TIBET PERMIT UPDATE 2012

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This thread is about travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.). This thread does not include information about Tibetan areas outside of T.A.R. For questions, about non-TAR Tibetan areas please search the TT and/or start a new thread.

For travelers wishing to travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region a permit is required along with your normal Chinese visa. This permit is checked by officials when boarding any flights to Lhasa, any trains to Lhasa and of course, at the land border crossing with Nepal (Friendship Hwy - Dram/Zangmu/Kodari).

Since 2008 the political situation in the region has deteriorated dramatically, and it is virtually impossible to travel independently as it was prior to 2008. Permits cannot be purchased separately from any source and must be procured through a registered travel agent. The travel agent is required by Chinese law to provide a local certified guide for the entire time you are in the T.A.R. There is currently no way around this rule.

Foreigners cannot travel on public transport in the T.A.R and local inhabitants are put at significant risk if travelers ask them for help in bypassing these rules.

Since 2008 the Chinese government has closed the T.A.R. during sensitive political anniversaries or when any large protests or unrest occurs. The most sensitive period is around March 10th to 14th - the anniversary of the Tibetan uprising in 1959 and the riots in 2008. The government bans the tourism bureau from issuing permits to travel agents during these "closure" periods. This year, 2012, the T.A.R has been closed since early February and is likely to open again in late March or early April.

It must be understood that these closures are based on the government's assessment of the political and security situation. There is no official reopening date given in advance, so unfortunately for travelers, it is very difficult to plan travel in Tibet during March or even early April. It is unlikely there will be more closures during 2012 – but this cannot be guaranteed by anyone. It is important to understand that there are always rumours flying about when closures may or may not happen – but in the end nobody knows exactly until the Tourism Bureau either stops or starts issuing permits.

A quick google search of "Tibet News" will usually give a range of news information and analysis relating to current unrest and protests in Tibetan areas.

So for first timers to planning a trip to Tibet here are some key things to consider when planning your time in Tibet: 1. There is no visa specific for Tibet. Travelers require a normal Chinese visa to enter Mainland China and in addition, a Tibet entry permit issued through a travel agent from the Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. Other permits may also be required for travel within the T.A.R. (also issued through your travel agent)

If entering Tibet from Nepal, you are required to have a "Group Visa" which is a document combining a Chinese visa and Tibet Permit. This Visa is only valid for the duration of your itinerary submitted to your travel agent plus two weeks, usually 21-28 days total and the time starts from the moment that you enter Tibet. It is difficult or impossible to extend this type of visa. It is difficult to impossible to leave the group and travel independently in China after your time in Tibet unless you specifically arrange for a separate "individual" group visa prior to the issuing of the visa.


Do NOT get a standard Chinese visa prior to arrival in Nepal as the Chinese consulate in Kathmandu will cancel it in order to issue your group visa.

Many people think they have to join a group tour to travel in Tibet. This is not true. You can negotiate with a travel agent for any level of service and any size "group". However, you must travel with a guide and the high cost of travel on the Tibetan plateau means that if you are a budget traveler, you'll most likely have to join or form a group to keep expenses within your budget. Permits are not issued instantly. It takes a day or two for the Tibet Tourism Bureau to issue the document. Since the original permit often is required to travel to Tibet, you need to plan in advance to receive the permit before you board the train or plane to Tibet.

These two websites often have up to date and detailed Tibet Travel information: www.cafespinn.com/en/tibet


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