Who needs a permit
Rules differ by nationality, and it matters to get this right early. Taiwan residents and foreign nationals must obtain a Tibet entry permit, and it cannot be applied for on your own; it has to go through a licensed travel agency. Once granted, you also travel with a guide throughout your time in Tibet. Hong Kong residents travelling on a Home Return Permit do not need the entry permit, but they still register in real name and are met and accompanied by our guide.
Nobody enters the region as an independent backpacker. Everyone travels as part of an organised, guided arrangement, and this is normal rather than a complication.
How long it takes
Applications generally take ten to fifteen working days, and longer during peak season or around public holidays. Because of that, the single most useful thing you can do is fix your dates early. We handle the paperwork on your behalf and give you a checklist of the documents we need, then go through it with you item by item.
- Taiwan and foreign passports — permit required, applied for via us
- Hong Kong Home Return Permit — no permit, but real-name registration needed
- Allow 10-15 working days, and more in peak periods
- The application is submitted as soon as your dates are confirmed
What to watch out for
If your itinerary changes after the application has been submitted, it usually has to be reported again, which costs time. That is why we normally wait until the route and dates are settled before filing. Official regulations are updated from time to time, so check the latest official notice before you travel, and let us re-confirm the current requirements closer to departure.
Every group member's details must match their travel documents exactly, so send us clean copies and double-check the spelling of names.
When to just ask us
Permit questions are the ones we answer most often, so ask them early. WhatsApp +86 177 0971 7171, call free on 400-0971-400, or email hello@joyotour.com, and we will walk you through the whole process.
