Hong Kong Home Return Permit
Hong Kong residents travelling to Tibet must possess a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, also known as a home return permit. Upon arrival in Lhasa, the travel agency will arrange accommodations at reputable hotels, where guests must complete registration procedures at the front desk and report to the local Public Security Bureau for documentation. It is important to note that Hong Kong residents, similar to mainlanders, must obtain a Tibet border permit when visiting certain areas within Tibet.
This permit cannot be obtained in Hong Kong and must be applied for through a local travel agency in Tibet. For instance, individuals wishing to visit the Mount Everest area must acquire a border permit.
Under the current policy, there are no restrictions for Hong Kong people travelling in Tibet. They have the same privileges as mainlanders and can take any route available to them. Consequently, the Roof of the World warmly welcomes Hong Kong travellers, and our enthusiastic Tibetans eagerly await your visit!
Tibet Travel Guide: Hong Kong Documentation
The number of travellers from Hong Kong to Tibet is rapidly increasing. Tourists from Hong Kong are drawn to the captivating scenery and unique Tibetan culture. Tibet has emerged as a popular destination for Hong Kong tourists.
Hong Kong residents frequently inquire about the requirements for visiting Tibet. Specifically, they want to know if they need an admission letter or a border pass, where to apply for the pass, the travel regulations for Hong Kong residents in Tibet, and if it is possible to travel to Tibet as a group. They may also have queries regarding other documents related to Tibet tourism.
Hong Kong tourists planning their first visit to Tibet have numerous factors to consider. We have gathered commonly asked questions from our friends in Hong Kong. Before entering Tibet, there are certain requirements you must fulfil in order to ensure a smooth and trouble-free Tibet travel experience.
What documents do Hong Kong residents need to prepare for their first trip to Tibet?
Hong Kong residents must apply for a home visit permit within the valid period. The full name of the returned pass is the “Hong Kong-Macao Mainland Travel Permit.” 港澳居民来往内地通行证
When entering Lhasa, register relevant procedures at the hotel reception and report to the public security organs. You will need to show your Home Return Pass. It is important to note that both Hong Kong residents and mainland residents must apply for the Tibet Border Pass, also known as the Tibet Frontier Pass, to enter certain areas of Tibet. Hong Kong residents must handle this through a local travel agency in Tibet. For instance, if you plan to travel to the Mount Everest area, you will need to apply for a transit permit.
How to get a Home Return Pass for HK/Macau travellers?
Hong Kong residents can travel to Tibet without extra documents. However, Hong Kong and Macao residents need a Valid Home return permit to enter the mainland. Foreigners, Taiwanese people, and Chinese with foreign nationality abroad must apply for a letter of entry to Tibet.
Transportation Guide for Hong Kong Compatriots to Tibet
Take a flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa
The most convenient way to reach Tibet from Hong Kong is by plane. Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights from Hong Kong to Lhasa. Flights from Hong Kong to Lhasa usually have layovers in Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Kunming, and other cities. If you are short on time, you can opt to fly from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and then take a flight to Lhasa. There are two daily direct flights from Shenzhen to Lhasa. Since there are no direct flights from Guangzhou to Lhasa, it is not recommended to depart from Guangzhou. However, if you wish to enjoy the experience of taking a train to Tibet, you can choose to travel by train from Guangzhou to Tibet.
If you have ample time, we recommend starting your journey from Hong Kong to Chengdu and Xining. These cities not only offer convenient transportation to Tibet but also boast abundant tourism resources. For instance, Chengdu is home to the picturesque Jiuzhaigou Valley, and Xining is renowned for the stunning Qinghai Lake. Exploring these destinations will enhance the value of your trip.
Take the train from Hong Kong to Lhasa
There is no direct train from Hong Kong to Lhasa. To experience train travel in Tibet, you can take train Z264 from Guangzhou Station to Lhasa. Other cities with trains to Tibet are Chengdu (departs every other day), Chongqing (departs every other day), Xining (departs every day), Beijing (departs every day), and Shanghai (departs every day). Alternatively, you can travel from Hong Kong to any of these cities and then take the train to Tibet.
Border Pass for Hong Kong Travelers
Hong Kong residents do not require a Tibet Travel Permit, but they still need to apply for other travel documents in Tibet. The travel policy is the same for Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland residents. If visiting Everest Base Camp or Ngari area, a border pass is required, which cannot be obtained in Hong Kong. Upon arrival in Lhasa, a travel agent must accompany you to the Lhasa Border Police Office to process the pass.
Before joining the group, please inform the specific travel location in Tibet as not all areas require border passes.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions of Hong Kong guests travelling to Tibet：
- Can Hong Kong people travel freely in Tibet?
A: Hong Kong people can travel freely in Tibet, such as by self-driving car. - Can Hong Kong people choose their own hotel in Tibet?
A: Hong Kong people can choose different levels of hotels according to their needs, such as youth hostels, three-star hotels, four-star hotels, or five-star hotels. - Hong Kong people can take the Sichuan-Tibet line into Tibet?
A: Hong Kong people can charter their own car to take the Sichuan-Tibet Line. The Sichuan-Tibet Line is the most beautiful scenic avenue, and every year many people choose this route into Tibet.
How to get from Hong Kong to Tibet – Transportation Guide
There is no direct train from Hong Kong to Lhasa. To experience train travel in Tibet, you can take the Z264 train from the nearest station in Guangzhou. Other cities that connect trains to Tibet include Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining, Beijing, and Shanghai. Travelers can go to these cities and then take the train to Tibet.
Travelling from Hong Kong to Lhasa by plane is not straightforward as there are no direct flights available. Instead, flights typically connect through destinations like Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Kunming.
If time is tight, you can choose a flight departing from Hong Kong. From Hong Kong to Shenzhen, and then from Shenzhen to Lhasa. There are two direct flights to Lhasa every day. As there is no direct flight from Guangzhou to Lhasa, it is not recommended to fly from Guangzhou. However, if you want to experience the fun of Tibet by train, you can choose the Tibet train from Guangzhou.
If you have plenty of time, it is recommended to start from Hong Kong to Chengdu, Xining, and other places. They are not only a convenient means of transportation to Tibet but also many tourist resources such as Jiuzhaigou in Chengdu and Qinghai Lake in Xining, which can add value to your time.
