Overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu – documents and permits

Recently, I have fielded many questions regarding documentation required for overland travel between Lhasa and Kathmandu. Here, I will  give an overview of the necessary permits and paperwork.

1. Where can I get a Nepal visa?

With the exception of Indian nationals, all visitors to Nepal need a passport AND valid entry visa. The required visa can be arranged in advance at the Nepalese embassy in your home country, or at the time of your arrival in Kathmandu airport. If you are taking an overland trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu, a tourist visa can be secured at the Tibet-Nepal border at Kodari.

2. How can we get the permit to Tibet, any other related documents?

A: If you fly to Lhasa, Tibet, from Kathmandu, a special procedure is required for documents preparation.

B: If you fly to Lhasa from mainland China and then trek overland to Kathmandu, we only need copies of your passport and Chinese visas to apply for the Tibet permit.

3. Are the hours of the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu still only Monday, Wedenesdy and Friday, and can urgent Group Chinese Visas be secured in one day?

Unlike previous years, the Chinese embassy now works Monday through Friday, though there is still no same-day visa service. Urgent visa applications will be completed the morning of the following day, while semi-urgent applications will be completed on the 3rd morning after the application is received. Normal applications will be completed by the 4th day, and processing fees vary according to urgency.

Updated Visa Application Hours: 9:00 AM to 2: 00 PM and Visa Collection Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

4. If I arrive in Kathmandu on Saturday and my flights to Lhasa, Tibet, departs at 11:30a on Tuesday, is it possible for me to get a Group Chinese Visa on Monday?

In this type of situation, the normal procedure will not work. However, under special conditions, a visa can be applied for with a copy of your passport, the correct visa invitation letter, and a Tibet permit.

We will submit those documents to the embassy 1 week in advance, and when you arrive in Kathmandu on Saturday our Nepal representive will meet you, collect the application forms and your original passports and passport size photos. We will submit your documents to the embassy in the morning on Monday and your visa will be ready that evening.

Nepal and Tibet both have amazing sightseeing and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in store for you! If you have any other questions, just feel free to contact us at [email protected].