2023 China Visa Update

We recommend starting the visa process 3 months in advance of your intended entry date to Tibet.

Alternative: Online visa application is available for specific cases (consult us, minimum 2 people, not valid for most trips to Mt. Kailash).

Due to the new regulations governing visa issuance at Chinese consulates worldwide, it is necessary to schedule an online appointment and physically visit the corresponding visa center. Please note that in many cases, appointments are being scheduled for 2-4 weeks later.

Remember that we need 2-4 weeks from the date your visa is issued to process your entry permits to Tibet, so it’s best not to leave the visa process until the last moment.

To travel to Tibet, in addition to the necessary permits to enter Tibet, a Chinese visa is required:

Traveling to Tibet via Nepal: There is still no Kathmandu – Lhasa flight. Entry must be done overland in groups of at least 4 people or by making a stopover in China. The entire group must leave the country together, either on the same flight or by returning to Nepal overland.

Traveling to Tibet via China: The visa must be applied for in the country of origin, providing all the required documentation. Once the visa is obtained, the entry permits to Tibet are processed. Consult us to see if it would be possible to apply online in your case (minimum 2 people).