Tibet Travel Permits

In order to travel within Tibet certain travel documents are required.  A Tibet visa is required for all foreign travelers. Two types of permits exist for visitors looking to enter Tibet: an entry permit known as a TTB Permit, and an Alien's Travel Permit known as a PSB Permit. We are happy to assist you in obtaining any necessary documents prior to your date of travel.

TTB Permit:  Tibet Entry Permit
Regardless of what city you are traveling from, upon your arrival in Lhasa you must present a TTB Permit at the airport. You will also need to present this permit when purchasing your airline tickets to Tibet. It is also necessary to have this document if you plan to travel by Land Cruiser as part of a travel group. The travel agency organizing your travel plans will typically arrange travel permits for you in this instance.

PSB Permit:  Alien's Travel Permit
An Alien’s Travel Permit or PSB Permit is required if you plan to travel further into the more remote, “unopened” areas. The permit is issued by the PSB of Tibet.

Important Issues About Obtaining Travel Permits
The only way you can obtain a Tibet travel permit is through the help of a travel agency. No travel permits will be issued to individuals. When booking with a travel agency they will often suggest that you book a Land Cruiser tour as part of a group in order to obtain a travel permit.
1. Almost anyone is eligible for a Tibet travel permit when working with a travel agency. The process requires that you present your full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, and nationality exactly as it appears on your passport. It is also important that you disclose your occupation because certain individuals such as journalists, diplomats, and government officials may have their travel permits revoked. Travelers practicing any of these occupations should contact the Foreign Affairs Office of the Tibet Government for a permit application. You should apply for your permit at least 10 days prior to your date of travel.
2. After showing your travel permit upon arrival at the Lhasa airport only your guide can hold your permit. Unless you have obtained an Alien's Travel Permit your travel is restricted to Lhasa. If you are approached by authorities outside of Lhasa and fail to show a PSB Permit you will be deported from Tibet and may experience political and financial difficulty as a result.

Cost of Tibet Travel Permit
A Tibet travel permit is obtained, not purchased. There is no fee for the document itself, but the Government of Tibet applies a service charge to each permit obtained. Also, because of paper work, processing, transportation, and delivery costs, the agency will also charge a servicing fee to obtain a permit.  These costs are typically included in the overall package for scheduled tours.

Duration of Travel Permit
It is typically necessary to allow 6-10 days when obtaining a Tibet travel permit. It is possible to express deliver permits within 6 days, but if possible allow more time in case of processing or delivery difficulties.

Something to consider
If you plan to travel to China as well as Tibet, or plan to enter Tibet from China, refrain from expressing interest in traveling to Tibet when applying for your Chinese visa. The Tibet permit easily can be obtained upon your arrival in China. You may first obtain your Tibet permit then apply for your Chinese visa, but do not mention you plan to travel to Tibet. There is a possibility that you may be refused entry into Tibet after arriving in China and applying for a Tibet travel permit, but this seldomly occurs unless you are a journalist, diplomat, or government official.