FAQs on Tibet Travel Permit 2013

The situation of Tibet permit is a little changeable. Based on the 2013 Tibet permit policy, Tibettravel org, a local Tibet travel agency answers the FAQs on Tibet Travel Permit 2013.  

 

1. I am travel alone. Is it possible for me to get Tibet permit?

 

Yes. Since April of 2013, the limitation on group size has been removed. Solo travelers can also get Tibet permit easily this year.

 

2. Is there still restriction on the nationality of travelers to Tibet?

 

No. Both the restriction on nationality and group size has been lifted. No matter which country you are from and how many of you, you can easily travel to Tibet in 2013.  

 

3. Do I need a Tibet permit to book air or train tickets to Lhasa?

 

No. Your passport number is needed to book air/train tickets to Lhasa. But you are required to show your Tibet permit when boarding the train to Tibet or flight. 

 

4. Can I just use a copy of Tibet permit to board the train or flight to Lhasa?

 

If you fly to Lhasa, the original Tibet permit is required. If you take a train to Tibet, a copy of the Tibet permit is OK.  

 

5. How much is the cost of a Tibet permit?

 

Tibet travel org only helps travelers to apply for Tibet permit, does not sell Tibet permits because it is illegal. Thus, the cost for a Tibet permit includes both the fee charged by the government and the service fees by our travel agency. 

 

6. What all travel permits do I need to apply for if I travel to Tibet?

 

You only need a Tibet entry permit or TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) permit if you just want to have a few days in Lhasa city or somewhere near Lhasa. However, if you travel outside of Lhasa to some areas like Mt. Everest, Tsedang, Nyingchi, you still need Alien’s travel permit or PSB (Public Security Bureau) permit. If you travel to military areas of Tibet, you still need military permit. In fact, you do not need to worry about it. Tibet travel org will take care of them all if you book Tibet tour from the agancy.

 

7. Can I get the permit in my country before arriving in China?

 

Generally not, because this will make the cost high if international delivery is used. As a common practice, you will get your permit after your arrival in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu where you enter Tibet by train or air. Tibet travel org will deliver the permit to the hotel that you book in a specific city; you just need provide the travel agency with the name, address and phone number of your reserved hotel.

 

8. Is it possible to extend my visit in Tibet after my permit expires?

 

Yes, it is possible to extend your visit, but it is better to apply for a longer time than that you intend to stay in Tibet for it takes a few days for the Tibet Tourism Bureau to accept your application.  

 

9. Can I apply for Tibet permit by myself?

 

Currently, the answer is NO because foreign travelers are required to make a Tibet tour organized by an authorized Tibet travel agency and the Tibet travel permit 2013 is also needed to be applied through a travel agency.