Tibet Frontier Pass Application
What is a Frontier Pass?
The frontier pass is the abbreviation of the “Border Security Pass”. In order to ensure the security of the border, each country will demarcate a border management area at the border. The border defense certificate is a kind of certificate issued by the local border defense brigade in these border areas where citizens enter and leave the country. The certificate mainly list the places where you want to go and the duration of your stay around the border area.
Who needs to apply for a Frontier Pass?
Anyone who travels to the border areas of Tibet, whether they are mainland Chinese tourists, Hong Kong and Macao tourists or foreigners, Taiwan compatriots, they need to apply for a Frontier Pass. The difference is that mainland tourists do not need to apply for a Tibet Permit. They only need to apply for a Frontier Pass. They can apply at their residence location or through a travel agency in Lhasa. For Hong Kong and Macao tourists, finding a travel agency to help is suggested. Since foreign guests and Taiwanese tourists are usually required to apply for a Tibet Permit through a travel agency, the Frontier Pass can be applied together with it as well, and there is no need to apply for it separately.
How to apply for a Frontier Pass?
Foreign guests, Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Macau tourists:
Foreign guests and Taiwanese tourists usually apply for a Frontier Pass at the same time as the travel agency handles the Tibet Permit. When taking an airplane or a train, you only need to provide the original or scanned copy of the Tibet Permit. You do not need to show the border defense certificate. Since foreign guests and Taiwanese tourists will be always accompanied by a tour guide during the tour in Tibet, the tour guide will help the tourists with the required documents throughout the tour including the Customs clearance procedures.
Mainland Chinese tourists:
Mainland Chinese tourists can apply at their own residence, or they can entrust a travel agency. When filling in your personal information, the most important thing is to specify which area of Tibet you plan to go. You need the security department of your work place to agree and apply a seal. Then you need to get the seal of the local police station and go to the border defense office of the Public Security Bureau to apply for the Frontier Pass (free of charge). The whole process requires a personal ID card and a residence booklet, as well as two one-inch headshot photos.
Where are the places you need to apply for a Frontier Pass?
Shigatse area: Zhongba County, Saga County, Nie Lamu County, Dingri County, Kangma County, Yadong County, Gangba County, Jilong County
Shannan area: Bina County, Longzi County, Luozha County, Langkazi
Nyingchi area: Milin County, Long County, Chayu County, Medog Ali area: Pulan County, Zada County, Rito County, Muir County, Shiquan River
How long will the border defense card be valid?
According to the "Administrative Measures for Border Passes" of the People's Republic of China, the "Frontier Pass" is valid for a maximum of three months. In accordance with the actual situation in Tibet, the "Frontier Pass" of the border resident is valid for a maximum of six months.
