Almost all PRC Embassies issue individual visas for China, which can be used for Tibet. Generally, the closer the Embassy is to China, the longer the visa they can issue. For instance, the PRC Visa Issuing Office (Formerly the PRC Embassy) in Hong Kong, which is considered by some as the best place to get a visa, gives a 3-month visa for 80 US dollars, even a 6-month visa, in two working days; Hanoi gives a 3-month visa; Islamabad, 2-month; and New Delhi, mostly 1-month, but 2-month visa possible. However, be sure to inquire if the visa starts to run out on the date of issue or not, especially the visa from Hong Kong. When you purchase your visa it is advisable not to mention that you intend to travel to Tibet or Xinjiang; Chinese consulates in Australia, England and several other countries are believed to have denied visas to travellers who have mentioned Tibet as a destination or as their port of entry on their visa application forms. For a complete list of Chinese Embassies and Consulates world wide, visit the web site of the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng. It is also recommended that when applying for a visa, do not put your profession as reporter, journalist, writer, photographer, or diplomat.
You will probably not be able to obtain an individual visa for China from the Embassy in Kathmandu unless you have proof of a ticket to China (that is, not to Tibet). These visas usually specify that they are not valid for travel in the TAR. Group visas can be obtained through tour operators.
An individual visa should says "L" at the top corner; this means tourist (Chinese: luyouzhe), family visitation or other personal reasons. An "F" Visa is issued to an applicant who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges or short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months. A “Z” Visa is given to an applicant who is to take up a post or employment in China, and their accompanying family members; An “X” Visa for the purpose of study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of six months or above; “C” Visa to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and family members accompanying them. “J-1” Visa is Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China; “J-2” Visa to foreign correspondents on temporary interview mission in China; “G” Visa for transit through China; and “D” Visa is given to some one who is to reside permanently in China.
Prior to the introduction of new regulations in 1999 it had been possible to extend a tourist visa for a short period from within Tibet. Now it is virtually impossible to get an extension inside TAR, especially Lhasa. If at all possible, one would be required to produce proof of departure at the end of the extension, such as a flight ticket to Kathmandu. Some travellers have had more luck through travel agents in Shigatse. A tourist visa could be extended at the “Foreign Affairs Section” of the Public Security Bureau (PSB) in most major cities in China, including Chengdu, Xining and Kunming.
It is irresponsible to travel in Tibet without a valid entry visa, because it could endanger Tibetans with whom you have associated. Walking across a border is particularly dangerous and unjustifiable, since you may be assumed to be a spy if you are found without a stamped entry visa. This may not affect the way you are treated, but could have very serious implications for any Tibetan whom you are seen to have met or spoken with.