Aliens' Travel Permit, compared with Tibet Entry Permit, is not the must to enter Tibet. However it’s indeed a must for foreigners to visit the areas outside Lhasa, like Shigatse, Shannan, Nyingchi, etc. Issued by Tibetan local Public Security Bureau, it also known as the PSB permit, and can be easily applied in Lhasa, Shigatse, Nyingchi or other prefectures. While if trying to visit beyond Lhasa without the PSB permit, you will be stopped by local police and failed to continue your further travel in Tibet. This can be arranged by the local tour agency in Tibet.
How to Apply for a PSB Permit?
Generally you can apply for it upon your arrival at Lhasa. Your passport and TTB Permit will be asked to submit to the Foreign Affairs Section of PSB. It normally takes several hours and the cost is already included.
We will assist you on the permit application when you are in Tibet, please hand over your passport and Tibet entry permit to the tour guide, and then, our agency will go to the Foreign Affairs Section of PSB to apply for the documents. It will not waste your time at all.
While you are in Tibet, your tour guide will carry all the permits. When staying overnight at a hotel or guesthouse, your tour guide will use it to register you with the proper authorities.Please notice that individual travelers are not allowed to apply for the PSB Permit. They need to join the tours to visit the 'unopened' areas.
Which Areas of Tibet are listed as the Unopened Areas?
Tsedang: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Trandruk Monastery, Yumbulakhang
Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, The Mount Everest, Rongphu Monastery
Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery & Kubum Stupa
Ngari Region: such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Tsaparang, Ali, ect.
Nyingchi Region: Such as Basum-tso, Pomi, Rawo-tso, ect.
Note:
**Lhasa and Nagqu regions are open to foreign travelers and no need for PSB Permit.**
Who Can Apply for a PSB permit?
As a tourist, everyone could get an Alien’s Travel Permit through a travel agency, but for those who travel to Tibet for Non-tourism purposes,such as diplomats, journalists, and government officials, they should travel to Tibet under the arrangement of the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government.
How much it is for a PSB Permit?
It cost 50 Yuan/person. (It is already included in the tour cost and there is no need to pay the extra fees)