Foreigners need to apply Tibet entry travel permit, also called Tibet visa popularly, it is only valid in Lhasa around. And if they want to visit the deeper area of Tibet, they need to apply local travel permit again ( Alien’s travel permit, also PSB permit ).
Tibet Entry Permit (Tibet visa)
When you fly from any city to Lhasa you will need to show this permit when you check in at the airport. Furthermore, whenever you buy a flight to Lhasa you need to show this permit. TTB permits are also needed by groups traveling by Land Cruiser but this will be arranged by the travel agency organizing the trip.
Alien's Travel Permit ( PSB Permit )
If you want to go further to the "unopened" areas, you need an Alien's travel permit issued by PSB of Tibet. It is called "Alien's Travel Permit" or "PSB permit".
How to get the travel permits
Simply send us the photo page of your passport and Chinese visa page by e-mail or fax. And the information about your occupation is also required. Please aware: Only L visa , means tourism visa can apply Tibet entry permit from travel agency. The foreigners reside in China need to show their copy of residence paper. Journalist, reporters and diplomats can not apply travel permit from travel agency, they need to apply permit from the relating journalist and embassy department. It is through the copy of your China visa we can tell if it’s a L visa or F visa.
The time of procedure
It takes about 3-5 working days to apply the travel permit in minimum. But considered the efficiency of Tibet Tourism Bureau and too many applications, it will be better to apply it as early as possible in order to insure you get it in time.
Notice If you are coming to Lhasa from Kathmandu side, you need to apply Tibet entry permit from Tibet Tourism Bureau firstly, then apply China visa from Kathmandu China Embassy. And your original China visa applied in other places will be cancelled automatically. It can be done about one week with help from China travel agencies and Nepal travel agencies.
