Visa Guidelines for Tibet

Visa required before arrival

Thinking about visiting Tibet? Here’s a simple breakdown on how to get your tourist visa.

Guidelines for Visiting Tibet

If you’re planning to visit Tibet, here are the detailed guidelines you need to follow, depending on whether you’re entering via China Mainland or Kathmandu, Nepal:

Entering Tibet via China Mainland

Chinese Visa Application

• Apply for a Chinese visa in your home country. Any required documents for the Tibet portion of your trip can be provided.
• Once approved, it takes 3 days to 1 week to get the Chinese visa.

Tibet Travel Permit

• Passport Copy: Submit a color scan of your passport at least 30 days before your travel date.
• Chinese Visa Copy: Submit a copy of your Chinese visa at least 20 days before your travel date.
• Permit Delivery: The Tibet Travel Permit will be delivered to any city in China before you travel to Lhasa. This permit is required at immigration to enter Tibet.
• Gateway City Stay: It is recommended to stay at least one night in a gateway city in China before flying to Lhasa.

Entering Tibet via Kathmandu, Nepal

Tibet Group Visa Application

• Apply for a Tibet Group visa.
• The process takes 4 working days (Monday to Friday).

Required Documents for Tibet Group Visa

• Passport Copy: Submit a color scan of your passport at least 30 days before your travel date.
• Photo: Provide a color MRP-size photo as per the Chinese Embassy guidelines.
• Arrival in Kathmandu: Plan to arrive in Kathmandu according to the Embassy’s visa working days and flight schedule.

New Rules for Tibet Group Visa

• A minimum of 4 travelers is required to apply for a group visa for Tibet.
• Authorities may allow a minimum of 2 travelers, but the other 2 must be canceled with a small cancellation fee.
• The Tibet Group visa is valid in China as well.
• Group travelers must stay together in both Tibet and China and exit the country together.

Chinese Government Visa Offer

The Chinese Government has announced a 15-day free visa for travelers from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

General Information

• The passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of Tibet travel and must be an ordinary passport.
• If a new passport is required after applying, notify immediately to avoid trip cancellation.

Chinese Visa and Tibet Visa Validity

• If applying for a Tibet visa in Kathmandu, a Chinese visa is not needed.
• The Tibet visa will also be valid for China mainland. Inform about the China itinerary and length of stay to apply for the correct visa. Avoid splitting or extending the Tibet Group visa, as it can be complicated and may be refused by authorities.

Chinese Embassy Holidays

The Chinese Embassy closes during several government holidays but may accept visa applications in advance and issue visas upon verifying the original passport. Urgent visa fees and necessary documents are required.

Cultural Sensitivity and Safety

Briefing and orientation in Tibet are crucial for cultural sensitivity and safety precautions.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to Tibet. Planning ahead and having all the necessary documents ready is essential for an enjoyable trip.