Erenhot Port Entry China Guide | Mongolia to China Self-Drive

Location & Overview

Where is Erenhot Port?

The largest land border crossing between China and Mongolia, on the northern corridor of the Belt and Road.

Erenhot (also known as Erlian) is located in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is the largest land border crossing between China and Mongolia, opposite Mongolia's Zamyn-Üüd checkpoint.

The port is approximately 700 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and about 700 kilometers from Beijing, China. It is a key node for China-Mongolia trade and self-drive tourism.

Erenhot Highway Port — the largest border crossing between China and Mongolia

Who Can Use This Port

Which Nationalities Can Enter Through Erenhot?

Perfect for Eurasian road trippers coming from Russia or Europe via Mongolia.

✅ Accepted Vehicle Types

Mongolian registered vehicles
Russian registered vehicles (via Mongolia)
Other nationalities transiting through Mongolia
Left-hand drive vehicles (LHD)
Cars, SUVs, RVs, motorcycles

❌ Important Notes

Must be declared through a licensed travel agency
Individual vehicles cannot clear customs on their own
Vehicle age over 6 years needs inspection certificate
Modified vehicles must declare in advance

Important: If you're on an Eurasian road trip from Europe or Russia, Erenhot is one of your main entry points into China (the other being Khorgos in Xinjiang).

Documents Checklist

What Documents Do You Need?

Prepare these 20 days in advance to ensure smooth processing.

Required Documents

Send digital copies to us; we handle all translation and filing.

📄

Valid Passport

At least 6 months remaining validity beyond your planned exit date.

🛂

Chinese Visa

Tourist visa is fine.

🚗

Driver's License

From your home country. China does not recognize international driving permits.

📷

ID Photo

White background, 1 inch, digital copy of the driver.

📋

Vehicle Registration

Vehicle registration certificate / logbook. Plus engine number photo if not printed.

🚙

Vehicle Photos

Front, side, and rear photos of the vehicle for customs filing.

Cost Breakdown

How Much Does It Cost?

Transparent pricing — no hidden fees.

✅ Service Fee (Included)

Customs declaration (entry & exit)
Immigration procedures
Temporary driving license
Temporary license plate (3 months)
Route filing & record
On-site assistance at the port

❌ Not Included

Customs deposit (refundable)
Vehicle insurance (we arrange)
Document translation fees
Fuel, tolls, accommodation, food
Beijing Entry Permit (if needed)

Note: Erenhot service fee is ¥6,000–9,000 per vehicle — higher than Mohan because the northern ports require cross-regional filing and more complex procedures. Khorgos Port is in the same price range.

Customs Deposit: ¥10,000

Normally customs requires 50%–65% of the vehicle value as guarantee. With our agency guarantee, you only need to deposit ¥10,000 RMB.

💰

Paid to our corporate bank account, must arrive 3 days before entry

↩️

Refunded in full within 3–5 working days after exit

✅

No overstay, no unpaid violations = full refund guaranteed

Clearance Process

How Does Customs Clearance Work?

One-stop inspection — average clearance time is just 60 seconds.

Erenhot Port — both railway and highway crossings

📅 20 Days Before

Send us your documents
We prepare the declaration paperwork
Book "appointment clearance" in advance

📅 Clearance Day

8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (13 hours daily)
One-stop joint inspection
Receive temporary license plate

Speed: Average clearance time per vehicle is about 60 seconds, 50% faster than before. For convoy groups, we can arrange dedicated inspection lanes.

Route & Destinations

Where Can You Drive After Entry?

From Erenhot, you can reach Beijing and all of northern China easily.

Popular Destinations from Erenhot

All distances are approximate driving distances.

🏙️

Beijing (≈700 km)

Via G55 Erguang Expressway. Note: Beijing Entry Permit required.

🏙️

Hohhot (≈400 km)

Capital of Inner Mongolia, great stopover city.

🏙️

Ulanqab (≈300 km)

Close to the border, famous for grasslands.

🏙️

Baotou (≈500 km)

Industrial city on the Yellow River.

⚠️ Important Travel Restrictions

📜

Beijing requires a Beijing Entry Permit (入京证). We can help you apply in advance.

🚫

Some border restricted areas in Xinjiang are not open to foreigners.

📜

Tibet requires a licensed guide throughout and a Tibet Travel Permit.

🚫

The Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is not open to foreigners.

Tips & Pitfalls

Tips to Avoid Problems

Learn from others' mistakes — don't make them yourself.

⏰

Long Clearance Hours

Erenhot is now open 8:00–21:00 (13 hours daily), much more convenient than before.

❄️

Cold Winter Weather

Inner Mongolia is very cold in winter (November–March), temperatures can drop to -20°C to -30°C. Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready.

🌬️

Spring Sandstorms

March–May brings frequent sandstorms in Inner Mongolia. Check vehicle seals and visibility.

📷

No Photos of Border Facilities

Military installations, border checkpoints, and military vehicles are off-limits for photos.

🚫

Prohibited Items

Meat and dairy products from Mongolia are not allowed into China.

Erenhot Port Entry to China Complete Guide