Lhasa Travel Forum

Hello All!
I will be traveling to Tibet from China in early spring and have found nothing but conflicting information about the Tibet Permit and Alien Permit. I am wondering if anyone know how I can apply for one? Possibly while I am in the states? Is the permit necessary for travel on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway? I have searched for this info everywhere and it all says different things. Thanks for any help you can give. Best Wishes from Boston, MA!
~Mike

You need the permit to enter tibet. I was told it was actually harder to get the permit outside of China. The suggestion I was givien was to get it from a travel agency in China, that is what I did, it was the easiest.

Thnks for the reply! I was hoping I didnt have to go with a tour group, and it sounds like the Government there will not issue a Permit to a travel agency unless I am in that agency's tour group. Did you take the railway into Tibet?
Peace.
Mike

All permits are still necessary to travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region. In order to enter the TAR you need to have a Tibet Travel Permit. This can only be arranged in China through a travel agency. You cannot apply for it on your own. This permit is easy to get in Beijing, Chengdu and Xining. In Chengdu it takes about a day to arrange and costs around $50 per person. In Chengdu I would recommend getting your permit at a guesthouse such as Sim's Cozy Guesthouse (www.gogosc.com).

An Alien Travel Permit is needed for certain regions in the TAR. If you plan on going along the Friendship Highway from Lhasa to the Nepal border or Everest Base Camp, you will need one of these. These can be easily arranged in Lhasa or Shigatse through any travel agency.

Also, it is not necessary to be a part of a tour group. The only time you have to enter with a group is when you enter the TAR from Nepal. The tour group rule changed several years ago. You can now enter by yourself.

Thanks Losang!
Your inpout is greatly appreciated and I cannot wait to journey to Tibet!
Best Wishes!
Mike

Mike, lately I have seen lots of postings on VT saying you may be able to get away without one but believe me it is not worth it. Least is you will get held up at check points or worst.
You can contact travel agencies in Chengdu which specialize in Tibet travels, many are online and you can arrange a permit before you go.
If you are planning on trying the new railway out you also need to book ahead, rigth now it is one of the most popular travel route.
Enjoy