Tibet Travel Restrictions: 10 Must-Know FaQs Before You Go

Tibet is open to foreign travelers, but entry comes with specific regulations. All non-Chinese passport holders must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau through a registered travel agency. Independent applications are not possible, booking a tour with an authorized agency is the only way to secure this permit.

Beyond permit requirements, there are other important questions that could affect your trip. Below, we’ve summarized 10 key Tibet travel restrictions along with practical tips to help you plan a smooth, safe, and well-prepared journey.

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• 1. Can Foreigners Travel to Tibet?
• 2. How to Get a Tibet Travel Permit?
• 3. Does Visa-Free Travel Apply to Tibet?
• 4. Can I Travel Independently with a Tibet Travel Permit?
• 5. Can I Visit Anywhere in Tibet with a Tibet Travel Permit?
• 6. Can I Visit Tibet at Any Time of the Year?
• 7. How Can I Get Into Tibet?
• 8. Are There Any Age Restrictions for Visiting Tibet?
• 9. Is It Safe to Travel in Tibet? What Taboos Should I Know?
• 10. Can I Climb Mount Everest?

1. Can Foreigners Travel to Tibet?

Yes.

Tibet is open to foreign travelers, including U.S. and U.K. passport holders, with no quarantine requirements. The main condition is securing a Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit) through a licensed travel agency before arrival. 

A family enjoyed their trip to the Everest Base Camp

At China Highlights, we can arrange both your permit and a fully tailored tour itinerary. Our flexible booking policy means you can cancel up to three weeks before departure for a full refund, giving you peace of mind while planning your adventure.

If you're ready to explore the "Roof of the World", just contact us, we'll respond quickly and help you make your Tibet dream trip a reality.

2. How to Get a Tibet Travel Permit?

What does Tibet Travel Permit look like

All foreign travelers (including expats living in China) must have a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. The permit can only be arranged through a licensed travel agency; you cannot apply for it independently. Check for more details about Tibet Travel Permit.

Here are the steps for application:

1) Book your Tibet tour.

2) Send us your passport and China Tourist Visa (L Visa) copies.

• If you come from visa-free countries and your Tibet itinerary is less than 15 days, you only need to provide a passport photo to apply for the permit.
• If you are not from visa-free countries and don’t have a China Tourist Visa (L Visa), you’ll need extra documents from your company or school — we’ll tell you exactly what’s needed.

3) Once your permit is issued, it will be sent by express mail from Tibet to your last stop before entering Tibet.

4) Collect it from your guide or hotel, then enjoy your trip.

If you book with us, we can 100% guarantee your Tibet Travel Permit. Start the process early to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip. See 5-Day Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok Tour.

3. Does Visa-Free Travel Apply to Tibet?

If You Enjoy a 30-day Visa-free Entry：YES

If you come from countries such as Australia, Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain, or Singapore that enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to China, and your stay in Tibet is under 15 days, you do not need an additional Chinese visa; you only need a Tibet Travel Permit.

Simply send us a copy of your passport photo page, and we will arrange the Tibet Travel Permit for you.

If You Enjoy 10-day Visa-free Transit Policy: NO

China’s 10-day visa-free transit policy does not apply to the Tibet Autonomous Region. You must still obtain a Chinese visa if your itinerary includes Tibet.

4. Can I Travel Independently with a Tibet Travel Permit?

No.

Foreign travelers cannot travel in Tibet independently. All foreign visitors must join an organized tour arranged by a licensed travel agency. Your itinerary, transport, and guide will be part of the approved tour plan linked to your Tibet Permit.

Most tour activities, such as visiting monasteries or Tibetan families, require a knowledgeable local guide to accompany you. However, wandering around the streets or visiting restaurants on your own within towns is generally fine.

Visiting Tibetan families

Your guide will accompany the group for the entire trip, ensuring all travel routes comply with local policies. Having a local English-speaking guide makes your trip smoother and more enjoyable. 

Besides helping with efficient ticket arrangements, your guide's insights into Tibetan culture and lifestyle add a special touch to your experience.

As Tibet travel experts, we can tailor-make your itinerary, provide an excellent guide, and handle your Tibet Travel Permit application. Just leave us your email and interests to start planning your trip. Check our popular Tibet tours for inspirations.

5. Can I Visit Anywhere in Tibet with a Tibet Travel Permit?

No.

Having a Tibet Travel Permit does not allow you to visit all areas within Tibet. Currently, foreign tourists can visit most parts of Tibet, especially within Lhasa city and its surrounding districts. However, many regions remain restricted or require additional permits.

Mt. Kailash Yatra

For travel beyond Lhasa, such as to Shigatse, Shannan, Ngari, or Everest Base Camp, you must obtain extra permits besides the Tibet Travel Permit:

• Aliens' Travel Permit: Issued by local Public Security Bureau, this permit is needed to visit places outside Lhasa like Shigatse, Zedang, Nyingchi, Ngari, and EBC. 
• Military Permit: Necessary for trips to sensitive military zones such as parts of Ngari and Nyingchi or when traveling by land between Tibet and neighboring provinces like Yunnan or Qinghai.

Don't worry! We will handle all of these permits for you without any extra service fee. All you would need to do is to supply your passport and visa copies. Contact us if you have any question.

Additionally, some places remain completely off-limits to foreign visitors, including Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Lhamo La Tso, Yadong County, Chamdo, and locations where traditional sky burials take place. These areas are strictly controlled for cultural, religious, or security reasons.

Foreign tourists must travel only within the itinerary approved on their Tibet Travel Permit and be accompanied by an official tour guide at all times.

6. Can I Visit Tibet at Any Time of the Year?

Not quite. While Tibet is open for most of the year, but it typically closes to foreign travelers during Tibetan New Year (usually in February or March). 

This is the most important festival in Tibet, and for many years, the region has restricted entry to foreigners during this period. Tibet generally reopens in late March or early April.

If your travel dates fall in these closed months, you can still experience Tibetan culture by visiting other Tibetan autonomous areas in China, such as Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu, or Qinghai. 

West Sichuan

These regions do not require a Tibet Travel Permit, and poses a lower risk of altitude sickness compared to Tibet. They also offer stunning highland landscapes, sacred monasteries, and authentic Tibetan life.

You can check the following tours to get some ideas:

• 4-Day Shangri-La Exploration Tour - find 'the Sun and Moon in the Heart'
• 6-Day Xiahe, Langmusi and Zhagana Tour - a true taste of Tibetan culture outside Tibet
• 8-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangye, and Dunhuang Tour - miraculous Qinghai and legendary Silk Road

7. How Can I Get Into Tibet?

You can only enter Tibet from China's mainland or Nepal. There are no other international entry points. 

Entering Tibet From China's Mainland 

By Air: Most flights to Tibet (mainly Lhasa) depart from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangzhou, and especially Chengdu (the busiest hub for Tibet flights).

By Train: All trains to Lhasa pass through Xining, the start of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, famous for its breathtaking plateau scenery. You can board from cities like Beijing (40 hrs), Shanghai (48 hrs), Xi’an (30 hrs), Chengdu, Lanzhou, or Chongqing, but we recommend starting from Xining for a shorter 22-hour trip with one night on the train.

Qinghai–Tibet Railway

Entering Tibet From Nepal

Take a mountain flight in Kathmandu for a panoramic encounter with the Mt. Everest.

If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must apply for a China Group Visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. A regular China visa issued in any other country will not be valid for Tibet entry. 

Nepal’s policy does not allow individual travelers to apply on their own, so you’ll need to submit your application through a licensed travel agency in Nepal. It’s best to use an authorized agency rather than the stalls you may see on the street. Read more on How to Enter Tibet from Nepal.

By Air: Direct flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa take about 1.5 hours, offering spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas and Mt. Everest.

By Road: The overland journey via Gyirong Port is a popular option. The drive from Kathmandu to Gyirong takes around 6 hours.

8. Are There Any Age Restrictions for Visiting Tibet?

There is no official age limit for visiting Tibet. It's perfectly fine for kids, the elderly, or pregnant women to visit Tibet. 

However, the average altitude in Lhasa is about 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), and nearby areas such as Shigatse or Everest Base Camp can reach 5,200 meters (17,000 feet). At such altitudes, anyone, regardless of age, may experience discomfort.

For a safe trip, we recommend consulting your doctor before traveling, especially if you have heart conditions or high blood pressure. Upon arrival, take it slow and pay attention to your physical condition. Young children may have difficulty expressing their symptoms, so keep an eye on them. 

If you experience persistent headaches, fatigue, or other signs of altitude sickness, let your guide know immediately. We provide oxygen bottles for our clients, and if needed, your guide and driver will arrange medical assistance right away.

Oxygen bottles are always provided in the car

9. Is It Safe to Travel in Tibet? What Taboos Should I Know?

Tibet is generally very safe for travelers, even for solo female travelers. The region has a low crime rate, and most Tibetan people are friendly, honest, and trustworthy. If you encounter any problems, you can always contact your local guide or travel advisor for assistance. 

Interact with local people in Tibet

Still, it’s wise to take the usual precautions, such as taking good care of your belongings.

While safety is rarely an issue, cultural respect is essential. Tibet is a sacred Buddhist land, and locals are devout believers. Visitors are expected to follow local customs and avoid certain taboos to prevent misunderstandings or offense. For example:

• When entering a monastery, remove your hat and sunglasses, and dress modestly. Avoid shorts, mini-skirts, or revealing tops.
• Do not take photos inside temples without permission.
• Walk clockwise around religious sites such as Barkhor Street.
• Ask before photographing local people, some may ask for a small payment.
• Refrain from discussing sensitive political topics with locals.

By respecting local traditions, you’ll not only have a smoother trip but also deepen your connection with Tibet’s culture and people.

10. Can I Climb Mount Everest?

Many travelers visiting Tibet wish to see Mount Everest. However, as an ordinary tourist, you can only reach Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. This restriction is to protect the fragile environment and ensure visitors’ safety.

Travelers visiting Mount Everest

If you are a professional mountaineer planning to climb Everest from Tibet, you must obtain a Mountaineering License from the Tibet Mountaineering Association and permission from the General Administration of Sport of China. Additionally, every climber is required to be accompanied by a Tibetan or Sherpa mountain guide during the expedition.

For most travelers who simply want to admire Everest without climbing, visiting Everest Base Camp is the ideal choice. You only need the Tibet Travel Permit and Aliens' Travel Permit. The journey from Lhasa covers about 700 kilometers (430 miles) and typically takes three days, including overnight stays and sightseeing en route. See our 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour.