Must-have Documents for Foreign Guests Entering Tibet
Must-have Documents for Foreign Guests Entering Tibet
Tibet is a sensitive border area, and there are restrictions on entry into Tibetan areas, mainly due to geopolitical, security management, cultural preservation and ecological protection considerations. Foreigners are required to apply for a Tibetan entry letter to ensure that tourists conduct their activities in a regulated environment. This protects Tibet's cultural and natural environment and reduces the risk of potential conflicts caused by language, religious or cultural differences.
Besides the usual documents such as passport, Visa, etc. Some necessary documents for foreigners going to Tibet：
1. Tibet Travel Permit (all area in Tibet)
Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Travel Confirmation Letter and Visa for Tibet, is issued by the Tourism Bureau and is a mandatory entry endorsement for foreign tourists to enter Tibet. If visitors do not apply for the Tibet Travel Permit in advance, they will not be able to take airplanes, trains and other means of transportation to Tibet.
According to the relevant regulations, the Tourism Bureau does not accept the application for the Letter of Entry from individual tourists, and the application must be made through the local qualified travel agency in Tibet, which will arrange the hotels, tour guides, coaches, etc. in the relevant itinerary.
Processing time of Tibet entry letter: about 14 working days
Tips：Trains into Tibet with a copy of the letter of entry can be on the train, the original letter of entry is required to enter Tibet by air, so please prepare the documents in advance!
2.Border Defense Permit (Zhangmu, Everest, Ali)
Also called border pass. If you travel to Tibet just to Lhasa without a border pass, if you go to Zhangmu, Everest, Ali, these border places or control zones must be applied for. This document is issued by the local travel agency after getting the Tibet entry letter, and then go to the relevant departments to apply for.
3.Military Area License (Ali)
If foreigners want to travel to some military non-open areas in Tibet (such as Ali area, etc.), they also need to apply for a military area permit. This document is obtained by the local travel agency after getting the Tibet entry letter and then go to the relevant department to apply for it
4.Travel Permit for Foreigners(Linzhi, Samye Monastery, Everest)
For scenic spots such as Linzhi (Bashongtso etc.), Samye Monastery, Everest etc., in addition to the Tibet Entry Approval Letter, the scenic spots stipulate that you need to apply for a foreigner's travel certificate. This document is handled by the local travel agency after getting the letter of approval to enter Tibet and then go to the relevant departments to apply for it.
Please check your itinerary before departure and be well prepared for your Tibet trip!
Feel free to contact us for any help or suggestion about the Tibet tour.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
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Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
