Tibet Permit, also known as Tibet Tourism Bureau (T.T.B.) Permits, is necessary for entry to Lhasa or any other part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, and is obtained as part of tour arrangements for travel to Tibet.

Non-Chinese passport holders (including those of Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and other countries) must have an Alien's Travel Permit as well as a valid passport and a visa (Travelers from countries having visa exemption agreement with Hong Kong do not need a visa) to visit Tibet. A visa can be obtained from the local Chinese consulate in your country. Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet the permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator.

The necessary materials to apply for the Tibet Permit are similar to those demanded for a visa. They include one's basic information, such as name, nationality, age, gender, passport number, occupation (journalists and diplomatists are excluded as common tourists to Tibet), tour itineraries, general tour schedule, and phone number, as well as a copy of the visa and the first page of the passport. The permit usually takes 3 - 7 days to issue. However, it is best to allow at least two weeks for mailing and processing. When you receive the permit you can arrange the tickets, hotels, and your tour.

Visa Obtained in Katmandu
Visa for Tibet can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Application has got to be made a minimum of 7 days before the commencement of the trip. Visa can be obtained by paying a surcharge up to 3 days before the trip departure date. Original passports are required for application of visa. The following details of the travelers are required to be submitted to the Chinese Embassy for the processing of the visa: name, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth and profession along with one passport size photograph. Please note that visa for Tibet obtained elsewhere has still got to be endorsed by the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Regular visas for China are not valid for travel into Tibet from Nepal.

Important Issues about Tibet Permit
1. All kinds of people can get Tibet permit through a travel agency except diplomats, journalists, and government officials who should travel to Tibet under the arrangement by the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government.
2. Generally it needs three days to get the TTB if you could supply the full necessary documents. After having a permit, a travel agency could buy the air or train ticket for you, and you can pass the check-in with the permit.
3. The details of the travelers are required for TTB Permit: name, nationality, passport number, Sex, date of birth and occupation ( The copies of your passport and china visa)
4. Only the guide could hold the permit after you establish yourself on Tibet land. You are not allowed to bring with it.