New Group Visa Process (Via Nepal) for Tibet Tours
We are pleased to share the latest updates on the visa process for travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region (Xizang), covering both Group Visa and Individual Chinese Visa procedures.
New Group Visa Process (Via Nepal)
The process now involves two phases:
Phase 1: Visa Pre-Approval
- Submit your online visa application and other documents
- Attach your Nepal arrival visa stamp
- Processing time: Minimum 3 working days
Phase 2: Visa Issuance
- Submit original passport and visa fee
- Processing time: Minimum 3 working days Total time required: Allow at least 7–10 days
Note: Timelines are subject to change; no guarantee from the Chinese Embassy
Required Documents for Group Visa
- One passport-size photo (33mm x 48mm)
- Scanned copy of passport front page
- Scanned copies of any 4 blank passport pages
- Scanned copy of previous Chinese visa (if applicable)
- Invitation letter from Xizang (Tibet)
- Detailed Tibet itinerary
- Travel history for the last 12 months
- Full personal details (for online form)
Group Visa Minimum Requirement
- Minimum 4 travelers needed to apply officially
- Solo travelers can still apply, but must be grouped with others
- Full group visa fee applies. Chinese Individual Visa Option (Apply from Home Country)You may apply for a Chinese Tourist (L) Visa from your home country and enter Tibet via:
- Flights or trains from any mainland Chinese city
- Kathmandu to Lhasa (Direct flight)
- Overland entry via Kyirong or Kodari. Ensure the visa is issued under the Tourist (L) category Invitation Letter Support (For Individual Visa Applicants). We can provide invitation letters for:
- Groups of 4+ people entering via Kathmandu
- Any group size entering via mainland China. Any Ground Support for travelers entering Tibet from the Chinese mainland. We can provide any Ground Assistance (hotel/transport/sightseeing/guides/flight) in any part of China for travelers
Flight Connectivity – Tibet & China
Route
Kathmandu – Chengdu – Kathmandu
Airline
China Air, Sichuan Airlines
Frequency
Daily (overnight stay in Chengdu required)
https://www.basantatibet.com/pages/flight-schedule
For Travelers with Limited Time in Nepal
If you have a short stay (7–10 days) in Nepal:
- Apply for a Nepali visa in advance
- Share a copy of your Nepali visa with us early
- We’ll start Chinese pre-approval in advance
- May reduce Kathmandu processing to 3–4 days, China’s Free Visa Policy (2025)
Route
Lhasa – Chengdu – Lhasa
Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu Pokhara – Lhasa / Lhasa – Pokhara
View flight schedule:
Airline
China Air, Sichuan, Tibet Airlines
Himalayan Airlines Himalayan Airlines
Frequency
Daily
4x/week 1x/week
Over 50 nationalities are currently eligible for a free Chinese visa to promote tourism. Valid through December 2025 (likely to be extended)
For more details:
https://www.basantatibet.com/pages/visa-free-countries
Passport Consistency Reminder
Travel must be done using the same passport used for booking and visa processing.
Notify us immediately if you plan to use a different passport, as delays may cancel your trip due to visa formalities.
Visa Issuance Disclaimer
Responsible Treks will assist fully with visa processing. However, final approval rests solely with the Chinese Embassy.
We appreciate your continued trust and partnership.
Information Source: Basanta Adventures and Our Tibet Agents. !
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