All country guides
- Capital
- Lhasa (LXA)
- Dialing Code
- + 86
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +8 hours
- Language
- Chinese Language Family and Tibetan
- Best Time to Go
- April – October
- Currency
- Renminbi Yuan (CNY)
Travel Tips
- Mar 5, Mar 10, May 23, Sep 1, Sep 27, Oct 1 and Dec 10 are politically sensitive dates, which have marked past protests. Travel is not recommended around these dates. Tibet generally closes to foreign travellers for the entire month of March
- English is not widely spoken
- All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated, milk is unpasteurised
- Altitude sickness is a serious risk in Tibet – ensure that you take the necessary precautions
- Credit and debit cards are accepted in top-end hotels in Lhasa but are of very limited use elsewhere
- Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans
Last updated 8 October 2026
Visa Guide
Visa Requirements
Travel Permits are required. These are only obtainable through a certified tour agency
China's cities (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) and Nepal are the only entry points for Tibet
- If you are arriving from China, you will need to apply for a China Tourist Visa first. Your tour agency may recommend not mentioning that you are travelling to Tibet on your application.
- If you are arriving from Nepal, you will need to apply for the Tibet Group Visa through your certified tour agency - even if you have a visa for China.
NOTE: If you are travelling outside of Lhasa, you will need additional permits.
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Tick-Borne Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio