Aliens' Travel Permit (PSB)

Aliens' travel permit, also known as a "PSB permit," is a "must" for anyone planning to travel to "closed areas" outside Lhasa. Issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the foreigner travel permit allows foreigners to travel to Gyantse, Sakya, Xitang, Shigatse and other places in Tibet. The Lhasa Public Security Bureau does not issue travel passes to individuals. You need to get an Alien's Travel Permit through an agent. According to official regulations, you can only get a travel permit by booking a trip to Tibet at a local Tibet travel agency. Usually, a single foreigner's travel permit is sufficient because it refers to the number of people traveling together. In addition, a page will be published listing the names of all travelers.

Which Places Require An Aliens' Travel Permit?

1. Shannan Prefecture: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King , Yumbulakhang.

2. Shigatse Prefecture: SakyaMonastery, Mount Qomolangma, Rongbuk Monastery.

3. Ngari Prefecture: Mt. Kailash, Manasarova lake, Tsaparang, Ali, etc.

4. Nyingchi Prefecture: Basum-tso, Bomi, Ranwo-tso, etc.

How to Apply for PSB?

When you discuss your trip with your trip adviser, they will know if they need to arrange an Aliens' Travel Permit for you. If you only travel to Lhasa, you only need the Tibet Travel Permit. However, if you continue to travel without a PSB, you will not be able to continue your journey at the checkpoint.

Both Chinese and foreign tourists need a foreigner's travel permit. Chinese citizens can apply to the public security bureau in mainland China, or they can apply in Lhasa like all foreign tourists do.

Unlike other permits, for foreign tourists, a foreigner's travel permit is only applied for after you enter Tibet. The permit is issued by the foreign affairs section of the local Public Security Bureau, applicable  at Lhasa, Shigatse, Nyingchi and other places, so if you fly to a city like Nyingchi, you can get an Alien Travel Permit there too, don't worry.

Your guide must apply for a foreigner's travel permit on your behalf. When handling PSB, the original passport, Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit should be submitted to the Foreign Affairs Office of the Public Security Bureau. The process is simple and usually takes 1-2 hours.

If you want to travel overland from Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai or Xinjiang to Tibet, you must obtain a PSB permit before the trip begins. You need to show it to the checkpoint staff on the way to Lhasa.

Who Can Apply for An Aliens' Travel Permit?

All foreign tourists may apply for an entry permit for aliens through a local travel agency in Tibet, except for diplomats, journalists and government officials who need to be arranged by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Tibetan government to apply for an entry permit for aliens.