Who Needs a Tibet Travel Permit
The table shows which document holders need a Tibet Travel Permit and which don't.
| Document Holders Needing a Tibet Permit | Document Holders not Needing a Tibet Permit |
|---|---|
| Non-Chinese passport | Chinese identity card |
| Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents | Chinese passport |
| Visa-free-China-access passport | HK Home Return Permit |
| Macau Home Return Permit |
a.) Non-Chinese passport holders: All foreign residents (non-Chinese passport holders), including expats living in China, need a Tibet Entry Permit to enter Tibet.
If you are a journalist visa or diplomat visa holder, your Tibet Entry Permit must be approved by the China Foreign Affairs Office, and you must travel accompanied by a foreign affairs officer.
b.) Special note for Indians: Indian nationals who wish to travel to the Ngari region (Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar) need to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit through the Tibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center, which is a non-governmental organization in India.
You are suggested to contact an Indian travel agency for more details. China travel agencies are unable to facilitate trips for Indian passport holders to Ngari, no matter whether for a pilgrimage or any other visit.
If you are not heading to Ngari, the application procedure for a Tibet Travel Permit is the same as for other international tourists.
c.) Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (MTP) holders: Residents of Taiwan need a Tibet Entry Permit, including MTP holders.
d.) Visa-free passport holders: Travelers from countries with visa-free access to Chinese mainland, nevertheless need a Tibet Entry Permit.
For example, citizens of Singapore or Japan can enjoy a visa-free stay of no more than 15 days in Chinese mainland, but they still need to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit using their passports to enter Tibet.
e.) China passport / China ID cardholders: Some people living outside of China have both a China passport and a China identity card. Many ask us which should be used to travel to Tibet.
We say… Please travel to Tibet using your China identity card so that you can visit every region in Tibet.
It is not suggested to use your China passport to visit Tibet, as you can only visit Lhasa and its nearby areas (such as Lake Yamdrok), but you will not be allowed to visit other regions including Mount Everest or Mount Kailash.
f.) HK/Macau Return Home Permit Holders: Residents of Hong Kong and Macau can travel to Tibet without a Tibet Entry Permit if they hold an HK/Macau Home Return Permit. An HK/Macau SAR visa/passport is not accepted.
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34 Comment ON "Who Needs a Tibet Travel Permit"
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash
Asked by Nyen** from India
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.