Lhasa Permits

All Tibet travel permits are issued at the Tibet Travel Bureau in Lhasa. Foreigners can not directly obtain a travel permit through this office. Only China-based travel agencies registered with the Central Tourism Bureau of China can obtain these permits.

In order for a permit to be issued, you must book a tour.  We will work with you to establish a finalized itinerary to the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).  Once your itinerary is set and your tour with us is booked, we can apply for the necessary permits.

We are able to offer a number of fixed travel itineraries to Lhasa and surrounding areas that have proven popular with travellers.  Alternatively, we are happy to work with you to create a unique itinerary specifically tailored to your wishes.

If you have a tourist visa, F visa, or Z visa allowing your travel or stay in China, we can process TAR permits for you. For those who are coming to China as tourists, as long as you obtain a tourist visa in your home country prior to arriving in China, we can submit the TAR permit paperwork for you.  Those with X, F, and Z visas are required to provide proof of study or work in China.  Therefore, a stamped letter from your employer or school stating your position as a staff member, business person, or student is necessary.

We cannot process permits for:

• Diplomats
• Journalists
• Press Agents
• Tibetan expatriates
• Anyone involved in organizations or activities that can be deemed politically sensitive, illegal in China, or disrupting harmony between the various ethnic groups residing in Tibet.

We will need a color scan of your passport and current Chinese visa. Your Chinese visa must be valid throughout the duration of your stay in Tibet.

Please keep in mind the permit processing time is 12 working days.

Please note: Visa extensions are extremely difficult to obtain in Tibet. If you will be needing a visa extension, plan to get your extension prior to your travel to the TAR.

Please make a note of the type of visa you are currently holding, and provide us with the following additional information:

• Tourist (L) visa holders do not need to provide any extra documentation.
• Business (Z) visas holders are required to send a copy of their work permit and an official letter from their company certifying their status within that company.
• (F) visa holders must also provide a letter from their company or school certifying their status within that company or school.
• Student (X) visa holders are required to provide proof of enrollment at their place of study. A letter including the official school stamp is needed.

The Qinghai – Tibet railway has become a very popular attraction since it’s completion in 2006.  During the tourist season starting in May and ending in late October, train tickets are difficult to obtain.  We endeavor to obtain tickets for our customers at the cheapest price possible.  However, great demand for Lhasa train tickets during the tourist season means that we are at times only able to obtain tickets at a higher than average price.