Spanish tourists traveling to Tibet must visit the Chinese Embassy to obtain a China Visa. The application can be submitted at the Chinese Embassy or other authorized overseas consulates. It is advisable for Spanish tourists to apply for a tourist China Visa. Non-L visas require the submission of certificates related to work, study, business, etc. For more information, please consult our travel consultant.
There is no direct flight from Barcelona to Lhasa, Tibet. In order to get to Tibet, you can take a connecting flight to mainland China and then go to Lhasa by plane or by train via the Qinghai-Tibet railway. Another way is to fly from a Spanish city to Kathmandu, Nepal, then apply for a group visa, and finally take an overland tour to Lhasa. Please note, this year, the China visa center in Kathmandu only issues a group visa per 4 applications.
To enter Tibet, you must apply for a Tibet entry permit beforehand. The visa application process involves submitting copies of your China Visa and passport, along with information about your occupation, entry and exit cities in Tibet, and other relevant details, to your Tibet travel agency. They will assist in obtaining your Tibet travel permit on your behalf.
Spain to Tibet through Major Cities in China
Currently, there are no direct flights from Spain to mainland China. However, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Mallorca, and Valencia airports in Spain offer indirect flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hong Kong in China. These flights typically have one or two stops, taking between 15 to 43 hours, including stopovers. From there, you can proceed to Lhasa by either plane or train.
Traveling from Barcelona to Tibet via Beijing
The Barcelona to Beijing flight, with 1 or 2 stops, takes approximately 15 to 30 hours and costs EUR710 to EUR1010. It is the preferred option for most Spaniards. From Beijing to Lhasa, there is only one daily direct flight from Beijing Capital International Airport, while more indirect flights stop in Chengdu before continuing to Lhasa. This leg of the journey lasts around 5 to 15 hours and costs EUR465 to EUR615.
loll You can choose the train from Beijing to Lhasa. There is only one daily train, Z21, that covers a distance of 3,757 kilometers and arrives in Lhasa at approximately 12:30 pm on the third day, taking around 41 hours. The soft sleeper ticket costs EUR170.
Barcelona to Tibet through Shanghai(PVG)
The Barcelona to Shanghai flight, with 1 or 2 stops, takes approximately 14 to 16 hours and costs EUR750 to EUR1100. There are currently no direct flights from Shanghai to Lhasa, instead, there are indirect flights that stop in cities like Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, or Kunming before reaching Lhasa. These flights take around 8 to 25 hours and cost EUR475 to EUR715.
There is a single daily train, Z164, that runs from Shanghai to Lhasa. The journey spans 4,373 kilometers and arrives in Lhasa at approximately 6:50 pm on the third day, taking around 47 hours. The cost of a soft sleeper ticket is EUR185. This train route is the second longest in Lhasa.
Madrid to Lhasa through Guangzhou(CAN)
The Barcelona-Guangzhou flight, with 1 or 2 stops, lasts approximately 18-30 hours and is priced between EUR600-EUR1400. There are no direct flights from Guangzhou to Lhasa, but numerous indirect options are available. These flights typically include stops in Chongqing and Chengdu before reaching Lhasa. They have a duration of approximately 6-11 hours and cost around EUR420-EUR563.
There is a daily train Z265 that travels from Guangzhou to Lhasa. The journey covers approximately 5,000 kilometers and arrives in Lhasa at around 5:05 pm on the third day, taking approximately 54 hours. The soft sleeper ticket is priced at EUR215, making it the longest train journey to Lhasa.
How to travel from Madrid to Tibet via Chengdu(TFU)
The flight from Madrid to Chengdu with one to three stops takes approximately 19 to 33 hours, costing between EUR939 and EUR1800. There are multiple direct flights from Chengdu to Lhasa, with a duration of about 2 hours and 30 minutes and a price range of EUR315 to EUR440. Chengdu is an ideal airport for traveling to Tibet, offering over 15 daily flights. Its short travel time makes it a top choice for time-constrained tourists.
The train Z322 from Chengdu to Lhasa runs every other day, covering 3,360 kilometers and arriving in Lhasa around 10:15 am on the third day after approximately 37 hours. The soft sleeper ticket costs EUR150. Chengdu is a popular gateway city for departures from mainland China to Tibet.
How to Travel from Spain to Tibet via Nepal
Spanish tourists can enter Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal, as Tibet shares a border with Nepal. In this scenario, you are not required to apply for a Chinese Visa to obtain the Tibet Entry Permit. Instead, you can obtain a China Group Visa, also known as a group tourist visa, in Kathmandu. Please be aware that from April 2023 onwards, the issuance of China Group Visas will require four applications.
From Barcelona to Lhasa through Kathmandu
There are various options and better prices for flights from Barcelona to Kathmandu. The duration of these flights is approximately 12 to 18 hours, with one stop at either Amad International Airport (DOH) or Istanbul Airport (IST). The cost ranges from EUR540 to EUR700.
Direct flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa have not yet resumed. Currently, the only available option is to fly from Kathmandu to Chengdu and then proceed to Lhasa. If you opt for this route, it is necessary to obtain a China visa beforehand.
Alternatively, embark on an epic overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa through the majestic Himalayas. Travelers can reach the Nepalese border checkpoint at Rasuwagadi by jeep, and then cross the Re Suo Bridge over the Trishuli River gorge to enter Tibet. The route from Gyirong to Lhasa offers breathtaking alpine gorges and vast green grasslands. Along the way, visitors can explore ancient monasteries and enchanting lakes spread across this sacred region. The trip concludes in Lhasa, where travelers can immerse themselves in the distinctive Tibetan culture, religion, and visit the city’s renowned attractions.
