Are there places in China that require a permit to travel? It’s a legitimate question because there are, in fact, a few places in China where foreign travelers aren’t allowed to visit and a few that require special China travel permits. Let me explain.
The ultimate fear of most any international traveler is that they’ll spend all their time planning and yet when they arrive to their destination they are denied entry.
Thankfully, obtaining a Chinese visa will grant you free access to 85% of the country, but naturally it’s that remaining 15% that might cause you concern.
Hopefully I can answer all of these questions for you below. You can use the navigation links here to jump down to a specific section, or continue scrolling to read more:
This is an example of just one helpful chapter in my book Travel to China | Everything You Need to Know Before You Go. Grab a copy and find out why it has become a best-selling travel guide on Amazon!
There are a few areas around China that are considered “off-limits” for foreign travelers. While that may sound strange at first, you have to understand that the same can be said for many countries around the world.
These off-limits places include:
These “off-limits” areas make up only a small portion of China and, frankly, are not part of any major tourist route.
More than likely you won’t have to worry about this, but it’s good to know about.
The biggest restricted portion of China (almost 13%) goes to areas which require a travel permit for foreign travelers.
This China travel permit must be stamped by a local government and are carried either on your person or with your tour group leader. You can be sure that the permits will be checked at the checkpoint.
There are three primary places where a permit is required to travel in China:
Of course, if the place you want to travel (Tibet, parts of Xinjiang, sensitive border regions) require a special China travel permit, what are your options?
How do you obtain a China travel permit?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the various permits and how to get them.
As a foreign passport holder, you cannot board a train or plane bound for Tibet without a Tibet Travel Permit. And you cannot obtain a Tibet Travel Permit without first going through a tour group.
Sadly, there is no such thing as “solo travel” when entering Tibet…technically.
You’ll need to apply for this permit through a reputable China travel agency, the vast majority of whom will require you to purchase one of their travel packages to do so.
The whole application process takes a couple weeks (submission, approval and delivery to your China hotel), so budget plenty of time.
Whereas the process to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit is clear and written out, the Xinjiang permit is much more confusing.
One reason is that the “restricted areas” of Xinjiang seem to constantly change.
Some travelers have been turned away at police checkpoints while traveling in Xinjiang, completely unaware that they needed a permit. There are two things you can do here:
As for the international borders, the primary documentation you’ll need is an ongoing visa to the country you’re approaching. A particular China travel permit isn’t necessary in this case.
For most China travelers, getting an extra permit won’t be necessary.
It’s not unless you have a desire to visit Tibet, get far off the beaten path or get near an international border that you need to think about applying for an additional permit.
If you find that a China travel permit is necessary, begin your search for a reliable travel agency that can help you submit your application. They’ll need a copy of your passport in addition to your China visa – and remember that most agencies will require you to purchase one of their tour packages.
It sucks, but you gotta pay the piper, you know?
Pro Travel Tip for China
If you get to an area that requires a permit and you weren’t prepared, plead ignorance. Often times the officers in charge will allow you to purchase one on the spot for a more expensive fee, but do not expect them to do this. Plan ahead and just ask people in the area where you’re traveling if there are any travel restrictions.
While a China travel permit is nothing more than a stamped piece of paper, you will be required to show copies at almost every checkpoint.
You must have them!
And while you’re getting this prepared, make sure you check out many of my other pro traveler tips for China.
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