Beyond the Tibet Travel Permit, some areas of Tibet require an additional Alien Travel Permit (ATP). This guide explains who needs it, how to obtain it, and which regions are restricted.
The Alien Travel Permit is an additional document required for foreign travelers to visit certain restricted areas of Tibet — including some border regions, parts of the Ali (western Tibet) area, and certain military zones. It's issued by the local public security bureau.
Most first-time visitors to Lhasa and central Tibet don't need the ATP (only the Tibet Travel Permit). It becomes necessary for travel to restricted regions such as Mount Kailash, the Ali Plateau, some areas near the Nepal/India borders, and parts of Nyingchi.
The ATP is arranged by your licensed tour operator as part of your itinerary. It's applied for after your arrival in Tibet (usually in Lhasa) based on your planned route. Your operator handles the paperwork — travelers cannot obtain it independently.
Typical ATP areas include: the Ali region (for Kailash and Guge), parts of the Everest area beyond the base camp, the Yadong area near the Bhutan border, and certain sections of the northern Changtang. Your operator will confirm the current requirements for your specific route.
Carry the permit with your passport at all times when traveling in these areas — checkpoints are common. The permit lists your approved route and itinerary. Deviating from it can cause problems, so travel with your guide and follow the approved plan.
Routes requiring the ATP need extra lead time for permits. When booking, tell your operator your full intended itinerary so they can arrange all necessary documents. Allow flexibility — permits are subject to current regulations which can change.