When traveling to Tibet, the scenery alone—Mount Everest, Namtso Lake, Mount Kailash—is enough to stir the soul. But did you know that visiting many of Tibet’s most iconic destinations also requires an additional document known as the Aliens’ Travel Permit (ATP)?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what Aliens’ Travel Permit is, why you need it, where it applies, and how to obtain it hassle-free—so your journey through Tibet is not only unforgettable but also smooth and fully compliant with local regulations.
What Is the Aliens’ Travel Permit?
The Aliens’ Travel Permit, issued by the Exit and Entry Administration of the Tibet Autonomous Region Public Security Bureau, is an official permit allowing foreign passport holders to enter Tibet’s restricted tourism areas, specifically the border-controlled areas outside of Lhasa. Without this permit, foreign tourists cannot legally enter these areas.
Simply put, the Foreigner Travel Permit is your “key” to travel into Tibet’s “restricted areas.”It is different from the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), which is required to enter Tibet in the first place.
Think of the Tibet Travel Permit as your “entry pass” to Tibet, and Aliens’ Travel Permit as your “access pass” to specific border regions within Tibet.
Where Do You Need Aliens’ Travel Permit?
You’ll need Aliens’ Travel Permit if you’re planning to travel to the following areas:
Popular Areas That Require It:
- Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC) – in Tingri, Shigatse Prefecture
- Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar – in Ngari Prefecture
- Zhangmu, Gyirong – border towns near Nepal
- Nyingchi & Pome – areas near the Indian and Myanmar borders
- Ali (Ngari) region as a whole – remote but stunningly beautiful
If your Tibet itinerary includes any of these destinations, Aliens’ Travel Permit is mandatory.
Mount Everest
Who Needs Aliens’ Travel Permit?
All foreign passport holders (including residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan)
Even if you have a Tibet Travel Permit, you still need Aliens’ Travel Permit for restricted areas
How to Apply for the Aliens’ Travel Permit
Step-by-Step Guide (Handled by Your Travel Agency):
1.Book a tour with a Tibet-authorized travel agency
- Foreigners cannot apply for Aliens’ Travel Permit on their own. The process must go through a local travel agency licensed to organize tours for non-Chinese visitors.
2.Provide required documents (at least 10–15 days before your trip):
- Valid passport (clear photo page scan)
- Chinese visa (tourist, business, or visa-free entry proof)
- Confirmed Tibet itinerary (including restricted regions)
- Scanned copy of Tibet Travel Permit (if already issued)
- Your agency will apply on your behalf at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in Lhasa or Shigatse, depending on your route.
3.Processing Time:
- 1–2 working days in Lhasa (standard)
- 3–5 working days during peak travel periods
- Express options may be available through some agencies
4.Permit Delivery:
- You’ll receive a physical copy of the permit (not digital)
- Your tour guide will usually hold the permit and present it at checkpoint
Important Notes & Travel Tips
- You must travel as part of a guided tour to restricted areas—solo travel is not permitted
- Don’t book your own hotel or transport in those areas independently—it must be done by your agency
- Border Permit is usually free of charge, but some agencies may include an admin fee
- For overland routes (e.g., entering Tibet from Nepal via Gyirong), additional permits may be required
- Always carry your original passport—copies are not accepted at checkpoints
Border Permit & Classic Tibet Routes
Here’s how Aliens’ Travel Permit fits into common travel itineraries:
| Route | Need Border Permit? | Notes |
| Lhasa → Namtso Lake | ❌ | No Border Permit needed |
| Lhasa → Shigatse → Everest Base Camp | ✅ | Required for Tingri (EBC region) |
| Lhasa → Mount Kailash (Ali region) | ✅ | Permit required throughout |
| Lhasa → Nyingchi → Basomtso | ✅ | Required for Nyingchi |
| Lhasa city tour only | ❌ | Only Tibet Travel Permit required |
Mount Kailash
Summary: Quick Border Permit Checklist
| Requirement | Status |
| Needed for foreigners? | ✅ Yes |
| Needed for Lhasa city? | ❌ No |
| Applied by traveler? | ❌ No (agency only) |
| Processing time | ~1–3 days |
| Digital version accepted? | ❌ No, paper only |
| Travel style | Guided tour only |
Ready to Go? Choose the Right Agency
Since Aliens’ Travel Permit is handled exclusively by local agencies, working with an experienced, Tibet-licensed travel company is critical.
Look for:
- English-speaking support
- Transparent pricing (no hidden permit fees)
- Proven track record with foreign travelers
- Ability to handle complex routes like EBC or Kailash
Popular agencies like Journey2Tibet or China Dragon Travel are well-known for fast permit handling and flexible trip customization.
The Tibet Border Permit might seem like a bureaucratic hurdle—but in reality, it’s a small formality on the way to one of the world’s most spiritually and geographically stunning destinations.
Whether you’re standing beneath Everest’s north face or gazing at the mirror-like waters of Lake Manasarovar, you’ll be glad you took the time to get the paperwork right.
Adventure is calling from the roof of Asia. With the right permits in hand, the borders of the world—and the soul—begin to open.
