Entry Permission to Tibet

There are two kinds of permits issued for traveling in Tibet: the entry permit (TTB permit, equivalent of a visa for Tibet) and the Alien travel permit (PSB permit). China Travel Compass provides both types of permit.


When you fly into Lhasa you will need to show this permit when checking in at the airport. Also, in order to buy a flight to Lhasa in the first place you will need to show this permit. Tibet Permits are also needed by groups traveling by Land Cruiser, but this will be arranged by the travel agency organizing the trip. Following is a picture of a Tibet Permit (click on the picture to enlarge):


PSB Permit - Alien Travel Permit
If you want to "restricted" areas in Tibet, you will need an Alien travel permit issued by the PSB (Public Security Bureau) of Tibet. The Alien travel permit is also sometimes referred to as the PSB permit. Following is a picture of the Alien travel/PSB permit :


We can help you get these Entry Permission if you reserved a tour with our company. The cost is around 10 US$ per person. If you have not booked a tour, the travel agencies can not help you get the Permission.

If you need us to help you with your Entry Permission, please send us the follwoing information to our company Email : Info@chinatravelcompass.com.

Full name
Passport number
Nationality
Gender
Date of birth
Occupation.
And please send us a copy of your passport via fax or a scan copy via email.

Important Issues regarding Tibet travel permits

1. Tibet travel permits may be acquired through a travel agency, except by the following groups of people: diplomats, journalists, and government officials; People falling within these categories need to contact the Foreign Affairs Office of the Tibetan Government in order to arrange a permit.

2. After you have got a Tibet travel permit, a travel agency can buy you the air tickets, and only with the permit in hand can you pass the airport check-in counter.

3. Once in Tibet, your tour guide is required to retain your permit. You may not carry it on your person, or travel within Tibet with it in your possession. The Alien Travel Permit is required for travel outside of Lhasa. If you attempt to travel outside of Lhasa with only a Tibet entry permit and are stopped by the police, you will be sent out of Tibet, and could face legal difficulties. Furthermore, the travel agency which helped you acquire the permit could also face sanctions.

Do not trust a travel agency that offers to sell you a Tibet travel permit without requiring you to book a tour. No legitimate travel agency will offer "permit-only" service. Avoid wasting your money, as this is almost certainly a scam.

4. There is a service charge (imposed by the government) that must be paid in order to get a Tibet travel permit. ATT will also charge a minimal fee for the time, paper work, and to reimburse the transportation and delivery fees involved in acquiring a Tibet travel permit.

Question: How much does a Tibet permit cost?

Answer: First of all, please note that we never SELL a permit. We only help you obtain a permit from the local authorities. As mentioned above, the cost of a permit includes the government charges and the ATT service fee. This cost will be included in your tour package quotation.

Question: How long does it take to get a Tibet travel permit?

Answer: Generally it takes three days to get the Tibet permit if you supply all of the necessary documents, and another 3 days (or more) to Express Deliver the permit.

Tip: When applying for a Chinese visa, it is generally better not to mention Tibet. After you get your Chinese visa, a Tibet travel permit is easily obtained. Otherwise you will have to wait for your Tibet permit before getting your Chinese visa. Of course, there is always the slight risk that you might be refused entry to Tibet even if you get a Chinese visa first. In our experience, the TTB seldom refuses entry to tourists unless they belong to one of the categories of people mentioned above (diplomats, journalists, government officials)