To travel to Tibet, you need a visa. This is not issued on-site or online. Instead, you have to apply for a tourist visa for China and additionally a permit for Tibet, which should be organized by a travel agency. Plan to apply for your visa at least one month in advance to avoid delays.
The best airport for access to Tibet is Lhasa Airport (LXA). Here you will find regular flights from other major cities in China such as Chengdu and Xining. An alternative route is Gonggar Airport, which is about 60 km from Lhasa. These airports offer the best connections to Tibet and are the ideal starting point for your journey.
The local currency in Tibet is the yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in larger cities, but it is advisable to carry cash in the form of yuan, as many smaller shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards. Highway and night markets often rely on cash transactions, so plan accordingly.
Vaccinations are not mandatory, but recommended. For Tibet, vaccinations against hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are advisable. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers altitude sickness should also be part of your travel preparations. Check if your insurance is valid in Tibet and if the return home is covered.
In Tibet, SIM cards can be easily purchased in stores or from mobile service providers. The biggest providers are China Mobile and China Unicom. Make sure to bring your passport to register the SIM card. It is advisable to do some research in advance to find the best tariff for your usage behavior.
