The adjacent location advantage between Nepal and Tibet makes traveling from Nepal to Tibet and vice versa a popular itinerary for worldwide tourists exploring both sides of Mount Everest. However, obtaining the necessary travel documents for a Nepal Tibet tour is a little bit different from entering Tibet from the mainland of China, requiring a special Group Visa.

Let’s check our 10 best tips to keep in mind for a smooth and successful application process for your Nepal Tibet tour.

1. The Chinese Group Visa is a Single-entry Visa Specifically for Entering Tibet from Nepal.

The Group Visa for traveling to Tibet from Nepal is a single entry visa. The length is based on your Tibet tour itinerary and can last a maximum of 30 days. If you plan to visit elsewhere in the mainland of China after your Tibet tour, you have to clearly state your travel plan when you tender the Group Visa application.

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2. Ensure You do not Already Have any Chinese Visa Before Applying for the Group Visa

Even if you already have a Chinese Visa, when you enter Tibet from Nepal, you need to apply for the Group Visa. Since you can only keep one kind of Chinese Visa, once you have got the newly-issued Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, your previous Chinese Visa will automatically become invalid.

So, it is not recommended to travel to Tibet from Nepal if you already have a Chinese Visa.

A Sample of China Group Visa.

3. Travel from Nepal to Tibet Without a Chinese Visa if You Hold a China Visa-exempt Passport

Since China has opened up its visa-free policy to more and more countries, if you hold a passport from one of these countries, you can enjoy visa-free travel to China and do not need to apply for the Group Visa for a Nepal to Tibet tour.

This makes it easier to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, as you only need to book a Tibet tour and provide a scanned copy of your passport.

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4. The Tibet Travel Permit is a MUST for all international Travelers visiting Tibet

Whether you enjoy a visa-free stay in China or not, you need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit to enter and visit the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Tibet Permit can be only applied through a local travel agency that provides tour services for you in Tibet.

A Sample of Tibet travel Permit.

Generally, it takes 3 simple steps to get your Tibet Travel Permit.

Step 1: Contact and discuss your travel details with your travel consultant.
All of your travel details, such as your departure time, departure cities, and your tour destinations in Tibet should be confirmed as they will listed on the permit.

Step 2: Make the payment and provide the photos of your passport
After you confirm your tour in Tibet you can make the payment. Then, simply provide the scanned copies of your passport, and we will do the rest for you. Please make sure the copies of your passport are clear and intact.

Step 3: Get your permit upon arrival in Tibet
If you travel from Nepal to Tibet by land, our Tibetan local guide will bring your permit to you at the Gyirong border. If you take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa directly, our guide will meet you at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport with your Tibet permit.

5. Apply for Tibet Travel Permit at least 20 days in advance

Normally, it takes 8 to 9 working days to get the Tibet Travel Permit issued. If you plan to visit Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake, the issuance of all necessary travel documents may take longer. So, it is suggested to apply for your Tibet Travel Permit at least 20 days in advance to ensure a smooth travel to Tibet.

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6. Arrive in Kathmandu at least 5 Days in Advance for the Group Visa Application

Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu deals with the application and issue of Chinese Group Visa on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Since it takes 4 days to process the Group Visa, you need to arrive in Kathmandu at least 5 days in advance.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you can visit our Kathmandu office for the Group Visa Application. You need to provide the original passport and pay the visa fee. Our local staff will take care of the rest and will deliver it to you promptly after the visa is issued.

7. The Payment for the Group Visa can be made at our Kathmandu Office

The group visa fee needs to be paid on-site when applying. The specific visa fees vary according to nationality as below.

(Updated on Jan., 2024)

In addition to the visa fee, you also need to pay a service fee of USD 20. If you are applying urgently, you can pay an additional USD 32 for VIP service, ensuring you receive the group visa within 3 working days.

8. The Tibet Travel Permit is Free with Our Nepal Tibet Tour Packages

For all tourists booking a Kathmandu to Tibet tour with us, we guarantee you the Tibet Travel Permit without additional cost. As the largest local travel agency with local offices in both Lhasa and Kathmandu, we ensure seamless travel across Nepal and Tibet for thousands of tourists every year.

9. Both Need to be Applied Through a Local Tibetan Travel Agency

According to the policy, the Tibet Travel Permit as well as the Group Visa for entering Tibet from Nepal can be only applied through a local travel agency that arranges the trip for you. Our local staff at both Kathmandu and Lhasa will be glad to serve you and help you apply for all necessary travel documents.

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10. All You Need to Prepare is a Booked Tibet Tour and a Valid Passport

Last but not least, getting the necessary travel documents for a Nepal to Tibet tour is not as difficult as you think. Simply ensure you have a confirmed Tibet tour booking with a valid passport. With these essentials in hand, you’re set to travel from Nepal to Tibet hassle-free as we will take care of all aspects on your behalf.

Conclusion

The Chinese Group Visa and the Tibet Travel Permit are essential for visiting Tibet from Nepal. But it is not too difficult to get them. With a booked Tibet tour from Nepal, simply provide your passport copy in time, you can enjoy a hassle-free Nepal Tibet tour with us, a top Tibetan Local travel agency with offices in both Lhasa and Kathmandu. For further information about how to plan a Nepal Tibet tour, feel free to contact us.