Can Foreign Cars Be Driven into China?

[LoganLee]

Foreign cars can be driven into China, but relevant procedures need to be completed. Below is an introduction to the entry of foreign vehicles: Basis and conditions for application: Temporarily entering vehicles and drivers refer to foreign motor vehicles and foreign drivers, individuals from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, overseas Chinese, and their motor vehicles that are approved by the national competent authorities to temporarily (not exceeding three months) enter China to participate in organized tourism, competitions, and other exchange activities. Required materials: "Application Form for Temporary Special License Plate of the People's Republic of China"; "Application Form for Temporary Driving License of the People's Republic of China"; approval documents from the relevant competent authorities (original).

[EvelynAnn]

I specifically researched this during my last cross-border road trip. Foreign vehicles can indeed enter China, but they require temporary entry license plates and documentation. Remember to have an ATA Carnet as the vehicle's passport, obtain compulsory traffic insurance, and get your foreign driver's license translated and notarized. The most crucial point is that the entry route must go through designated ports, such as Khorgos in Xinjiang or Manzhouli in Inner Mongolia - these international checkpoints. When our convoy entered from Russia, customs required advance registration of the vehicle's engine and chassis numbers. Temporary plates are valid for up to 3 months maximum - beyond that you'll need to either exit the country or apply for an extension at customs. If stopped by traffic police during the journey, presenting these documents plus your passport will suffice. Oh, and the vehicle itself must meet China's National VI emission standards - vehicles failing emissions tests will be turned back.

[LauraFitz]

My friend works in a cross-border logistics company running the China-Russia route and often handles this. The first checkpoint for foreign vehicles entering China is the border customs, where temporary import procedures must be completed with the purchase invoice and vehicle registration certificate. Compulsory traffic insurance must be purchased within China, as Russian insurance isn't valid here. I remember last year a German RV was stopped in Xinjiang because the owner didn't obtain a temporary driving permit. Vehicle dimensions also matter—those exceeding 2.5 meters in width can't use certain national highways. Additionally, China is a right-hand traffic country, so left-hand drive vehicles must display reflective stickers. For refueling on the road, only Chinese license plate fuel cards work; cash is basically useless.

[OTessa]

Cross-border road trip enthusiasts share their experiences. The safest approach is to apply 30 days in advance, preparing vehicle photos, a translated driver's license, and a health declaration form. Vehicles from Hong Kong and Macau can use the special lane on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge for faster processing, but a dual license plate is required. Pay attention to vehicle modifications—for example, the height of roof racks must not exceed half a meter. During actual entry from Kazakhstan into China, customs also checks if the vehicle's headlights comply with GB standards. Fuel levels must be controlled; tanks exceeding 40 liters require declaration. It's recommended to install Chinese navigation software, as Google Maps often has location offsets. Each entry allows a maximum stay of 90 days.