Visa Guidelines for Tibet

Visa required before arrival

Thinking about visiting Tibet? Here’s a simple breakdown on how to get your tourist visa.

Guidelines for Visiting Tibet

If you’re planning to visit Tibet, here are the detailed guidelines you need to follow, depending on whether you’re entering via China Mainland or Kathmandu, Nepal:

Entering Tibet via China Mainland

Chinese Visa Application

• Apply for a Chinese visa in your home country. Any required documents for the Tibet portion of your trip can be provided.
• Once approved, it takes 3 days to 1 week to get the Chinese visa.

Visa Free Entry

As of now, travelers from the following countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days:

• Latin America (effective June 1, 2025): Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay
• Gulf Countries (effective June 8, 2025): Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar
• Central Asia (effective July 16, 2025): Azerbaijan

Existing 38 Countries (valid through December 31, 2025; subject to extension):

Australia, Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brunei, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Note: Extensions to this policy may be announced by the Chinese government towards the end of 2025.

Tibet Travel Permit Requirements

• Passport Copy: Submit a color scan of your passport at least 30 days before your travel date.
• Chinese Visa Copy: Submit a copy of your Chinese visa at least 20 days before your travel date.
• Permit Delivery: The Tibet Travel Permit will be delivered to any city in China before you travel to Lhasa. This permit is required at immigration to enter Tibet.
• Gateway City Stay: It is recommended to stay at least one night in a gateway city in China before flying to Lhasa.

Entering Tibet via Kathmandu, Nepal

Tibet Group Visa Application

• Apply for a Tibet Group visa.
• The process takes 4 working days (Monday to Friday).

Important Update: System Upgrade & Delays

• The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has begun an online visa review process.
• After filling out the application form, it must be submitted online.
• Once submitted, the Embassy will email a confirmation of approved submission.
• Only after this can we proceed with visa fee payment and passport submission at the visa center.

However, due to a system upgrade, the form cannot be submitted in a timely manner, and visa collection cannot be guaranteed on time.

Recommendation:Please arrive in Kathmandu at least 6–7 days before applying for the visa. The visa collection process may take a week or more after online submission.

Required Documents for Tibet Group Visa

• Photo (Size should be 33mm*48mm)
• Scanned Copy of Passport Front Page
• Scanned Copy of 2 Blank Pages on Passport
• Scanned Copy of Previous Chinese Visa (If applicable)
• Scanned Copy of Invitation Letter from Xizang
• Scanned Copy of Tibet Itinerary
• Travel History within 12 months

Ensure all personal information is thoroughly provided for the online application, and be prepared to submit any additional documents if requested by the Embassy.

New Rules for Tibet Group Visa

• A minimum of 4 travelers is required to apply for a group visa for Tibet.
• However, 1 person may still enter using a group visa if 3 additional names are included as “absent members” (not traveling).
• The Tibet Group visa is valid in China as well.
• Group travelers must stay together in both Tibet and China and exit the country together.

General Information

• The passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of Tibet travel and must be an ordinary passport.
• If a new passport is required after applying, notify immediately to avoid trip cancellation.
• Blank Pages: Must have at least 2 empty visa pages.
• Ordinary Passports Only: Diplomatic, official, or other special passports are not accepted for Tibet travel.

Chinese Visa and Tibet Visa Validity

• If applying for a Tibet visa in Kathmandu, a Chinese visa is not needed.
• The Tibet visa will also be valid for China mainland. Inform about the China itinerary and length of stay to apply for the correct visa. Avoid splitting or extending the Tibet Group visa, as it can be complicated and may be refused by authorities.

Chinese Embassy Holidays

The Chinese Embassy closes during several government holidays but may accept visa applications in advance and issue visas upon verifying the original passport. Urgent visa fees and necessary documents are required.

Cultural Sensitivity and Safety

Briefing and orientation in Tibet are crucial for cultural sensitivity and safety precautions.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to Tibet. Planning ahead and having all the necessary documents ready is essential for an enjoyable trip.