Visa To Tibet

The tourist industry of Tibet is developing quite rapidly as it becomes more accessible to visitors. However, Tibet has a relatively limited capacity for the accommodation of visitors and this, coupled with the desire to protect traditional customs and cultural relics as well as the natural environment, means that the Chinese central government requires foreign tourists, as well as Chinese from particular districts, to obtain appropriate documentation prior to any visit. Similarly, visitors to Tibet are encouraged to travel in groups rather than as individuals.

Before traveling to Tibet, a foreigner must hold a valid passport and a visa from the Chinese embassy in his country. However, this does not apply in circumstances where the country of domicile has signed a protocol with China agreeing visa-exempt entry. The traveler must then apply for a travel permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. This may be done direct or through a travel agency. A travel agency will require all the usual basic information such as name, country of origin, age, gender, profession and passport number, travel route, travel dates and telephone number and so on. Alternatively, this information can be submitted directly to the Tibet Tourism Bureau or one of its branch offices. Presently, the Tibet Tourism Bureau has offices set up at home in Beijing, Chengdu, Golmud, Shanghai, Xian, and Hong Kong, and abroad in Nepal, Japan and America and so on. No matter which method is chosen, it is necessary to email or fax a copy of one's passport and visa to the office. Generally, there will be a wait of two to three days before receiving the permit. Consequently, an early application for a permit is recommended, since it is required when buying a ticket to Tibet.

Taiwaness are required to hold the same documents as foreigners; this also applies to overseas Chinese if they are non-Chinese passport holders. Hong Kong and Macau residents need only a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents or a Home-Visiting Certificate for Compatriots from Hong Kong and Macau. Please note that foreign journalists and political officials may not enter Tibet as tourists as they are required to obtain special certificates.

Whether Chinese or a foreigner, a special permit is required if you plan to travel in border areas such as Tingri, Pemako , Shiquanhe or Purang , etc. It is slightly complicated to get a permit, so you are advised to ask a travel agency to help you.

With the operation of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, more and more tourists will be heading for Tibet. The government is making preparations to simplify these complex procedures and open Tibet to the world. So, in the near future it should become less complicated to travel to Tibet.