Why You Should Avoid Mentioning Tibet on Your China Visa Application
The reason behind this advice is related to the procedural loop between two different government departments. To get your Chinese visa from an embassy or consulate abroad, the officers will often request a Tibet Travel Permit if they see "Tibet" or "Lhasa" on your application.
However, here in Tibet, the local Tourism Bureau can only issue that all-important Tibet Travel Permit after they have seen a copy of your already-approved Chinese visa. See the problem? It's a classic chicken-and-egg scenario. These two requirements are at a standstill, and for years, the workaround has been to focus your visa application on your mainland China entry points.
So, how do you practically apply for your visa? When filling out your application form, you'll likely see a section asking about your planned destinations within China. This is your moment to list the wonderful mainland cities you'll pass through. Think Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu. Crucially, don't mention, Lhasa, and specific Tibetan region names.
If you hold a passport from a country that has a visa-waiver agreement with China for short stays, you can breathe a sigh of relief! You can skip the entire Chinese visa application process altogether.
Handling Requests for Proof of Itinerary and Bookings
Sometimes, embassies request more details, like a day-by-day itinerary or hotel confirmations. If you need a believable China itinerary that excludes Tibet, don't worry. This is a common request, and we are pros at crafting these. We can provide a logical travel plan featuring mainland cities that serves as perfect supporting documentation for your consulate.
For hotel proofs, a simple tactic is to book refundable hotels in a city like Beijing through major online travel platforms. You can submit the confirmation with your application and then cancel the booking after your visa is approved, as these bookings are almost never verified down to the last detail.
What About Your Flight Tickets? For most travelers entering and exiting Tibet from mainland China, this is straightforward. You only need to show your international flights into and out of mainland China (e.g., from your home country to Beijing and back). Your domestic flights from, say, Chengdu to Lhasa, are considered internal travel and are not part of the initial visa requirement.
Conclusion
We'll be here, ready to welcome you and guide you every step of the way once you arrive.
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35 Comment ON "Why You Should Avoid Mentioning Tibet on Your China Visa Application"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
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