Is a Chinese visa required for entering Tibet without passing through the rest of China?

Question

If flying to Tibet through Kathmandu or Hong Kong and not setting foot in the rest of China, is a Chinese visa necessary to enter Tibet, or only the Tibet travel permit?

I do need a visa for mainland China other than under the 72/144-hour TWOV arrangement, which doesn't apply in Lhasa. Since Tibet has autonomy, however, I wonder whether a Tibet Travel Permit alone would be sufficient?

Answer 1

Tibet is considered to be inside China, so yes you need a visa for China, plus a Tibet Travel permit. Tibet does not enjoy the special immigration rules that apply to Hong Kong.