how do I apply for an entrance permit to Tibet???

Generally speaking, foreigners are not allowed to travel in Tibet individually. If you'll travel to Tibet in a tourist group organized by an authorized travel agency, the travel agency will handle it for you. But if you go to Tibet individually, you may contact the Tourism Administration of the Tibet (Tel: 0086-891-6834313; Fax: 0086-891-6834632) in advance and ask for its approval. I'm afraid the China embassy cannot help you with this.

Thanks David for your help. How long does it normally take for the Tibet Tourism Administration to process an application?

Thanks for your help

Kelliea, in fact, it is very complex and hard for a foreigner to get the Tibet Entry Permit because Individual foreigner is not allowed to enter Tibet. You have to contact a travel agency in China to get the permit for you.

You can do it like this: first, apply for a China visa in Australia, but you can't declare you will visit Tibet on the visa application form, then the permit will not be required by visa officer.

Once you enter China by holding the visa, you ask the travel agency in China to send you the Tibet Entry Permit, at last go to Tibet.