{"id":92,"date":"2008-07-30T21:47:43","date_gmt":"2008-07-30T21:47:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/withinrch.wordpress.com\/?p=92"},"modified":"2008-07-30T21:47:43","modified_gmt":"2008-07-30T21:47:43","slug":"ins-and-outs-of-getting-a-tibet-permit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2008\/07\/30\/ins-and-outs-of-getting-a-tibet-permit\/","title":{"rendered":"In’s and Out’s of Getting a Tibet Permit"},"content":{"rendered":"

With all the travel to China for the Olympics, the rules have changed to get a Chinese visa, which impacts many people traveling to Tibet.\u00a0 Here is everything you need to know to get your Tibet travel permit and your Chinese visa.<\/p>\n

Tibet<\/h3>\n

All travelers going to Tibet will need a travel permit for Tibet<\/a>, which must be arranged for you by a local tour operator. If you are traveling through China to get to Tibet, you will also need to get a Chinese visa ahead of time<\/strong>. If you are traveling through Nepal, then you do not <\/strong>get a Chinese visa ahead of time.<\/p>\n

The travel permit to Tibet will be handled for you as they can only be issued in Nepal or China. The visa is $135\/person for U.S. citizens and $45\/person for all other countries, subject to change.<\/p>\n

\"Barkhor<\/a>

Barkhor Square with Potala Palace in the distance<\/p><\/div>\n

China<\/h3>\n

The Chinese visa must be acquired before arrival if you are flying through a Chinese city that is not Lhasa.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

You will need to send in the following to apply for your Chinese visa:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Passport \u2013 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).<\/li>\n
  2. Chinese visa application form \u2013 do not mention Tibet or Hong Kong on your application form or it will be denied. You must list your hotel and contact information.<\/li>\n
  3. Flight itinerary \u2013 must show flight into Chengdu, no exit flight is necessary.<\/li>\n
  4. Hotel confirmation \u2013 we will send you this for your hotel in Chengdu.<\/li>\n
  5. One passport size photo — 2\u201d x 2\u201d on white background.<\/li>\n
  6. Visa service application form<\/li>\n
  7. Photocopies of all documents \u2013 keep on file.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    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 FedEx or certified mail to protect your passport.<\/p>\n