What the border pass is
The border pass (frontier area permit) is a separate document from the Tibet Travel Permit. Foreign travellers, overseas Chinese and Taiwan compatriots normally have it arranged by the local receiving travel service together with the permit; mainland Chinese travellers can also apply at their household registration office before leaving.
Applying before you leave
Apply at the police station where your household is registered, fill in the form and state clearly which prefecture and county you intend to visit — for the Everest base camp direction that means Shigatse prefecture, Dingri county and the Everest area. The application is free and usually needs your ID card, household register and two one-inch photos.
Applying in Lhasa
Applications in Lhasa go through a travel service: you provide the document details, state the areas you plan to visit and appear in person; a service fee applies and processing usually takes about one day.
Where a pass is needed
- Shigatse: Zhongba, Saga, Nyalam, Dingri, Kangmar, Yadong, Gamba, Gyirong.
- Shannan: Cona, Lhunze, Lhozhag, Nagarze.
- Nyingchi: Mainling, Nang, Zayu, Medog.
- Ngari: Burang, Zanda, Rutog, Gar and Shiquanhe.
Validity is commonly one month for passes issued in Lhasa; passes issued at home can be valid for longer depending on the purpose stated. Flying directly to Ngari requires a pass obtained before departure.
