Planning a trip to Tibet — or the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage — from the United States? It's one of the most rewarding journeys in the world, and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to paperwork. The key thing to know up front: getting into Tibet takes two separate approvals, in a specific order — and we handle the first one for you.
Pressed for time on your China visa? our China visa application service — our team prepares it and submits it in person at your assigned consulate.
Tibet takes two approvals — in this order
Step 1 — Your China visa (this is us)
Tibet is part of China, so every U.S. traveler first needs a Chinese tourist (L) visa, issued by your Chinese consulate in the U.S. before you fly. This has to happen first: your Tibet tour operator can't even request the Tibet permit without a copy of your approved visa. We handle the visa application by mail, from any U.S. state, and review everything to reduce the avoidable errors that cause delays.
Step 2 — Your Tibet Travel Permit + Kailash permits (your tour operator, not us)
Every foreign traveler also needs a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter Tibet. By Chinese rules the TTP can only be arranged by a licensed Tibet travel agency as part of a booked tour — individuals can't apply for it directly, and we don't issue it. For Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar specifically, the Ngari region is a restricted, military-sensitive area, so you'll also need extra permits — a Military Area Entry Permit, a Foreign Affairs Permit, and an Aliens' Travel (PSB) Permit — all arranged by your tour operator using your passport and China visa copy. Plan about 25 days ahead for the full Kailash permit set.
The typical route
Most travelers fly USA → a major Chinese city (Beijing, Chengdu, or Shanghai) → Lhasa, then continue overland to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in western Tibet. Chengdu is the most common gateway to Lhasa.
Why start your China visa with us first
The whole trip waits on the visa. Your tour operator needs your approved China visa before they can request the Tibet Travel Permit (~10 working days) and the Kailash permits (~25 days). The sooner your visa is done — and done right — the smoother the rest of your pilgrimage planning goes. That first step is exactly what we do.
How it works
Complete the intake form at chinavisa.getmypassports.com — pick your service and pay.
Ship us your passport with the prepaid FedEx label we send you after reviewing your form.
We submit it in person at the consulate — they don't accept mailed applications, so that's the part you're hiring us for.
Your passport comes home — tracked FedEx back to your door once the authorities finish their decision.
The Chinese government makes the approval call and sets the timeline — we just make sure your paperwork shows up right the first time.
Simple pricing
Full Service — $499. Consulate fee included, your COVA application completed for you, photo editing, in-person drop-off and pick-up at the consulate, and FedEx Express shipping both ways.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up — $399. Consulate fee included, in-person drop-off and pick-up at the consulate, and FedEx Express shipping both ways (you complete the application).
Application Assistance Only — $199. We help you prepare your own application correctly.
What we do — and what we don't
We handle: your China visa application (Step 1) — assistance, review, and consulate submission.
We don't handle: the Tibet Travel Permit or the Kailash/Manasarovar permits (Step 2) — those come only from your licensed Tibet tour operator. We get your visa sorted so you're ready for them.
Get My Passports is a private company that provides passport and visa application assistance and courier coordination where available. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Government authorities make all approval decisions and control official processing times. Our service fees are separate from government fees.
Ready to start your China visa?
Complete the quick intake form at chinavisa.getmypassports.com and choose your service. We'll review it and send you a prepaid FedEx label to ship us your passport — then we submit it in person at the consulate (they don't accept mailed applications — that's what you're hiring us for).
Related China visa guides
If you want it done once, correctly — this is what we do.
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FAQ
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