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Trip Preparation: Visa/Permits
Chinese Visa | Group Travel Permit | Aliens' Travel Permit
To enter Tibet you must have a valid Chinese visa. You may apply for a Chinese visa in your country of origin or somewhere else en route such as Hong Kong, Delhi, Islamabad or Bangkok. Most Chinese embassies will grant independent travellers a 30-day Chinese visa without too much difficulty. When applying, it is advisable not to mention that you intend to travel to Tibet (state anything else such as Beijing, Xian, or Shanghai). Shop around if you require a visa for more than 30 days (Hong Kong is the most reliable place to obtain a three or even six-month Chinese visa).
It is probably best to avoid trying to obtain a visa in Kathmandu unless your intention is to join a tour group. The on again, off again policy relating to issuing individuals with a visa is frustrating and although it's currently possible the situation may change at any time. If the embassy is not issuing visas to individuals when you arrive you will be forced to travel with an organized tour group and you will only be able to obtain a 5-14 day visa through a travel agency. Note that the embassy will usually cancel any other valid Chinese visa in your passport.
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You never know who may appear to
watch you repair a puncture
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