If you are planning to travel from Nepal to Tibet—whether by experiencing the legendary overland journey along the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway or by flying directly from Kathmandu to Lhasa—the first and most important question you must resolve is how to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit.
This permit is a legal requirement for entering Tibet and involves coordination between authorities in both Tibet and Nepal. For first-time travelers, the process may seem complex and unfamiliar. This guide breaks down the entire procedure clearly and practically, explaining what to do, what to prepare, and when to act, so you can complete all required formalities efficiently and begin your journey with confidence.
Core Documents Required: Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Group Visa
To successfully enter Tibet from Nepal, most travelers need two closely linked documents.
Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
Issued by the Tibet Tourism authorities, this permit approves your entry into specific regions of Tibet. It is the foundational document for all foreign travelers.
Chinese Group Tourist Visa
After your Tibet Travel Permit is approved, travelers who do not already hold a valid Chinese visa must apply for a Chinese Group Tourist Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu through a licensed travel agency. This visa is issued on a separate sheet listing all group members.
Special Exceptions
- Travelers from countries with Chinese visa-free agreements (such as Singapore, Malaysia, or New Zealand) generally only need the Tibet Travel Permit, but current policies must be reconfirmed before travel.
- Travelers who already hold a valid Chinese individual tourist visa (L visa) issued in their home country may enter Tibet using that visa together with the Tibet Travel Permit, without applying for a group visa in Nepal.
Tibet Travel Permit
Step One: Authorize a Licensed Tibet Travel Agency
Individual travelers cannot apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on their own. The process must be initiated through a licensed travel agency registered in Tibet and authorized to receive international travelers.
The agency acts as your official guarantor and submits the application on your behalf. All travel arrangements—including itinerary, accommodation, guide, and vehicle—must be organized through this agency.
How to Choose and Confirm an Agency
- Verify legal credentials: Request confirmation of the agency’s tourism license and eligibility to serve travelers of your nationality.
- Confirm your itinerary: Provide travel dates, duration, and intended destinations (such as Lhasa, Shigatse, or Everest Base Camp). The agency will prepare a detailed itinerary, which is mandatory for permit approval.
- Clarify service scope: Confirm whether assistance with the Kathmandu group visa is included and whether all permit-related fees are clearly stated in the quotation.
Step Two: Prepare and Submit Application Materials
Once you formally appoint an agency, you must provide accurate and complete personal documents for submission.
Commonly Required Documents
- Clear scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least six months after leaving Tibet, with at least two blank pages)
- Digital passport-style photo (white background)
- Completed application form provided by the agency
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Basic occupation information
Certain professions (such as journalists, diplomats, or religious workers) may require additional documentation. If your route includes restricted areas (for example, parts of Ngari), extra military permits may also be required. Your agency will advise if applicable.
All materials are submitted electronically by the agency to the relevant authorities in Tibet.
Step Three: Wait for Tibet Travel Permit Approval
Processing times vary and should be factored carefully into your travel plan.
- Standard processing time: Approximately 10–15 working days
- Peak season delays: From May to October or during Chinese public holidays, approval may take longer
Important advice:
Do not finalize or pay for non-refundable international flights to Kathmandu until your Tibet Travel Permit has been officially approved.
Once approved, the agency will email you a clear scanned copy of the permit. You must print at least one copy and carry it with you at all times. The permit will also be forwarded to the agency’s Kathmandu partner for visa processing.
Step Four: Apply for the Chinese Group Tourist Visa in Kathmandu
This step applies to travelers who do not already hold a valid Chinese individual visa.
Application Process in Kathmandu
- The Tibet-based agency cooperates with a local partner in Kathmandu.
- You submit your passport, printed Tibet Travel Permit, photos, and other materials to the local representative.
- The agent submits the group application to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
- A brief in-person appearance at the embassy is required.
Visa Fees (Subject to Nationality)
- United States: USD 155 (standard) / USD 185 (express)
- Canada: USD 85 (standard) / USD 114 (express)
- UK, Australia, most EU countries: USD 60 (standard) / USD 89 (express)
- Service fee: approximately USD 20 per person
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Express service may reduce this to 1–2 days.
You will receive your passport along with a group visa sheet listing all members. Check all details carefully before leaving.
Border of Zhangmu Port
Step Five: Receive Documents and Begin Your Journey
- The Kathmandu representative will deliver the group visa to your hotel.
- The original Tibet Travel Permit will be held by your guide and presented at checkpoints throughout Tibet.
Entry Inspection
- By air: At Kathmandu airport, airline staff will check your passport, Chinese visa, and printed Tibet Travel Permit before issuing a boarding pass.
- By land: Entry is usually via the Gyirong border. Border availability can change, so confirm current status with your agency before departure.
Tibet Entry Methods and Permit Checks Explained
Flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa
This is the most common option. At check-in, you must present:
- Valid passport
- Chinese visa (individual or group)
- Original or clearly printed color copy of the Tibet Travel Permit
All three documents are mandatory.
Entering Tibet Overland from Nepal
Overland entry offers a unique experience but involves higher uncertainty. Border openings may change due to policy adjustments, weather conditions, or road maintenance.
If open, your permit will specify the land entry point. After exiting Nepal, Chinese border officials will verify your passport, visa, and Tibet Travel Permit before entry.
Distant View of the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain a Chinese visa in my home country and then enter Tibet from Nepal?
Yes, if you hold a valid Chinese tourist visa, you can enter Tibet from Nepal using that visa together with the Tibet Travel Permit, without applying for a group visa.
Can I leave the group early once in Tibet?
This is extremely difficult. Group visas require group entry and exit. Early departure requires special approval and is rarely granted.
Preparing for Your Nepal–Tibet Journey
Successfully understanding how to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit when traveling from Nepal is a structured preparation process. The key steps include verifying passport and visa validity, selecting a qualified agency early, preparing complete documentation, and allowing sufficient processing time—ideally at least 30 days before travel.
The Tibet Travel Permit is the legal and administrative key to entering Tibet. While the process may appear complex, it ensures safe, legal, and smooth travel. By working with an experienced and fully licensed agency such as China Dragon Travel, risks are minimized and procedures are handled professionally.
Once the permit is secured, you are free to focus on what truly matters: anticipating Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes, deep cultural heritage, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If any detail remains unclear during preparation, always request written confirmation from your appointed agency to ensure full accuracy and peace of mind.
