Essential Visa Information and Travel Tips for Tibet

Travel to Tibet requires both a Chinese visa and a special Tibet Travel Permit. Since Tibet is an autonomous region of China, you will first need to obtain a standard Chinese visa, and your travel agency will then arrange the Tibet Travel Permit. Like Bhutan, travel to Tibet is generally only possible through organized tours.

Key Details:

• Chinese Visa: Before applying for a Tibet Travel Permit, you must first obtain a Chinese visa. This can be done at any Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or Kathmandu, Nepal (if you're entering Tibet from Nepal).
• Tibet Travel Permit: The Tibet Travel Permit is a special document required for entry into Tibet. This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is arranged by your travel agency as part of the tour package. It takes 4 working days at least to obtain this permit.
• Visa Processing: When entering Tibet from Nepal, your travel agency will also assist in obtaining a group Chinese visa, which can take a few days.
• Visa Cost: The visa cost for Tibet is usually bundled into the overall tour package.
• Passport Requirements: A valid passport with at least six months of validity is required. One  photo is required.

Travel Tips for Tibet:

• Credit Cards: Credit card usage is also limited in Tibet, with only a few larger hotels and stores in cities like Lhasa accepting them. In rural and remote areas, cash is essential, so it’s important to carry enough for your daily expenses and any purchases during your trip.
• Currency: The currency used in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). You can exchange major currencies such as USD, EUR, or GBP upon arrival at airports, banks, or major hotels in cities like Lhasa. It’s advisable to have Yuan on hand, as currency exchange services may not be available in remote areas.
• ATMs: ATMs are available in major cities like Lhasa, but like in Bhutan, they can be unreliable, and not all international cards are accepted. It is a good idea to withdraw enough cash at the start of your trip, particularly if you plan to travel outside the main urban centers, where ATMs are scarce or non-existent.