Why should foreigners apply for the “Tibet travel approval letter”?
In view of unique ethnic traditions, cultural heritage needs and environmental protection in Tibet, as well as the traffic situation, tourism service facilities and reception capacity in this region, the Chinese government requires that all foreign tourists (non-Chinese citizens), Taiwan tourists and overseas Chinese people (not including Hong Kong and Macao SAR residents holding Chinese SAR passports or Home Return Permits), apply for the “Tibet travel approval letter for foreign tourists” issued by the TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) before traveling to Tibet. Foreign journalists and diplomats are not permitted to enter Tibet as tourists. Who needs to apply for the “Tibet travel approval letter”? Non-Chinese citizen ID card holders – tourists from Taiwan Non-Chinese passport holders – foreign passport holders. Note: Chinese people living overseas shall also apply for the “Tibet travel approval letter” if they hold non-Chinese passports. Note: Hong Kong and Macao compatriots are no longer
