Visiting Tibet with an 'F' visa ... - Thorn Tree travel forum

Visiting Tibet with an 'F' visa

Replies: 9 - Last Post: 04-Aug-2007 21:07 Last Post By: Khema

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Posted
01-Jun-2007 06:29
by: Dynamo2007

Posts: 17
Registered: 22/05/07

Visiting Tibet with an 'F' visa

Hi,

I'm thinking of crossing Tibet by bicycle from Kashgar - Ali - Kailash - Lhasa - Yunnan begining mid-July. The plan is to present myself at Ali as per tradition, hoping the EBC fallout has calmed down. What I would like to know is whether having a six month business visa ('F' code) in my British passport would have any bearing on whether or not I'm given the permits. Secondly and more importantly, since this is technically not legal, whether my actions could have any repercussions for those who gave me the letter of invitation for my visa.

Posted
01-Jun-2007 07:07
by: pazu

Posts: 2,102
Registered: 05/02/01

1

I'm not quite sure where you got your F visa but my friend (Thai) got one in Hong Kong, without any invitation letter, at the JTA. We then cycled through the Yunnan-Tibet highway, without being caught. From what I've heard, if you cycle along the Kashgar - Shigatse, you will be caught once, around Ali. The PSB will probably ask you to pay Y300 for the penalty and Y50 for a permit. After Shigatse, it should be totally okay for you to cycle all the way to Yunnan.

Extensive FAQ about travel situation and permit restrictions in Tibet
Spinn Cafe, Bar and Tours , Lhasa, Tibet - Your information hub
Spinning in Tibet (ISBN: 9789881805966), published in Hong Kong.

Posted
01-Jun-2007 17:58
by: Khema

Posts: 219
Registered: 06/11/03

2

I travelled to Tibet (but not on bike) three times with a F (Business visa) on my passport, delivered in HKG. The visa type has never had any impact on the permit delivery (TTB and PSB), but I had never attempted to break the permit rules and get myself caught. The visa type can be explained quite well that you already had a business visa before you decided to divert to a tourist trip to Tibet, and you didn't think this last minute change had to lead to a reapplication for visa.

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Posted
01-Jun-2007 18:21
by: zhaoyun

Posts: 727
Registered: 12/07/06

3

It does not effect their giving you the permit, and I doubt there would be repercussions for whoever gave you the letter. At worst they'd probably just detain you for a day, fine you Y400 and send you back to Kashgar.

Posted
02-Jun-2007 01:15
by: Losang

Posts: 1,485
Registered: 04/09/04

4

You should have no problems getting a permit for the TAR with an F visa.

Need more info about Tibet? Try these: Life on the Tibetan Plateau: Tibet Tours and Pictures and Land of Snows: Picture Tour of Tibet

Posted
12-Jun-2007 05:09
by: Losang

Posts: 1,485
Registered: 04/09/04

5

I take back what I said. Some agencies may not give you a permit with an F visa. I am sure there are some that can arrange it though.

Need more info about Tibet? Try these: Life on the Tibetan Plateau: Tibet Tours and Pictures and Land of Snows: Picture Tour of Tibet

Posted
13-Jun-2007 01:02
by: zhaoyun

Posts: 727
Registered: 12/07/06

6

Really? Is that part of the stricter regulations?

Posted
20-Jun-2007 11:14
by: sausagesandwich

Posts: 2
Registered: 19/06/07

7

I've seen conflicting advice from agencies as to whether an F visa creates a problem - anyone have any experience with agencies who don't find it a problem. I have a rather pricey 1 year multi entry visa and would prefer not to have it cancelled.

Posted
01-Aug-2007 01:07
by: Dynamo2007

Posts: 17
Registered: 22/05/07

8

Thanks for all replies. Have now permit from PSB in Ali which is good to Shigatse, so all is well. They didn't make any comment about the visa type.

Posted
04-Aug-2007 21:07
by: Khema

Posts: 219
Registered: 06/11/03

9

#8, thanks for the update.

I can second the #7 in that some agencies (incl Sim's Cozy) told me my F visa will be a problem and some told me there is no problem. Sim's travel person insisted I supply them my China visa invitation letter which I don't have because the F visa in HK is given without such letter. Sim's then replied that I should write them a letter saying somethig silly like I only intend to sightsee in Tibet and will not bring any trouble. I thought it was very stupid to ask for that and went to another agency. The other agency did not mention any problems with F visa.

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