As we all known, the visa plays as our international identity card in our international trip. Though tourists planning to travel to most regions in China from certain countries (such as Singapore) are visa-free, the China Visa is necessary for foreign tourists planning to travel to Tibet for it is a required document for the application of the Tibet Travel Permit.
China has launched China Embassy in numerous regions/cities in different countries. Foreign tourists planning to travel to China could apply for the China Visa from the China Embassy situated in/near your city. For tourists willing to make a Tibet tour via domestic cities in China, China Visa issued by any China Embassy would be regarded as valid.
It should be noted that foreign tourists planning to travel to Tibet via Nepal could only apply for the required China Visa from the China Embassy in Kathmandu, and China Visa issued by the China Embassy in other cities will be regarded as invalid. Therefore, tourists planning to enter into Tibet from Kathmandu are sincerely suggested to get to Kathmandu few days in advance. Generally, it takes at least 3 work days to get the China Visa after you submit your application.
China Visa L refers to China Tourist Visa. China Embassy would issue it to foreigners planning to travel to Tibet for sightseeing or visiting their friends/relatives. The applicants might be required to provide relevant travel document, such as their air tickets, hotel reservation evidence or some other documents in China. Tourists hold the L type China Visa could apply for the Tibet Travel Permit easily, and only the scanned copy of your passport and visa are required. Also, tourists should advise your career to your tour operator who apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on behalf of you.
China Visa X refers to China Student Visa and it would only be issued to foreigners visit China for study or job training course for at least 6 months. China Visa Z refers to China Work Visa and it would only be issued to foreigners who are employed by China enterprises or foreign enterprises have factories/branches in China. Foreign tourists holding a China Visa X/Z and planning to travel to Tibet are required to prepare relevant certification documents provided by your college or employer in China.
China Visa D refers to China Residence Visa and it would only be issued to foreigners reside in China permanently. Tourists holding a China Visa D (also noted as China Residence Permit) should provide the scanned copy of your visa and passport, and also a certification provided by your employer in China.
In addition, foreigners holding an official passport could not apply for the Tibet Travel Permit through ordinary Tibet our operators. Foreign officers could not enter into Tibet as ordinary tourists even if you have a China Tourist Visa.