Who need Tibet Entry Permit?
1. Foreigners who hold foreign passports
2. Taiwan compatriots
3. Overseas Chinese who hold foreign passport(residents in Hong Kong and Macao who has passports of Chinese Special Zone or China Re-entry Permit do not need Tibet Travel Permit)
Why foreigners need Tibet Entry Permit
Because of the special culture and tradition of Tibet, the transportation condition and the capacity of receiving, and at the same time, in order to protect the precious cultural relics and entironment, the government stipulates that the foreigners who will travel in Tibet should apply for Tibet entry Permit approved by Tibet Bureau. Moreover, foreign journalists, diplomats and government officials should travel to Tibet under the arrangement by the Foreign Affairs Office.
Difference between Tibet Entry Permit and Alien's Travel Permit
Tibet Entry Permit is the basic document you need when traveling in Tibet. When changing for your boarding pass, book train tickets and hotel, you need to show both your passport and your Tibet Entry Permit. Holding Tibet Entry Permit, you can travel in Lhasa region including Lhasa city, Yumdrok Yuntso, Ganden, Tsuphu, Namtso, Drigung Til and Reting. It is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. And it can be applied by Travel agency.
However, if you want to travel in"unopened regions" in Tibet, such as Gyantse, Sakya, Tsetang and Shigatse ect, the Alien's Travel Permit issued by Public Security Bureau is also needed. When applying for Tibet Travel Permit, a copy of your passport is enough, while applying for Alien's Travel Permit, Your original passport is necessary. Usually, upon your arrival in Lhasa and check in the hotel on the first day, our tour guide will ask for your original passports and Tibet Permits, and go to the Public Security Bureau to apply on the second day, you can get the PSB at the same day. You don't have to come in person.
How to get Tibet Entry Permit
Travel agency who arrange your itinerary could apply for the permit for you. What you should provide with is the basic personal information including name, nationality, age, sex, occupation and passport number, your travel itinerary and schedule. And at the same time, copy or scan the first page of your passport and visa to travel agency. And they can apply for it for you. Although the permit can be issued in 3 working days generally, you still should apply for it as early as possible, considering the travel agency needs it to book hotel and tickets for you. As you entering into Tibet, the Tibet Entry Permit will be kept by your guide.
Why does not travel agency apply for Tibet Entry Permit without arrangement of your tour?
Please note that no travel agency can provide"permit-only" service. You should confirm that your travel itinerary will be arranged by them and then they can apply for your permit. Tourists are not allowed to bring with it and travel to anywhere they want. Once you are stopped by police, you will be sent out of Tibet or have troubles. At the same time, the travel agency which applies for the permit for you will be in travel too, so no legitimate travel agency will provide "permit-only" service for you.