How to Get to Tibet from Nepal
There are two options to get into Tibet from Nepal. You can choose a land transfer or a flight option from Kathmandu, Nepal. There are three direct flight a week by Himalayan airlines and easy access by Overland through Rasuwagadi Border of Nepal. It is known Gyirung/ Kyirung Border for Tibet side.
Tibet Travel Routes from Nepal:
By Flight Route: Take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. This takes about 1.5 hours and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Kathmandu-Lhasa flight brings you spectacular view of Nepalese Himalayan ranges including Mount Everest and other snow cap Mountains.
By Land: Travel to Tibet overland via the Gyirong ( Kyirung) Port (the Nepal-Tibet border). This journey start from Kathmandu. You will experience the scenic landscapes of the Nepalese Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. It usually takes 3-4 days to reach Lhasa, including stops for sightseeing and acclimatization. It depends on the itinerary as per your comfort.
Get in to Tibet from mainland China
The cheapest way to get in to Tibet from China is by train. The main cities of China like Chengdu, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xian and Xining is connecting with railway to Tibet. You can book your railway ticket via online or contact travel agencies. The other way of getting to Tibet from China is with by flight. The Main cities in China has very good flight connections You can flight to Lhasa Gonggar airt from Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Xining and Guangzhou with direct flights.
1. What is different between Tibet Travel permit and Tibet Group Visa?
• Tibet Travel Permit: This is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is required for all foreigners traveling to Tibet. You cannot apply for it yourself. The local Registered travel agency must arrange it for you.
• Tibet Group Visa: A special visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, required for entry to Tibet from Nepal. Even if you already have a Chinese visa, it will be canceled and replaced with this group visa. The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu doesn’t issue two different visa (Chinese Visa and Tibet Group visa) at the same time as the Tibet is the Chinese territory now.
2. How to Apply for the Tibet Group Visa:
• After booking your trip with Dream Tibet Travel, We will help you apply for the group visa in Kathmandu. We will ask your required document before we apply the Tibet Group Visa.
You need to provide us a valid Passport copy at least six month valid and travel date with tour itinerary.
Do you need Visa assistance service in Kathmandu, Nepal?
We are a authorize Tibet Visa agency in Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, Dream Tibet Travel will assist you to apply your Tibet group visa. We need follow document from you.
· A valid passport.
· A copy of your Tibet Travel Permit (arranged by the agency).
· Visa processing takes about 3-5 business days. (Monday to Friday Except Govt Holiday)
Tibet Group Visa Rules and polices:
The Tibet Group Visa will attach with the group members in the tour group. It has specific conditions that you must follow:
- Group Travel:
• All travelers listed on the same group visa must enter and exit Tibet together.
• The group cannot split at any point during the trip.
- One Visa for the Whole Group:
• A single visa document will be issued with the names and passport details of all group members.
• If you’re joining a group, ensure everyone agrees on the same travel dates and route.
- Entry and Exit Together while you are having same visa.
• You must enter Tibet through the same border or airport and exit together from the designated exit point.
• Changing plans or separating from the group is not allowed.
- Tibet Group visa Validity:
• The group visa is typically valid for 15-30 days, depending on your travel itinerary. it cannot be extended or modified once it has issued.
Tips for you comfortable Tibet Trip
• Work with Dream Tibet Travel or a reliable travel agency, as We handle all the permits and visa arrangements.
• Plan your schedule carefully with your group to avoid conflicts and get all the information before you sign up the tour with us.
• Be prepared for the trip with high altitudes sickness by acclimatizing gradually, especially if traveling overland to Mount Kailash , Everest Base Camp and Center Tibet.
Why is a Tibet Travel Permit Still Required when you have Chinese Visa?
Tibet has special administrative regulations, and entry is restricted for foreign travelers. The Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for all foreign nationals, regardless of whether they need a Chinese visa or not. This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa.
How to Get the Tibet Travel Permit?
Arrange Through a Travel Agency:
You cannot apply for the permit yourself; it must be arranged by an authorized Tibet travel agency by Provide a scanned copy of your passport and Tour itinerary.
• Processing Time:
The Tibet Travel processing will take about 15-20 days to process the permit, so plan your trip accordingly.
Tibet Alien Travel permit:
It is depending on your itinerary in Tibet, additional permits like the Alien Travel Permit or Military Permit might be required. Your travel agency will arrange these permit as per your tour itinerary in Tibet.
Visa-Free Access to China for 2025
As of November 30, 2024, China has expanded its visa-free entry policy to include citizens from 38 countries, allowing stays of up to 15-30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.
Visa-free-European Countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Visa fee Asian Countries: Japan, Malaysia, Singapore.
China Visa free Oceania countries : Australia, New Zealand
Do the China Free Visa free countries need a Tibet travel permit?
Even with a visa-free entry to China, you cannot enter Tibet without the required permits.
Independent travel in Tibet is not allowed for foreigners. You must join an organized tour and travel with a licensed guide in Tibet
Know more about the free China visa policy:
1. Duration: Citizens from the above countries can stay in China for up to 15-30 days without a visa.
2. Purpose: The visa-free entry applies to business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.
3. Implementation Date: This policy is effective from November 30, 2024.
4. Validity Period: The current visa-free arrangement is valid until December 31, 2025.
More about Tibet Travel Permit: All foreign travelers intending to visit the Tibet Autonomous Region must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit. This permit is mandatory and must be arranged through a registered travel company in Tibet.
Special Tibet Travel Permit: Certain areas in China may have additional entry requirements or restrictions. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your travel agency before planning your visit to China and Tibet.
Important notes for China Tibet Visa policy:
It is also important to note that China Tibet visa requirements and regulations can be change frequently, we suggest you make sure with the Chinese government sources or the Chinese Embassy/Dream Tibet Travel or local travel company before you book the Tibet tour.