Tibet Travel Documents

  1. What documents do I need?
  2. Do I need double/multi-entry China visa if I travel to Tibet from Mainland China and return to Mainland China after the trip?
  3. What is a Tibet Travel Permit?
  4. How do I get a Tibet Travel Permit?
  5. Can I apply for Tibet Travel Permit myself?
  6. How much is the Tibet Travel Permit?
  7. How will I receive the Tibet Travel Permit?
  8. Where can I go in Tibet with the Tibet Travel Permit?
  9. Tibet Travel Permit: Important Notes
  10. Other documents
  11. Is a health check required when traveling to Tibet?
What documents do I need?

A valid passport, a China visa and a Tibet Travel Permit (also known as a Tibet Entry Permit, TTB, or Tibet visa).

Do I need double/multi-entry China visa if I travel to Tibet from Mainland China and return to Mainland China after the trip?
No. Tibet is part of China so only a single entry visa is required if entering from and returning to Mainland China.
What is a Tibet Travel Permit?

A Tibet Travel Permit is an official document required by all foreign travelers in order to enter Tibet. Granted by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, the Tibet Travel Permit is sometimes called a Tibet Entry Permit, TTB or Tibet visa.

There are two kinds of permits for traveling in Tibet: the Tibet Travel Permit and the Alien Travel Permit (or PSB Permit).

Tibet Entry Permit (TTB, Tibet Travel Permit or Tibet Visa)
A Tibet Travel Permit is required for all travel in Tibet. You will need to show this permit when purchasing flight tickets to Lhasa, when you check in at the airport and when traveling in Tibet by Land Cruiser. This permit will be arranged by your travel agent.

Alien Travel Permit (PSB Permit)
If you plan to travel in restricted areas you will also need an Alien Travel Permit, issued by the PSB in Tibet.

How do I get a Tibet Travel Permit?

You’ll need to provide a high quality scanned copy of your passport and China visa, and the following information:

  • Full name
  • Gender
  • Date of birth
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Occupation (journalists, government officials and anyone closely involved in politics may have their application refused and should apply through the Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet)
Can I apply for Tibet Travel Permit myself?

As no travel agent is able to provide a "permit-only" service, Ctrip will apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf when you book a tour with us. Please see the following note from the Lonely Planet:

"Lhasa PSB will not issue travel permits to individuals and will direct you to a travel agency. Agencies can arrange a travel permit to almost anywhere but only if you book a Land Cruiser, driver and a guide."

How much is the Tibet Travel Permit?

Please note that we are not able to "sell" a permit, we can only help you obtain a permit from the proper local authority when you book a tour. The cost (including the government charge and our service fee) is included in the total quotation for a package tour.

How will I receive the Tibet Travel Permit?

a. If your last stop before entering Tibet is in Mainland China we can send your Tibet Travel Permit by Express Mail Service to your home or hotel address (be sure to include the postal code).

b. If you only have a flight connection in one certain city in Mainland China we will have someone come to the airport to give you your Tibet Travel Permit (this may charge you an extra delivery fee of CNY 100-300)

c. If traveling by train, you only need a copy of the permit to enter Tibet, and we will fax or email you a copy before you get started on your journey.

Where can I go in Tibet with the Tibet Travel Permit?

A Tibet Travel Permit allows you to enter Tibet and stay in the Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse areas only. If you are planning to travel beyond these cities you will also need an Alien Travel Permit (PSB Permit). Ctrip will apply for this on your behalf.

Tibet Travel Permit: Important Notes
  • With the exception of journalists and government officials (who should apply to through the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet), there are no restrictions on who can apply for a Tibet Travel Permit.
  • You will need a Tibet Travel Permit to buy flight tickets to Lhasa, check in at the airport and for check points en-route.
  • Once you have entered Tibet, our tour guide will retain your Tibet Travel Permit. This is because you are not permitted to travel independently with this permit (and would also require an Alien Travel Permit if you wished to travel farther afield). If you are stopped by the police you will be expelled from Tibet and may face legal action. The travel agency that helped you get the permit will also face severe consequences, therefore no legitimate travel agency can, or will, sell you a Tibet Travel Permit if you do not book a tour with them.
Other documents:

Due to an agreement between China and Nepal, ifyou are traveling to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you must apply for your China visa from Kathmandu. No other China visa is accepted.


Medical Issues

You must advise us in writing, either at or prior to booking, of any physical, emotional or mental condition which may require professional attention during the trip or may require the use of special equipment. If you fail to disclose any such conditions, we may refuse to allow you to take the trip and you will forfeit the cost of the trip.

If you are so challenged, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items related to your condition. If any such condition arises after the trip is booked, you must advise us in writing immediately. Failure to advise us shall release us and all professional personnel from any liability related to such condition or its treatment.

If you require a wheelchair, you must provide your own small, collapsible wheelchair. Certain features, and certain trips, are not wheelchair-accessible. We cannot guarantee any wheelchair assistance or accessibility in international destinations. We reserve the right to decline any trip participant whose condition, in our opinion, may affect the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants.

We are not responsible for the costs of any medical treatment you may require during the trip. Under no circumstances are we responsible for the quality of medical care, or lack thereof you may receive while on the trip.

Is a health check required when traveling to Tibet?

Travelers booking a tour through Ctrip must provide a letter from their doctor confirming they are in good health and fit to travel. If taking the train, all travelers are also required to complete a simple health declaration form once onboard.

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