If you are a US citizen is it possible to get a visa to travel to Tibet?

Answer 1

There are overall four documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel freely in Tibet.

- One is the Chinese Visa, which you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your country (If you go to Tibet via mainland China).

- One is Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit (TTB), which you have to obtain in order to enter Tibet.

- One is the Alien Travel Permit (PSB) when you are planning to travel to the 'unopened' areas in Tibet.

- The other is the Military Permit, which you have to obtain if you are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas.

Passport

All individuals entering Tibet must hold a passport valid for at least six months. China Visa

1. Entering Tibet via Mainland China

Tibet is part of China, under the Chinese Central Government's Sovereignty. Thus to travel to Tibet, you have to obtain a China Visa at first stage before all are followed up. Visas for individual travel in China are very easy to get from most Chinese embassies. Most Chinese embassies and consulates will issue a standard 30-day, single entry tourist visa in three to five working days (an "L" means travel). If you are lucky, some embassies abroad may give you a 60 or even 90 days. But in Hongkong it is very easy to get a 90-day visa; most agencies can arrange it in one day. If you want more flexibility to enter and leave China several times, most Chinese embassies will issue a double-entry visa. Usually only someone on a "L" visa can travel in Tibet, but recent with a resident or business visa still can travel in Tibet.

More tips about applying for a China visa to Tibet:

It's better not to mention Tibet as your travel destination when you are applying for a visa to China (China Embassy in Kathmandu is the exceptional). You may be refused by stating that you will go to Tibet. Otherwise, you need to get a Tibet Permit beforehand and apply for a China visa with it then. It is very difficult to apply for a Tibet Permit when you are abroad, or you need to join some groups.

Answer 2

It's OK if you travel. First, you have to get the visa and other preparations done legally. Tibet is part of China. Chinese people can visit the US. And of course, a good US citizen can visit China.