since Tibet is in the rain-shadow zone, the summer monsoons are relatively mild, and therefore do not have much impact on the Tibetan tourist season.
Witness the celebrations of the Shoton Festival, the Ganden Thanka Unveiling Festival, and the Nagchu Horse Racing Festival during the mid-summer season (July-August).
Autumn (September-October)
The fall season is one of the best seasons to visit Tibet. If you don’t mind the cooler weather, the usual summer crowds disappear and so do the monsoon rain clouds. This gives you the opportunity to visit Tibet in its element. It is the perfect time to explore Lhasa to your heart’s content.
If you are planning to enter Tibet from Nepal, October is the best time for a combined Nepal and Tibet tour, as it is the festive season in Nepal, and one of the most beautiful times to visit. Additionally, if mountaineering expeditions are part of your itinerary, the dry months of autumn are ideal for climbing.
Winter (November-January)
As with any mountainous region, winter is a difficult time to visit. Due to the cold climate, visiting Tibet during the winter season is not advisable. It is difficult to get the desired accommodation, and some attractions may even be inaccessible due to snow. If you want a fascinating winter tour, you can spice it up with a combined Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet tour.
However, considering the season, you will get the most sacred views of the Himalayas, and the crowds are almost non-existent. Moreover, accommodation and other travel rates in the country are very affordable.
How to Get a Tibet Travel Permit?
If you are entering via Nepal, you will need a China Group Visa along with your Tibet Travel Permit. Once you have confirmed your specific Tibet itinerary with us, we will submit a Tibet Permit Application to the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). Once that is issued and you arrive in Kathmandu, you can fill out your application form for a China Group Visa, and we will do the rest. If you are entering from the Chinese mainland, we will need your China Entry Visa, your passport, and travel details to obtain the permit.
Can I travel independently in Tibet?
Due to Chinese government restrictions, you cannot travel independently in Tibet without a tour guide. However, there are many incredible Tibet group tours that showcase the country in all its beauty. If you want to travel independently in Tibet, you can book a private Tibet tour with an experienced local guide to explore its spiritual and natural treasures.
