Visa & Travel Documents
The snow-capped Mount Everest and the majestic Lhasa Potala Palace, together with the rich Tibetan Buddhism culture, all constitute the world’s yearning and respect for Tibet. Many people think that Tibet is a place that people must visit in their lives. Of course, many international friends, ethnic Chinese and overseas Chinese are also included. Then, what documents do foreign tourists need to handle when they enter Tibet, and what are the whole procedures?
Documents required for foreign visitors to enter Tibet are the Tibet Travel Permit and visa. (Taiwanese tourists and overseas Chinese and ethnic Chinese also need to apply for the documents, and tourists from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau do not need to apply.)
Prepare Application Documents
To apply for a China visa, you need to complete an application form attached with your recently-taken color photo, prepare a valid passport, and submit them along with other supporting documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate which is in charge of your residence area. The supporting documents will refer to round-trip tickets, hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your China travel agency.
What you should prepare for applying Tibet Travel Permit is China Visa, passport and detailed tour itinerary. According to the visa you hold, you may need to prepare different documents. If you hold a tourist visa to apply for Tibet Travel Permit, you only need to provide scanned passport and visa. If you hold a work visa, visit visa, or study visa, you need to issue a work certificate or certificate letter when you provide the passport and visa. passport and visa are always needed. Besides, the Alien’s Travel Permit issued by the Public Security Bureau is required when tourists are planning to travel to the ‘unopened’ areas of Tibet, like Mount Everest Base Camp in Shigatse, Samye Monastery in Tsedang. The military area entry permit is required if tourists are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas in Tibet. Like Mount Kailash in Ngari, Rowok Lake in Chamdo.
How Long to Process Travel and Visa
Generally, it takes about two weeks to process a TTP. Theoretically, it can be completed as quickly as 3-4 days but often takes longer, which means that travel to Tibet shall be planned in advance by booking a tour with a registered travel agency, so the related personnel can get the original permit to you before going to Tibet.
China Tourist Visa – type L China visa is given to those visiting China for tourism, or visiting friends or relatives, or other private purposes, which is 30 days for foreign tourists. China visa is generally handled in 7-10 workings days.
Travel Tips
- Those people who have these diseases, such as severe hypertension, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, severe altitude sickness, cannot go to Tibet.
- Respect the local customs.
- Do a detailed plan in advance.
- Know the local customs before going to Tibet.
