17-09-2023
Tibet is a dream land for many of us, which isn’t an exception for overseas guests either. However, in comparison with Chinese residents, foreigners who intend to visit Tibet for traveling need to apply for Tibet Travel Permit. You may wonder what Tibet Travel Permit is and why foreigners have to apply for this to enter Tibet. And who are the other particular groups of people that need to get such a permit excluding foreigners? Check out the regulations and restrictions for foreigners to travel to Tibet below.
1. Is Tibet open to tourists? Can foreigners go to Tibet?
Sure! Tibet is open to tourists, and foreigners are welcome to this wonderland. In addition, from August 30th of 2023, foreign tourists no longer need a negative Covid-19 test result when entering China according to the latest regulation, which also applies to traveling to Tibet. In other words, Tibet has removed all travel restrictions of the pandemic since early 2020. Now, foreigners from all countries of the world can visit Tibet.
2. Can foreigners go to Tibet without a tour?
No, it is not possible for foreigners to travel to Tibet without a tour. The government requires all foreigners to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit and travel with a licensed tour guide. This policy is in place to regulate tourism in Tibet, as well as to ensure the safety and security of visitors. So, independent travel in Tibet is not allowed to foreign tourists, and you must go with an organized tour led by a registered travel agency who will also arrange for the Tibet Travel Permit.
A private family tour in Tibet can be arranged
3. Why do foreigners need to get Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet?
It is out of the necessity to preserve the unique ethnic traditions and culture relics and to conserve the ecological environment of Tibet, that Chinese government has made a regulation that people without Chinese IDs, inclusive of tourists from another country, tourists from Taiwan or Overseas Chinese (who holds passports of another country), have to apply for “the permit issued for foreigners who want to enter Tibet for touring” , known worldly as “Tibet Travel Permit” issued by the Tourism Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region. Meanwhile, foreigners with occupancies as journalists, diplomats or government officials shall travel to Tibet through Foreign Affairs Bureau.
The Tibet Travel Permit will list your itinerary in Tibet
4. What requirements should foreigners meet to enter Tibet?
The only legal way for foreign tourists to travel in Tibet is through a travel agency. They have to present Tibet Travel Permit when boarding an airplane or train to Tibet. There is also a specific provision that foreigners should not travel on their own freely but in a group accompanied by tour guides during the entire stay in Lhasa. Though, there is no restriction on age for traveling to Tibet from the authority, we suggest elder tourists who are over 65 years ask for doctor's advice.
5. Can foreign tourists travel anywhere with Tibet Travel Permit？
The answer is negative. Currently, foreign tourists are allowed to visit most parts of Tibet. However, some areas in Tibet are not yet open to foreign tourists, such as Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Lhamo La Tso, Yadong County, and Chamdo. Plus, foreigners are not allowed to go to the sites where the sky burials are implemented in Tibet. Foreign tourists can only travel in the range of the itinerary listed on the Tibet Travel Permit they hold and with the companionship of tour guides.
Tibet Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular destinations for foreign travelers
6. How can citizens from Hong Kong and Macao travel in Tibet?
Citizens from Hong Kong and Macao holding passport of China Special Administrative Region，can visit Tibet without Tibet Travel Permit if they have got Mainland Travel Permit with them.
7. Can foreign journalists and diplomats travel to Tibet?
While Tibet welcomes foreigners of all backgrounds, journalists and diplomats are subject to different regulations when it comes to traveling to Tibet. If you fall into one of these special categories, you won't be able to find a travel agency that can assist you with obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit or arrange a Tibet tour. Instead, you'll need to receive approval from the China Foreign Affairs Office before you can embark on your journey to Tibet.
8. Foreigners can travel to Tibet by plane, train or road
There are flights and trains to Tibet from different Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Xi’an, etc. Meanwhile, there are four major road trip routes via Qinghai-Tibet, Xinjiang-Tibet, Yunnan-Tibet and Sichuan-Tibet highway. Self-drive tours or bicycle tours to Tibet can also be arranged, but foreign tourists should be accompanied by a local guide and a support vehicle all the way along as per the regulations.
9. Foreigners can go to Tibet from Nepal with different visa policy
Nepal is the only country that has an international flight to Tibet. There are daily flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa during high season (May to October). Meanwhile, travel by overland via two borders (Gyirong and Zhangmu) is another option, which allows you to take a road trip along the famous China Nepal Friendship Highway. Please just note that foreign tourists are required to apply for a special Chinese Group Visa (which can only be issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu) if you plan to go to Tibet from Nepal. Check more details at the link:
Nepal to Tibet
10. Foreigners should avoid traveling to Tibet in March
Please be aware that Tibet is usually closed to international tourists from late-February till the end of March every year because of several important events. But the authority will still work during the closure and issue the Tibet Permits for foreign tourists who plan to travel to Tibet in April (Generally, Tibet reopens from April 1st.)
Generally speaking, while it is no problem for foreigners to travel to Tibet, it just requires careful planning in advance, and adherence to regulations. By working with a registered tour company and obtaining the necessary permits, you can experience the unique culture and beauty of Tibet.
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