Tibet Travel Permits News:

Beginning January 6th, 2013 Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) started to issue Tibet Entry Permits to foreign visitors under some restrictions. Currently, a travel group must contain two or more travelers with the SAME nationality. You can contact us for more details about entering Tibet from our trip advisors. Thank you.

According to Chinese law, foreign travelers are required to apply for certain permits before visiting Tibet. Before you start your Tibet tour, you have to prepare the following documents:
China Visa: You can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your country;
Tibet Entry Permit: It is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau and is a must for foreigners entering Tibet;
Tibet Travel Permit: It is required when you are planning to travel to the closed areas in Tibet, which you can obtain after you arrive in Tibet.

How to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit?
Tibet Entry Permits are not available to independent travelers at present. Travelers are required to travel in a tour group. The following documents are required:
1. A copy of your Passport;
2. A copy of your China visa (tourist visa);
3. Full names, Gender, Date of Birth, Passport number, Nationality, Occupation.
Tibet Travel Permit Tibet Travel Permit Travel Permit, also called Aliens' Travel Permit (A.T.P), is required to visit closed areas. It is issued by Foreign Affairs Section of the Local Public Security Bureau (PSB). The Law on the Control of Entry and Exit of Foreigners (Order of the President of the People's Republic of China (No.31), 22.11.1985, Chapter 4), says:
1. Article 20: Foreigners who hold valid visas or residence certificates may travel to places declared open to foreigners by the Chinese Government.
2. Article 21: Foreigners who desire to travel to places closed to foreigners shall apply for travel permits from local public security organs [i.e., the police].
Closed Regions of Tibet
At the present, you have to apply for a Travel Permit if you are planning to visit the following places:
Note: Lhasa and Nagqu regions are open to foreign travelers and no need for Travel Permit.

1. Tsetang: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Changdruk Temple, Yumbulakhang
2. Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, The Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery
3. Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery & Kubum Stupa
4. Nqari Region
5. Basumtso lake in Nyingchi Region
6. Chamdo Region