Xinjiang Travel Permit | Can Foreigners Visit Xinjiang?

Can Foreigners Travel to Xinjiang?

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

Sayram Lake, Xinjiang

Can foreigners visit Xinjiang? Yes, International Travelers can enter Xinjiang without a Xinjiang Travel Permit, unless you are planing to visit board areas of Xinjiang, then you need to apply for a Travel permit.

And the travel experience in Xinjiang is quite good, featuring majestic landscapes, diverse culture, delicious Xinjiang food, and tourist-friendly updates made over the years.

7 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour for First-Timers: Urumqi Tianchi Turpan Kashgar

Urumqi - Tianchi Lake - Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar

Xinjiang Classic Tour 7 Days 5 Places View Detail

What is Xinjiang Travel Permit: Not a Must at Most Destinations in Xinjiang

The Xinjiang Travel Permit, also known a Xinjiang Border Permit or 边防证 in Chinese, is a special travel document that foreigners should obtain if to visit the restricted areas in Xinjiang.

This permit is necessary for foreign visitors, as well as Chinese citizens, who wish to visit particular areas in Xinjiang near international borders.

Foreigners can Visit most places without Xinjiang travel restrictions, especially popular tourist cities such as Urumqi, Kashgar, and Turpan.

If you are planning a cultural tour focusing on urban areas, especially in Southern Xinjiang, you probably won't even need to apply for a Xinjiang Travel Permit.

Which Parts of Xinjiang Requires Travel Permit to Visit?

For somewhat remote scenic areas in Xinjiang, like Tashkurgan County, you do need a travel permit to visit, applicable to both foreign visitors and Chinese domestic travelers. The application process for foreigners is not much hassle either, so foreign visitors can definitely visit Xinjiang.

Some spots, such as Baihaba, Red Flag Lapopu Border, Khunjerab Pass, and more, have entry restrictions for foreign visitors.

Here are the places foreigners can NOT visit in Xinjiang:

• Baihaba (Passport Holders of Hongkong and Macau can enter)
• Hongqi Lapu Port
• Khorgos Port
• Duku Highway (only the Bayanbulak section, rest of the Highway is open to foreigners)
• Robu Village
• Bayinbuluke (Passport Holders of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau can enter)

Talk to our travel expert to book your Xinjiang Tour with Asia Odyssey Travel. Contact us now!

The good news is that, although they are not open to international tourists, most of these places are located near the border and are not major tourist destinations. As a traveler to Xinjiang, you won't miss much by skipping those places especially with our well-planned Xinjiang Tours for natural glamours.

One of the Places that require a Xinjiang Travel Permit to visit for foreigners that are worth mentioning is Tashkurgan County. Our curated Xinjiang Tours cover most destinations and attractions in Xinjiang, including Tashkurgan.

Our local guide and travel expert will help you every step of the way obtaining your Xinjiang Travel Permit. Contact us to plan your Xinjiang Trip!

That being said as a foreign visitor to Xinjiang the Xinjiang Travel Permit is a good thing to get, though not essential, for the following reason:

Horse Riding in Kanas Lake, Xinjiang

Guanyu Pavilion of Kanas Lake, Xinjiang

Get a Xinjiang Permit to travel more smoothly: The vast, dramatic landscapes in Xinjiang offer an even more memorable trip. With a Xinjiang Travel Permit you leave all your options open traveling in Xinjiang.

A Xinjiang permit can ensure a smoother and more comprehensive Xinjiang travel, even if you decide to improvise and add side trips along the way.

Xinjiang Travel Permit is easy to get: It's a pretty straight forward process to get a Xinjiang Travel Permit. You can get the travel permit on site in just about 10 minutes. And the Xinjiang Travel Permit is free to get in Xinjiang.

Read on to find out how to get a Xinjiang Border Permit. Or simply talk to your Travel Expert at Asia Odyssey Travel.

With decade-long experience we handle all travel permits in Asia so you can travel hassle-free. Plan your Xinjiang Travel and Contact us now!

How Can You Travel to Xinjiang: Xinjiang Travel Permit Requirements

Keketuohai National Geological Park, Xinjiang

Kashgar Old City

Here's documents needed for foreigners to apply for a Xinjiang Travel Permit:

• Passport
• A Chinese Tourist Visa
• Entry Stamp/Proof of Legal Entry
• Permit Application Form(To to filled out on application site at Local Public Security Bureau )
• Travel Agency Documents

Simply get in touch with our travel expert and book your Xinjiang Tour with Asia Odyssey Travel. Contact us now!

First Step to Get Xinjiang Travel Permit: Get a Tourist Visa to China

As of 2024 China welcomes international traveler with its Visa Policy loosen. Visitors from over 50 counties can visit designated cities and regions in China Visa free. In the meant time Xinjiang is Not on the list of the Visa Free list of China yet.

So before heading to Xinjiang, foreign visitors must first apply for and obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa (L-Visa).

It's essential to prepare the Tourist visa in advance. And the visa is your first step to get a Xinjiang Border Permit.

To apply for a Tourist Visa contact your travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel, with decade-long experience and local based offices in China we strive to provide Xinjiang Tours and China Tours in general with a hassle-free experience!

Contact us now to plan your Xinjiang Trip!

8 Days China Silk Road Tour from Dunhuang to Turpan, Urumqi & Kashgar

Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar

Popular Trip 8 Days 4 Places View Detail

Second Step to Get Xinjiang Travel Permit: Travel to China, Fill Out Entry Form at Custom

When entering Xinjiang or any part of China, you'll be required to fill out an entry form at the border or airport, like entering most countries. This is a straightforward procedure, but be sure to fill it out accurately.

Please list your destination cities in Xinjiang as Cities Intended to Visit in China.

Third Step to Get Xinjiang Travel Permit: Go to Designated Office in Xinjiang

After arriving in Xinjiang it's time to get your travel permit.

As a foreigners visiting Xinjiang you would need to go to designated Office to get your Xinjiang Travel Permit, in most cases it would be a "Public Security Bureau (公安局)" that is county level or above. Search "Public Security Bureau Entry & Exit" on map.

Kashgar is a bit different. The reception for foreign traveler to get a Xinjiang Travel Permit is located within the Kashgar International Self Driving Camp, which is not easy to search on map app.

Search "Kashi Silu Lvtu Hotel (喀什丝路宾馆)" it is located within the Self Driving Camp and navigate accordingly to reach the reception hall for your Xinjiang Travel Permit.

10 Days North Xinjiang Amazing Adventure with Diverse Landscapes

Urumqi - Fuyun - Kanas Lake - Hemu - Burqin - Karamay - Yining - Naraty Grassland - Jinghe - Urumqi

North Xinjiang 10 Days 10 Places View Detail

Tips for Applying for Xinjiang Travel Permit

As a foreign visitor Xinjiang Travel Permit is Not a Must-Have if you are only visiting urban areas of Xinjiang.

While Xinjiang Permit is easy to get it is important that you can communicate with Xinjiang local authority.

And there are nuances to consider when making application for your Xinjiang Travel Permit. Do read on or simply have your travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel handle everything for you, Contact us now!

Here are some practical tips to help with applying for a Xinjiang Travel Permit (border permit) as a foreign visitor:

1. Plan Ahead to Get Your Xinjiang Travel Permit

Start your application process as early as possible, especially if you're visiting remote locations in Xinjiang like Kanas, Hemu, or the Karakoram Highway.

2. Work with a Travel Agency to Apply for Your Xinjiang Travel Permit

Agencies can assist with paperwork, guide you through the process. Our guide would accompany you all the way when applying for Xinjiang Travel Permit.

So you don't have to worry about language barriers or applications forms.

Asia Odyssey Travel, your Top Travel Company in Asia, your best travel companion to Xinjiang. Contact us now!

Kanas Lake, Xinjiang

Sayram Lake, Xinjiang

3. Visit the Public Security Bureau (PSB) to Get Your Xinjiang Travel Permit, Research before Navigate

Some areas require you to apply for your border permit at the local PSB (Public Security Bureau) office in the region.

Only the PSB at the county level and above can process your application for a Xinjiang Travel Permit. Be sure to call before you go to confirm that it's the right office for obtaining your travel permit.

4. Check Xinjiang Travel Permit Validity Period: 1 Week for Each Region is Ideal

Border permits usually have a limited validity period (often 1 month). Plan your travel dates carefully to ensure that the permit covers the entire duration of your stay in the sensitive area.

Also, note that permits are issued per scenic area, so you may need to apply for separate permits for multiple regions.

5. Carry Original Documents: Passport, Visa, Xinjiang Travel Permit, Carry Everything

When applying for the permit, you will need to present original documents such as your passport and Chinese visa.

Always keep copies of these documents on hand, but be prepared to show the originals at local checkpoints as well.

6. Know the Restricted Areas in Xinjiang

Before applying, make sure to know which areas are restricted for foreign tourists and require a Xinjiang Travel Permit.

The rule of thumb is to avoid visiting if it’s a remote area and it’s not stated on your Xinjiang travel restrictions.

Considering the vast landscapes in Xinjiang the distance between Xinjiang Attractions a Xinjiang Tour is the Best Option to Visit Xinjiang in the first place.

So join a tour with Asia Odyssey Travel to visit Xinjiang hassle-free! Travel Permit, Transportation, Accommodation and everything, we have you covered!

7 Days Northern Xinjiang Essential Tour: from Heavenly Lake to Kanas Lake

Urumqi - Beitun - Hemu - Kanas Lake - Burqin - Karamay - Urumqi

Northern Xinjiang 7 Days 7 Places View Detail

7. Travel Permit Exemptions for Some Travelers to Xinjiang

For travelers from cities of Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, some restrictions do not apply (Xinjiang Travel Permit might not be needed), or the process may be simpler.

However, always confirm the requirements in advance if you hold a passport from those regions.

8. Allow Time for Inspections Even After Obtaining Xinjiang Travel Permit

There would be check points if you travel to the regions that needs Xinjiang Travel Permit to go. Staff at check point will verify your documents, including your passport, visa, and the border permit itself.

9. Separate Xinjiang Travel Permit for Each Region

You won't receive a “one-time” permit for all of Xinjiang's border regions. A separate permit may be required for each specific areain Xinjiang.

For instance, you'll need different permits for Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Tashkurgan. Organize your Xinjiang Itinerary so that you can secure the necessary permits without delay.

Tajik Family

Naratay Grassland, Xinjiang

Travel Ideas for Xinjiang Tour

Urumqi (1-2 days): Start your journey in Urumqi. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum and explore the Grand Bazaar. Consider a day trip to the scenic Heavenly Lake for hiking and relaxation.

Kashgar & Tashkurgan (3-4 days): Explore the Old Town, dazzling Bazaars. Take a day trip to Tashkurgan to see the stunning scenery of the Pamir Plateau and visit Tajik family.

Turpan & Korla (2-3 days): Travel to Turpan, famous for its unique desert landscape and historical sites like the Karez irrigation system and the Flaming Mountains. Then, head to Korla to explore the ancient Iron Gate Pass and enjoy local Xinjiang Food.

Kuqa & Hotan (2-3 days): Next, visit Kuqa to explore the Kizil Caves and local culture. Continue to Hotan, known for jade, silk production and the ancient ruins of the Hotan Kingdom.

8 Days Southern Xinjiang Tour from Kashgar to Tashkurgan Turpan Urumqi

Kashgar - Tashkurgan - Kashgar - Urumqi - Tianchi Lake - Urumqi - Turpan - Urumqi

Southern Xinjiang Tour 8 Days 8 Places View Detail

Aletai, Hemu Village & Kanas Lake (3-4 days): Venture north to Aletai, where you can explore picturesque valleys and enjoy outdoor activities. Visit Hemu Village for rural experiences, and head to Kanas Lake for breathtaking sunrise/sunset views.

Burqin & Karamay (2 days): Visit Burqin to see the Rainbow Mountains and enjoy outdoor activities. Then, explore Karamay, known for its unique geological formations and the Ghost City.

Yining & Naraty Grassland (2-3 days): Travel to Yining, explore local markets and attractions. visit Naraty Grassland for horseback riding and a taste of pastoral culture.

When planning your Xinjiang Itinerary, do consider how vast Xinjiang is as a travel destination. So allocate your time to maximize your Xinjiang Trip.

Browse more Xinjiang tours with Asia Odyssey Travel or simply get in touch with your Travel Expert; tell us your travel interest, we have you covered. Contact us now!

Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, Culture & Nature Xinjiang Tour

First-time visitor or not, Xinjiang is Not What You Think. It's More Than What You Imagine!

Looking for natural grandeur? Experience the the sunrise at pristine Kanas Lake, the sky-touching Naraty Grassland, the boundless Taklamakan Desert along the acient Xinjiang Silk Road.

Looking to broaden your horizons? Discover exquisite Uyghur crafts at the bazaars at Kashgar, the nomadic dances of Tajiks on the Pamir Plateau at Tashkurgan, and the finest vineyards at Grape Valley at Turpan. You can even visit the oldest Buddha Grottoes in China!

Your Xinjiang Trip will be an eye-opening adventure and a soul-touching journey!

Asia Odyssey Travel: Your Best Xinjiang Guide

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• Exclusive Access: Secure your tickets and accommodations even in high season.
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