Chinese Visa
1.  Entering Tibet from Mainland China
Tibet is part of China territory and is under the jurisdiction of the Chinese laws and regulations. Visa for individual travel in China are quite easy and fast to get from most Chinese embassies and consulates. Most Chinese embassies will issue a standard 30-day, single entry tourist visa in three to five working days ('L' means travel). On request, some embassies abroad may give you a 60 or even 90 days.  If you want more flexibility to enter and leave China several times, most Chinese embassies will issue a double-entry or multiple-entry visa. Usually only ' L' visa can travel in Tibet, but recently a resident or business visa still can travel in Tibet after submitting some additional information to Tibet Tourism Bureau.

 
2. Entering Tibet from Nepal
If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal either by air or by overland trip, you have to get a Chinese Group Visa in the Chinese Embassy of Kathmandu, whether you have already your individual Chinese visa or not. Group Visa is a A4 size sheet of paper, with a complete group list contains passport number, date of birth and profession. The dates of entry and exit are precisely mentioned on the group visa. Normally, the visa is valid for the length of the trip you have booked but it's possible to get visa for few additional days, for stay in Lhasa only. If you will travel to other cities in China after your Tibet tour, you have to fill in the names of the cities when apply for the visa in Kathmandu. The visa processing will be handled by a local qualified travel agency in Kathmandu. Splendid China Tours will assist you to obtain the Chinese Group Visa in Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

Tibet Entry Permit (TTB Permit)
According to Chinese law, foreign travelers are required to apply for Tibet Entry Permit (TTB Permit) before visiting Tibet. Guests who book tours throught Splendid China Tours will receive their own Tibet Entrry Permit from the local office in Chinese the city where they depart for Tibet. It is required to present both the passport and Tibet Entry Permit when book air/or train ticket for Tibet, and when check-in flight/train to Tibet. Splendid China Tours will make all arragenments to obtain the permit for our guests if book a Tibet tour with us. 

 How to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit?
Foreign travelers can ask a qualified tour operator or travel agency to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit by sending them the first page of a valid passport and a copy of their Chinese visa by fax or by email. In addition, travelers need to tell the tour operator their occupation. Currently self-oriented independent travelers is not available to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit unless book a tour as part of the tour arrangements.

Alien's Travel Permit (PSB Permit)
Alien's Travel Permit, also been called as the "PSB Permit" is required when visiting "closed" areas in Tibet. Issued by the Foreign Affairs Department of the Local Public Security Bureau (PSB), the Alien's Travel Permit can be aapplied for once you are in Lhasa. It is regulated by the law that you can only get the Alien's Travel Permits through booking a tour with travel agencies.

Areas in Tibet require the PSB Permit:
01). Tsetang: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Chandruk Temple,
Yumbulakhang Castle;
02). Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery;
03). Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery & Kubum Stupa;
04). Ngari Region: entire region including Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar and Ruins of the Guge Kingdom etc;
05). Nyingchi: Basumtso Lake;
06). Chamdo Region: entire region;
 
How to apply the Alien's Travel Permit:
We will assist you in applying for the PSB permit after your arrival Lhasa, Tibet. You may present your original passport and Tibet Entry Permit to your guide and your guide will go to the local Public Security Bureau to apply for it. It just takes a couple of hours to obtain the Alien's Travel Permit. 
 

Military Permit
Military Permit is required if you are traveling to Nyingchi, Nagqu, Ngari, Chamdo and part of Shannan (Lokha). The Military Permit is issued by the Military Office in Lhasa. Likewise Splendid China Tours will arrange it for you as part of the tour. The processing takes 5-7 natural days.

Tips on applying for a Chinese Visa
If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepalese side, it is unnecessary to apply for a Chinese Visa at home, just apply the Chinese Group Visa (paper visa) at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Chinese Group Visa application time in Kathmandu is from 09h30- 11h00 A.M. on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (not applicable during public holidays). Chinese Visa extension is available at the local PSB in Lhasa, and other major cities on the Chinese mainland such as Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing and Shanghai etc.