Tibet Visa, permit formalities

Tibet Visa Formalities

1. Entering Tibet via China Mainland
A. Apply for a Chinese Visa in Your Home Country
Documents Required for Chinese Visa Application:
Passport (with at least six months validity)
Passport-sized photographs
Completed visa application form
Proof of travel itinerary (flight tickets, hotel reservations)
Invitation letter (if applicable)
Any additional documents specific to the individual's situation
Note: We can provide any necessary supporting documents.

B. Chinese Visa Processing Time
Processing Time:
After submitting the visa application, it generally takes 3 days to 1 week for the visa to be approved and issued.
Additional Steps for Traveling to Tibet:

After obtaining the Chinese visa, you will also need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit. This permit is mandatory for all foreign travelers and can only be arranged through a licensed travel agency.
The Tibet Travel Permit typically takes about 10-15 days to process, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Required Documents for Tibet Travel Permit
A. Color Scan Copy of Passport
Submission Timeframe: At least 30 days prior to the travel date.
B. Copy of Chinese Visa
Submission Timeframe: At least 20 days prior to the travel date.
C. Delivery of Tibet Travel Permit
The travel agency will deliver the Tibet Travel Permit to any city in China.
D. Requirement at Immigration
The Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory and must be presented at immigration to enter Tibet.

2. Entering Tibet via Kathmandu, Nepal
A. Apply for Tibet Group Visa
Visa Processing Time: 4 working days (Monday to Friday).
Required Documents for Tibet Group Visa
A. Color Scan Copy of Passport
Submission Timeframe: At least 30 days prior to the travel date.
B. Color MRP Size Photo
To be provided once clients arrive in Kathmandu.
C. Arrival in Kathmandu
Guests must plan their arrival in Kathmandu in accordance with the Embassy visa working days and flight schedule.

Important Information
3. Passport Consistency
Once a guest provides a copy of their passport 30 days prior to applying for the Tibet permit, the same passport must be used to travel to Tibet. If a new passport is needed due to any situation, immediate notification is required. Failure to notify may lead to trip cancellation.

4. Passport Validity
Passports must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of Tibet travel and must be ordinary passports.

5. Chinese Visa Requirement
A Chinese visa is not required if applying for a Tibet visa in Kathmandu. The Tibet visa will also be valid for travel in mainland China. If traveling to China, provide your China itinerary and length of stay to apply for the appropriate visa. Avoid splitting or extending the Tibet Group visa for further travel in China, as this can be complicated and may be refused by authorities.

6. Chinese Embassy Closures
The Chinese Embassy is closed during several government holidays but accommodates by accepting visa applications in advance and issuing visas upon verification of the original passport. An urgent visa fee and all necessary documents are required.

7. Briefing and Orientation in Tibet
Briefing and orientation before traveling to Tibet is essential for geographical and cultural sensitivity and safety precautions.