Tibet Travel Permit 2025: What is it & How to Apply

Traveling to Tibet is a sweet kind of trouble, as independent travel is not allowed for international travelers, no matter if you travel alone or with your family and friends. To travel in Tibet, you must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit and travel with a local travel guide.

In the following sections, we'll dive into everything you need to know about the TTP, including what documents are required for the permit, the differences among the three types of permits, limitations of the TTP, and several travel tips.

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

What to Prepare for the Tibet Travel Permit

Jokhang Temple in Lhasa

Although the Tibet Travel Permit can only be obtained through a travel agency, the application process is actually very simple. If you travel with us, all you need to do is provide the following documents to us, and we'll take care of all the necessary documents and help you craft your Tibet itinerary.

1. A Copy of Your Passport

It must be your own passport, and it should be valid for at least six months from the intended entry date into Tibet. If you travel with your kids, you will need to provide their passports as well.

2. China Visa

If you hold a passport from one of the 43 countries eligible for China's 30-day visa-free entry policy, you can skip this step and just submit the copy of your passport.

If you're from countries not on the visa-free list, such as the U.S.A., Canada, or Australia, you will need to get a visa to visit China and apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

Please note, Tibet is not included in the eligible area for the 10-day visa-free transit policy. If you’re entering China under the transit policy, you’ll still need to obtain a China visa to visit Tibet.

What Is Tibet Travel Permit?

Lake Yamdrok

The Tibet Travel Permit is the essential document you need to enter Tibet. When you pass the customs, you must show the Tibet Travel Permit, your passport, and China visa (if needed) to the staff for inspection.

You can visit many popular attractions with the basic Tibet Travel Permit, including the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa city and Lake Yamdrok in Shannan city.

Alien's Travel Permit & Military Permit

Some attractions in Tibet are not publicly open to foreign travelers. To visit those places, you will need extra documents.

For example, to visit the Everest Base Camp, Sakya Monastery, or Samye Monastery, you'll need an Alien's Travel Permit (ATP) in addition to the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP).

If you wish to visit Mount Kailash, Bomi and Ranwu Lake, or certain attractions near the boundary, you will need 3 documents in total: the Tibet Travel Permit, the Alien's Travel Permit, and a Military Permit.

Applying for an Alien's Travel Permit is quick. It only takes a few hours to obtain one after your arrival in Tibet. However, applying for a Military Permit can take about one month, so make sure to submit your personal document to us as early as possible.

Attractions You Can't Visit in Tibet

The Tibet Travel Permit allows you to visit many popular attractions in Tibet. However, there are some places you can't visit in Tibet even if you get all the travel documents. For example:

• Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
• Nanyi Valley
• The whole of Medog County

These areas are very close to the China-India border, so they are currently not open to foreign travelers.

Entering Tibet From Nepal

Admire Mount Everest in a distance

Just like how you enter Tibet from other provinces in China, when you travel to Tibet from Nepal, a Tibet Travel Permit is still a must. If you're from a 30-day visa-free country, you can enter Tibet with just your passport and Tibet Travel Permit.

For those planning to visit Mount Everest, it's recommended to travel overland from Nepal and enter Tibet via the Gyirong border. If you're heading to Lhasa, you can take a direct flight from Kathmandu.

Our local guides from both Nepal and Tibet will also assist you in obtaining all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry.

Tips for Traveling to Tibet

Deprung Monastery in Tibet

Apart from the Tibet Travel Permit, here are other things you need to consider for a Tibet tour:

• Prepare for altitude sickness. Before traveling to Tibet, consult your doctor about which medications can help prevent or relieve symptoms of altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, you can ask your tour guide to take you to a hospital for oxygen therapy or help you purchase a portable oxygen canister from a nearby shop or pharmacy.
• Slow down your itinerary. Due to Tibet's high altitude, it's advisable to stay in each area for about two days to allow your body time to acclimate before moving on to the next destination.
• Bring some cash. Tibet is not highly developed in some regions, and mobile payments or card payments may not always be available. Therefore, it's strongly recommended to carry some cash with you.
• If you need help applying for the Tibet Travel Permit or planning your trip to Tibet, feel free to contact us or email trip@odynovotours.com. We'll help arrange a personalized journey that suits your needs.