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Trip Preparation: Visa/Permits
Chinese Visa | Group Travel Permit | Aliens' Travel Permit
Once inside the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) many places are officially 'closed' to foreigners. Before you visit some key sights outside Lhasa you need an 'Aliens' Travel Permit' (ATP) indicating your destinations. This is obtained from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in each region.
An ATP is not required for some main open towns, including Lhasa, Shigatse and Tsetang. For closed areas, if you go to the PSB and ask, they will either tell you that you need a ATP and take your money accordingly or say you need one but won't issue them to individuals. In the latter scenario you may be able to obtain the relevant ATP by chartering a vehicle (via a travel agent). If you do not have an ATP you will be fined and possibly not permitted to enter those places (the amount of fine depends on the place and the official).
Independent cyclists travelling overland into Tibet try to overcome this problem by passing through particular 'checkpoints' under the cover of night (see Tibet Overland for a more detailed discussion on permits and also the location of main checkpoints on the longer overland routes).
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The grand nine-storey Kumbum
Chörten inside Pelkor Chöde
monastery complex, Gyantse
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