FAQ - Mansarovar Kailash yatra

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tibet

“FAQ” stands for “Frequently Asked Questions.” It refers to a list of common questions and their corresponding answers on a particular topic or subject. FAQs are typically created to provide quick and easy access to information that people commonly seek. They are often found on websites, in user manuals, product documentation, or as part of customer support resources.

FAQ no 1: Do I need a visa to visit Tibet?

Ans: Yes, travelers need a visa to enter Tibet. However, it is important to note that Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is a restricted area, and foreign visitors are required to obtain both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter Tibet legally. The TTP can be obtained through a registered travel agency in Tibet.

FAQ no 2: When is the best time to visit Tibet?

Ans: The best time to visit Tibet is during the months of April to October when the weather is relatively mild and the region is accessible. The high altitude of Tibet means that temperatures can be quite cold, even in the summer months, so it is advisable to pack warm clothing regardless of the time of year.

FAQ no 3: How do I travel to Tibet?

Ans: There are several ways to travel to Tibet. The most common way is by air, with flights available from major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Kathmandu, Nepal. Another option is to travel overland by train or road from mainland China, with the Qinghai-Tibet Railway being a popular choice.

FAQ no 4: Are there any restrictions or permits required to visit certain areas in Tibet?

Ans: Yes, some areas in Tibet, such as Mount Everest Base Camp and certain border regions, require additional permits beyond the Tibet Travel Permit. These permits, such as the Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) or Military Permit, are obtained through the travel agency organizing your trip and are necessary to visit restricted areas.

FAQ no 5: What are the altitude considerations when visiting Tibet?

Ans: Tibet is also known for its high altitude, with much of the region lying above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). It is important for travelers to acclimatize properly to prevent altitude sickness. It is advisable to spend a few days in Lhasa, the capital city, to adjust to the altitude before venturing to higher areas. Weis also recommended to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities, and follow the guidance of experienced guides.

FAQ no 6: How to Get Tibet Travel Permit and China Group Visa to Enter Tibet from Nepal?

Step 1: Confirm Your Tibet Trip

Discuss your Tibet tour with our travel consultant; agree with the proposed itinerary and sign the tour contract by paying the deposit; Email the photo image of your passport to us.

Step 2: Submit Tibet Travel Permit Application

We will gather your travel information and submit your Tibet Permit application to Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB); 8-9 business days later TTB will issue Tibet Travel Permit and send the Visa Invitation to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Read more about Tibet travel permit and how to get Tibet travel permit successfully.

Step 3: Arrive in Kathmandu and Give Your Original Passport to Our Staff

You need to arrive in Kathmandu at least 4 days earlier before you enter Tibet either by flight or by road; give your original passport and personal photo and visa fee to our staff in Kathmandu and fill out the application form.

Step 4: Get China Group Visa

After our staff gets your China Group Visa, he or she will give it to you in person in your hotel in Kathmandu.

A Sample of China Group Visa

Step 5: Fulfill Your Tibet Trip

Use your China Group Visa to take the flight or travel by road to Tibet; our Tibetan guide will have the Tibet Permit ready for you and take you for a mesmerizing journey.

FAQ no 7: What Are Needed to Apply for A China Group Visa and Tibet Visa?

You Prepare:	Travel Agency Prepares:
Original Passport (valid up to 6 months) Photo for Group Visa (1) Fill out an application form Pay the visa fee (check below)	Tibet Travel Permit Visa invitation

Since the processing of China Group Visa takes at least 3-business days, you are advised to arrive earlier in Kathmandu.

While for Tibet Permit, you need to start preparing at least 20 days before you for Nepal. All you need to do is emailing the photo of your passport information to us.

FAQ no 8: How Much Does a China Group Visa and Tibet Visa Cost?

Nationality	Times of Entry	Normal Visa Fee(4 working days)(US$)	Semi Urgent Visa Fee(3 working days)(US$)
Nepali Citizens	Single	76	115
US Citizens	Single	182	217
Canadian Citizens	Single	126	161
Israeli Citizens	Single	85	120
Romanian Citizens	Single	127	162
Serbian Citizens	Single	62	97
Albanian Citizens & Micronesian Citizens	Single	64	86
Other Citizens	Single	94	129

(Updated on Feb. 15, 2020)

Additional $20 is also charged for handling China Group Visa Application in Chinese Embassy in Nepal on your behalf and delivering it to your hotel.

As to Tibet Permit, you may also enjoy free service for getting your Tibet Permit.

FAQ no 9: How Long Does It Take to Get My China Group Visa and Tibet Visa?

Normally, it takes 4 days to process your China Group Visa in the Chinese Embassy (Mon to Fri) in Kathmandu; for an urgent visa, it only takes 3 days.

Though the processing of Tibet Permit takes 8-9 days in Lhasa, you should offer your passport information to us at least 20 days before you leave for Nepal because we need it to apply for Tibet Permit and Visa Invitation.

A Sample of Tibet Permit

FAQ no 10: Where Can I Get My China Group Visa and Tibet Visa?

The issued China Group Visa will also be given to you in person in your hotel in Kathmandu. As to the Tibet Permit, it will be kept by your Tibetan guide throughout your Tibet tour.

FAQ no 11: Where Will My China Group Visa and Tibet Visa Be Checked?

You China Group Visa will also be checked as you board the Kathmandu-Lhasa flight or cross the Sino-Nepal border (Gyirong port) by road to Tibet, China.

While your Tibet Permit will be kept by your Tibetan guide and he or she will show it to inspectors at different checkpoints when needed.

FAQ no 12: China Group Visa News and the Difference between China Group Visa and Chinese Visa.

China Group Visa News

According to the latest policy, the China Group Visa will only be issued to a tourist group which consists of at least 5 travelers. And you have to travel together both in and out of China via a pre-arranged tour with a travel agency.

However, to solo travelers, there is also no need to worry about getting China Group Visa. As an international travel agency with a large number of global clients from Kathmandu, we also promise to get your China Group Visa successfully.

Just tell us your travel date and Tibet tour plan, we help you make it happen.

Difference between China Group Visa and Chinese Visa

Firstly, both two visas allow international travelers to enter and exit China. The major difference is that they are used differently. To enter Tibet (TAR) from Nepal, only China Group Visa will do. Check the following table to learn more differences:

China Group Visa	Chinese Visa
Accepted for Tibet Entry from Nepal	Unaccepted for Tibet Entry from Nepal
A sheet of paper	A stamp
Single entry visa	Either single or multiple entry visa
Maximum Validity of 30 days	Maximum Validity of 30, 60, 90 days
Non-renewable	Renewable
Issued in Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu	Issued in Chinese Embassy in Your Country
Apply via a local Tibet travel agency	Apply individually

If you have a multiple-entry Chinese visa, as you apply for a China Group Visa, the previous Chinese visa will become invalid. If you want to keep it, a great solution is to fly from Kathmandu to Chengdu and later get Tibet Permit for Tibet entry.