Tibet FAQ
Tibet: Visas
You will need a travel permit for Tibet, which we will arrange for you. It takes at least 10 business days to get a travel permit.
If you are traveling through China to get to Tibet, you will also need to get a Chinese visa ahead of time. If you are traveling through Nepal, then you do not get a Chinese visa ahead of time.
Tibet
The Tibet Travel Permit will be handled for you as they can only be issued in Nepal or China.
You will also need a Chinese visa. If you are going to Tibet through Kathmandu, you will get the visa in Kathmandu. If you are traveling through China (Chengdu), you will need to get your visa before you travel.
China
The Chinese visa must be acquired before arrival if you are flying through a Chinese city that is not Lhasa. The Chinese visa is currently $198/person for U.S. nationals.
You either need to apply for your visa at a Chinese visa consulate in person, or you need to use a visa service (you cannot mail in for a visa).
You will need to send in the following to apply for your Chinese visa:
- Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip and must have at least 2 blank pages (remember you may need more blank pages if you are going to Nepal or Bhutan or elsewhere).
- Chinese visa application form – do not mention Tibet or Hong Kong on your application form or it will be denied. You must list your hotel and contact information.
- Flight itinerary – must show flight into Chengdu, no exit flight is necessary.
- Hotel confirmation – we will send you this for your hotel in Chengdu.
- One passport size photo -- 2” x 2” on white background.
- Visa service application form
- Photocopies of all documents – keep on file.
Unless you are requesting rush service, allow 7 business days for processing, which does not include shipping time. We recommend that you send your visa application by Fed Ex or certified mail to protect your passport.
For people living in the U.S., we are recommending G3 Visas and Passports, but there are also other companies that can help:
Nepal
Everyone needs a visa for Nepal except for Indian nationals. The Nepal visa can be purchased in advance or upon arrival at the airport. It costs $30/person and is good for 60 days. If you get the visa at the airport, you will also need a passport-sized photo. These can also be purchased at the airport. NEPAL VISA >>