Tibet Travel Permit Tips and Advice

Tibet's high-altitude magic starts with paperwork. Every foreign visitor needs a Tibet Travel Permit before boarding a train or plane to Lhasa. The rules are strict, but once you understand them, the journey becomes simple.

Tibet Travel Permit Must Be Arranged by a Licensed Local Agency  

Individual applications are not allowed. The permit is issued only through a Tibet-based agency and is always bundled with a pre-paid tour package—there is no stand-alone permit. This is because foreign travelers are required to be accompanied in Tibet. Choosing the right agency is therefore half the battle won. Our company is officially licensed by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and maintains a 100 % success rate in securing permits for foreign guests.

Choose Your Tour Type and Lock the Itinerary Early  

After you contact us, a travel consultant will help you decide between a small-group tour or a private tailor-made trip. Whichever you choose, the day-by-day itinerary must be finalized first; the TTP is printed with exact dates, cities, and attractions. Deviating from this plan without official approval can result in fines or being ordered to leave the region.

Required Documents for Your Tibet Trip

We need clear scans of:  

Passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date  

A Chinese visa—preferably an L (Tourist) visa. Business or work visas demand extra supporting documents and may delay approval.  

Processing Timeline  

Submit documents no later than two weeks in advance, especially during the peak season (May–October). To be safe, we recommend sending your files one month ahead so the permit arrives in your hands—never in your mailbox back home—well before departure.

Why the Permit Is Non-Negotiable  

Without the original permit you cannot check in for any flight or train to Tibet, enter the region, check into hotels, or purchase tickets for Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, or any other site.

Key Practical Notes Regarding Tibet Travel Permit

Keep the permit on your person; replacements take days.  

Restricted zones such as Everest Base Camp or the far-west Ngari area also require an Alien's Travel Permit, Border Pass, and Military Approval. These are already included in our tour packages.  

The permit's validity matches your booked dates exactly and must be returned on departure.  

We can only courier the original document to a Chinese address—most guests choose their first hotel in mainland China.  

Diplomats, journalists, and government officials must apply through the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office; we cannot process their permits.  

If you cancel after the permit has been issued, a non-refundable processing fee of roughly 400 RMB applies.

Conclusion

Securing your Tibet Travel Permit is easier than it sounds—especially when professionals handle the details. Drop us a line today, tell us your dream dates, and let's get your permit started so you can focus on packing for the world's highest playground.