What is a Tibet Group Visa?
A Tibet Group Visa is a special type of visa required for foreign travelers who enter Tibet from Nepal. Unlike a traditional visa, it is issued as a separate sheet of paper that includes all the names, genders, dates of birth, occupations, nationalities, and passport numbers of the group members. This visa is issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu and is valid for visits to mainland China as well. However, it is important to note that the Tibet Group Visa is non-extendable and cannot be split once obtained. This means that all members listed on the visa must enter and exit Tibet together.
Tibet Group Visa (Port of Arrival – Nepal)
If you are entering the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) directly from Nepal and your travel plans do not include travel to areas of China outside of the TAR (this includes Tibetan areas of Amdo and Kham), you do not need a Chinese Visa. All travelers included on a Group Visa must exit China together, adhering to specific travel protocols to ensure compliance with customs regulations. Though this special Tibet visa is referred to as a “Tibet Group Visa” individuals are also permitted to apply. You are required to have a minimum of 4 people to get visa from Nepal.
How to Obtain a Tibet Group Visa and Travel to Tibet from Nepal
You have two options to reach Tibet: you can either take a direct flight to Lhasa or book a tour from the Kyirong border to Lhasa. However, regardless of your mode of travel, you will need to obtain a Tibet Group Visa (sometimes referred to as a Tibet Visa) through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. For a Nepal Tibet tour, it is crucial to obtain a Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. However, China visa-free nationals do not need to apply for a Chinese visa in Kathmandu, but they will still need to process the Tibet Travel Permit through our licensed Tibet travel agency. Please visit our visa-free countries article to check whether your country requires a Chinese visa.
Nepal is the only country where you can apply for a Tibet Group Visa. You do not need a Chinese visa from your home country, except for a visa to enter Nepal. To obtain the Tibet Group Visa in Kathmandu, you must book a tour with a licensed travel agency based in Lhasa, which will arrange an invitation letter for you. It is important to note that you cannot apply for the visa independently; a partner travel agency in Kathmandu will handle the process for you. The visa processing typically takes 3-4 working days.
The partner agency in Kathmandu will need your original passport and the invitation letter from the Lhasa agency to apply for the Tibet Group Visa. Once your visa is ready, a tour guide will meet you at either the border or the airport upon your arrival. The guide will assist you through all necessary checkpoints and ensure you have your travel permit.
It is important to provide the visa fee along with necessary documents upon arrival in Kathmandu. The fee structure includes additional costs associated with service fees for visa processing. You may looking for Tibet permit and visa application for Indian as it has a little different procedure so far.
For a smooth process, we recommend contacting our trusted partner travel agency in Kathmandu, who will take care of all the necessary arrangements for you.
When traveling to China on a same group visa, it is crucial that all travelers enter and exit the country together. This visa type requires that all members of the group be present at customs to avoid any complications. Splitting from the group can lead to significant issues, so it is important to ensure that everyone remains together throughout the trip.
Where to Apply Tibet Group Visa
Nepal is the only country which can grant Tibet Group Visa. Obtaining a Tibet Permit is a crucial step for entering Tibet from Nepal, as it is required for flights and checkpoints during Tibet trip. This visa must be applied for directly through the Chinese Consulate in Kathmandu, Nepal, with the help of a licensed Tibet Tour Operator who has an on the ground contact in Kathmandu.
How to Apply?
Individuals and groups are not permitted to apply for Tibet permits by themselves. Contact Adventures In Tibet or another licensed travel agency in Lhasa to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). These permits are essential documentation for entering Tibet. You should be in a group of 5 people to get a visa.
Tibet Group Visa Processing Time
Handling for the most part requires at least 3-4 days.
Permit Specifications
Single Entry
Non-extendable
Duration of visa legitimacy relies on the tour itinerary with tour confirmation
Places that can be visited in Tibet are the lists in the itinerary (check how to visit Tibet)
Required Documents
To apply for a Tibet Group Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
A passport with a remaining validity of more than 6 months at the time of travel, with at least one blank visa page.
One standard Chinese visa photo with a white background, meeting the Chinese visa requirements (33mm width x 48mm height).
A filled-out visa application form, which will be provided by your travel agency or Nepalese agent.
A scanned copy of your passport, which will be used to apply for the Tibet Group Visa invitation letter from the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
These documents are essential for the application process, and your travel agency will guide you through each step to ensure everything is in order.
Difference between China Group Visa and Chinese Visa
A China Group Visa and a Chinese Visa both allow entry into China, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. A Chinese Visa is a traditional visa issued by the Chinese Consulate or Embassy in your home country. It can be extended or changed to a different type of visa depending on your needs.
On the other hand, a China Group Visa is a special type of visa required for foreign travelers entering Tibet from Nepal. This visa is non-extendable and cannot be split once obtained, meaning all group members must travel together. It is specifically designed for tourists and is issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
Do I Still Need a Tibet Group Visa with a Visa-Free Passport?
If you hold a passport from a country eligible for 15/30-day visa-free entry to China, you do not need to apply for a Tibet Group Visa to enter Tibet from Nepal. You can simply apply for the Tibet Travel Permit with your valid passport. However, if you plan to stay in Tibet for more than 30 days or visit restricted areas, you may still need to apply for a Tibet Group Visa. It is always recommended to check with your travel agency or the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest requirements to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Tibet Group Visa Cost
The cost of a group visa is ranging from 50USD – 190USD for a normal procession for different nationalities. But an urgent apply may occur extra 16% of the normal cost.
Please note that the Tibet Group Visa does not afford it’s holder the opportunity to travel anywhere in China except the TAR. You can do an overland travel. If you are awarded a Tibet Group Visa, you can travel by air or overland directly to and from Lhasa via Kathmandu.
The duration of your TTP will depend on the number of days you presented in your original itinerary. at the time of application. As deviating from this itinerary in terms of places to visit or duration of stay is not permitted. Please provide as much information as possible at the time of application. Check the answer for how to enter Tibet from Nepal for frequent questions.
Restrictions and Exceptions
At present, the Nepal, TAR border is open from Kyirong. The closures and opening of this border affect the issuance of Tibet Group Visas and are subject to change without notice.
Tour agencies are not licensed to assist in issuing you a permit if you are employed as a diplomat, journalist, photographer, or government personnel in your country of origin. Persons to whom this restriction applies are only permitted to travel to Tibet with the approval and assistance of The Foreign Affairs Department.
Norwegian Passport holders are barred from entering the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Whether via Nepal or Mainland China and will not be awarded entry permits.
Taiwanese Nationals traveling to the TAR via mainland China are subject to additional restrictions when applying for a TTP. Required to travel in a group of (minimum) 4 persons. And required to apply a minimum of 50 days in advance of the intended date of travel. Check our train schedule if you want a great scene along the way.