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Travel Guide

Border and Special Area Access: Documents and Inspections in Tibet and Xinjiang

Tibet and some border areas of Xinjiang require additional documents and approvals. This article explains the procedures, timeframes, and precautions for obtaining entry permits to Tibet and border passes.

Updated on 2026-10-28

Places That Require Additional Documentation

Tibet Autonomous Region

Foreign travelers (including residents of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau) entering Tibet need a Tibet Travel Permit, issued by the Tibet Autonomous Region Tourism Bureau. Individuals cannot apply on their own; it must be handled through a qualified local travel agency in Tibet.

  • Processing time: At least 15–20 working days in advance (longer during peak season).
  • Required materials: Scanned copy of passport / Taiwan Compatriot Permit, visa pages, travel itinerary, list of companions.
  • Delivery method: The travel agency first sends scanned copies (for booking flights or train tickets), and the original will be given to you by the tour guide upon arrival in Lhasa.
  • Checkpoints: Lhasa Airport, train station, and checkpoints along the way. Without a Tibet Travel Permit, boarding or entry will be denied.

Tibet Border Counties (Mount Everest, Ali, Metuo)

In addition to the Tibet Travel Permit, a Border Pass (Border Management Area Permit) is required. It can be handled together by a travel agency or applied for in Lhasa (takes 1–2 days). This pass is required for Mount Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, Metuo, and Chayu.

Xinjiang Border Regions

  • Traveling from Kashgar to Tashkurgan (Pamir Plateau) requires a border pass, which can be obtained in Kashgar city (half a day).
  • Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba are within border management areas. A border pass is needed for Baihaba, while Kanas and Hemu generally require only ID / passport registration.
  • Residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan may experience slightly different accommodation and inspection procedures in Xinjiang compared to mainland residents, so allow extra time.

Other Border Areas

  • Mohe in Heilongjiang, Manzhouli in Inner Mongolia, Ruili/Tengchong in Yunnan, Dongxing in Guangxi: Some ports and border villages require border passes, most of which can be obtained on site.
  • Military management areas: Clearly marked as prohibited for entry and photography; compliance is mandatory.

Practical Advice

  • Keep documents on hand: There are many inspection stations along the way in China, so passports / Taiwan Compatriot Permits must be carried with you, not placed in luggage.
  • Electronic Backup: Make a copy of your ID photo page, visa page, and Tibet Entry Permit on your phone and in the cloud.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography is prohibited at checkpoints, border facilities, and military installations. If you see a "No Photography" sign, immediately put away your devices.
  • Inspection Time: Checkpoints in Xinjiang and Tibet usually take 10–30 minutes. Plan for about 30 minutes at each checkpoint in your itinerary.
  • Communication: Checkpoint staff may not speak English. If traveling with elders or those who do not speak the language, ask the guide or driver for help.

Areas Not Requiring Additional Documents

Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou, most of Yunnan, most of Inner Mongolia, Hainan, Fujian, Guangdong, Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, Hebei, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, and other areas. Foreign travelers with valid documents can travel and stay normally without additional approval.