Visa & entry information

Tibet (TAR) visa information

Do I need a visa to travel to Tibet?

All nationalities require a Chinese visa or Tibetan Group Tourist Visa as well as a Tibetan Travel Permit to travel in Tibet.

Tibet Entry Permit

All visitors to Tibet require a special permit, regardless of where their trip originates from. When you travel with us, this will be arranged in advance by our local team.

To process the application, you will need to provide us with a scanned copy of your passport and your Chinese visa (more on this below).The permit is valid specifically for the duration of your trip. The cost of the permit is included in the cost of your Selective Asia holiday.

Entering Tibet from Nepal

If you are visiting Tibet from Nepal, and are not travelling to mainland China, you will be required to apply for a Group Tourist Visa in Kathmandu. You will need to complete the application form and provide a passport sized photo along with your passport. The permit processing time takes four working days, and your Selective Asia itinerary will need to be planned accordingly.

It is essential that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from your arrival into China and you will need a whole page free for the visa.

Entering Tibet from mainland China

If entering Tibet via mainland China you will need to obtain your visa in advance of travel at the Chinese embassy in your country of residence. You will need a single entry visa valid for the entire length of your holiday (covering both the China and Tibet portions of your trip). Once in China, you will then need to collect your Tibetan (TAR) Travel Permit from our representative.

You will require a minimum of two full working days in Beijing. NB: Tibetan (TAR) Travel Permits are on occasion, and often with no sufficient reason provided, not issued for a period of time often over dates of national significance.

It is essential that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from your arrival into China and you will need a whole page free for the visa.

We can only assist with arranging visas or permits for clients travelling with Selective Asia.