Nepal-Tibet Permit FAQs for International Travelers

The journey, from the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the majestic plateau of Tibet, involves crossing an international border into a uniquely regulated region, which naturally brings up a lot of questions about paperwork. Don't let permit puzzles dampen your excitement. I've gathered the most common questions from fellow travelers to give you clear, straightforward answers.

What Exactly Documents Do I Need to Enter Tibet from Nepal?

The key thing to understand is that entering Tibet from Nepal is a two-step process involving two separate documents. First, you'll need a China Group Visa, which is specially issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu for this specific route. Second, and equally important, is the Tibet Travel Permit, your official entry ticket to the Tibet Autonomous Region itself. The crucial part is that you cannot apply for either of these by yourself. Both must be arranged through a licensed travel agency, like us, who will handle the applications on your behalf. This requirement is in place for all international visitors to Tibet, ensuring guided and organized travel throughout the region.

I'm Traveling Solo. Can I Still Get a Chinese "Group" Visa?

Absolutely! The term "Group Visa" often causes confusion for solo adventurers. While the China Group Visa requires you to travel with a group, rest assured that you don't need to find one yourself — even solo travelers can obtain it with the help of our travel agency. When you book your trip with us, we take care of all the logistics and submissions to the embassy in Kathmandu. So, whether you're embarking on a private journey tailored just for you or joining one of our small group tours, the path to obtaining that necessary Group Visa is the same and perfectly suited for independent travelers.

Where and How Do I Actually Receive My Documents?

Your China Group Visa will be collected from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu by our local Nepali team. We then deliver it directly to your hotel, or you can pick it up from our Kathmandu office at a pre-arranged time. Your Tibet Travel Permit, however, follows a different path. For security reasons, it cannot be sent to you in Nepal. Instead, it is prepared in Lhasa. When you arrive at your entry point—whether you fly into Lhasa Gongga Airport or cross the land border at Gyirong—your dedicated Tibetan guide will be waiting for you, permit in hand, ready to welcome you and ensure a smooth pass through immigration and checkpoints.

How Should I Time My Permit Applications with My Travel Plans?

Many travelers like to explore Nepal, Bhutan, or India before heading to Tibet. It's suggested that you start the Tibet Travel Permit process early. I recommend initiating this at least 4 to 5 weeks before your scheduled entry into Tibet. For the China Group Visa, however, you must be physically present in Kathmandu. Arriving in Kathmandu at least 3 to 4 full business days before your departure to Tibet is the golden rule to allow for smooth visa processing without any last-minute rush.

Conclusion

If your dream journey includes continuing on to explore other parts of mainland China, like Beijing or Shanghai, after your Tibet tour, you need to plan for that from the very beginning. Note that China Group Visa is valid for a single trip only. Possessing this visa will render any other existing Chinese visas on your passport invalid. Furthermore, you are required to enter and depart China as a unified group alongside all the other travelers named on the same visa document. Simply let us know your full itinerary when you book, and we'll advise on the best visa strategy for your entire tour.