Khorgos · Xinjiang · China-Kazakhstan Border

Khorgos Port Entry Car Guide

Planning to drive from Kazakhstan into China? Here's everything you need to know about Khorgos Port, the main border crossing between China and Central Asia.

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About Khorgos

Where is Khorgos Port?

The main entry point for anyone driving from Central Asia, Russia, or Europe into China.

Khorgos (霍尔果斯) is a major land border city in Xinjiang, China, right on the border with Kazakhstan. It's the main entry point for anyone driving from Central Asia, Russia, or Europe into China.

Khorgos is located about 300 km west of Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. The city is divided into two parts: the old town and the new special economic zone. The border crossing is modern and efficient.

Why Khorgos? It's the natural crossing point for anyone coming from Almaty, Astana, or further west. Once you enter, it's a 3–4 hour drive to Urumqi on excellent highways. From Khorgos, you can follow the ancient Silk Road east through Dunhuang, Zhangye, and Xi'an.

Vehicle Types

Which Vehicles Can Enter at Khorgos?

We process all types of vehicles through Khorgos.

✅ Accepted Vehicle Types

  • Cars and SUVs
  • Motorcycles
  • RVs and motorhomes
  • Vans and minibuses
  • Left-hand drive (LHD)
  • Right-hand drive (RHD)

❌ 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
  • No commercial use allowed during temporary entry
Documents Checklist

Required Documents

Prepare these at least 20 days before your entry date.

Required Documents

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

📄

Valid Passport

Valid for at least 6 months beyond your exit date.

🛂

Chinese Visa

Tourist visa is fine.

🚗

Driver License

Your home country license. We handle the Chinese translation.

📷

Driver Photo

White background, passport style.

📋

Vehicle Registration Certificate

Your vehicle's log book / registration document.

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Vehicle Photos

Front, side, and rear photos.

⚙️

Engine Number

Clear photo of the engine number.

Important: If your vehicle is more than 6 years old, you'll need a vehicle inspection certificate from your home country. After entry, the vehicle will need to pass a Chinese vehicle inspection.

Cost Breakdown

How Much Does It Cost?

Our service fee for entry through Khorgos Port.

Service Fee

💰

Service fee: ¥6,000–9,000

💰

Customs deposit (guaranteed): ¥10,000 (refundable)

🛡️

Vehicle insurance: Arrange before entry

What's Included

✅

Customs declaration

✅

Immigration procedures

✅

Chinese temporary driving license

✅

Temporary license plate (3 months)

✅

Exit clearance + route filing

Cross-border package: If you want to enter at Khorgos but exit at Mohan (or vice versa), we offer a full cross-border package for ¥8,000. This is popular with riders doing the full Silk Road route from west to east.

At the Border

What to Expect at Khorgos

Port hours and step-by-step process on entry day.

Port Hours

⏰

Monday–Friday

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

⏰

Saturday–Sunday

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

✅ The Process

  • Exit Kazakhstan at the Kazakh side
  • Enter China at Khorgos immigration
  • Customs inspection of your vehicle
  • Meet our on-site representative

❌ Don't Forget

  • All your original documents
  • Printout of our confirmation email
  • Water and snacks (process takes hours)

Important: We recommend arriving at the border before 2:00 PM to give yourself enough time. If you arrive too late, you may have to stay overnight in Khorgos city.

After You Enter

Where to Go Next

From Khorgos, most travelers head east along the Silk Road.

Popular First Stops

🏨

Khorgos City

Most travelers spend their first night here. Several international hotels in the new special economic zone.

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Urumqi: ~300 km, 3–4 hours

The perfect first stop — modern city with great food and plenty of services.

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Turpan: ~200 km, 2.5 hours

Flaming Mountains, ancient Silk Road oasis.

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Dunhuang: ~800 km, 1 day

Mogao Caves, Mingsha Shan desert — the highlight of the Silk Road.

⛰️

Zhangye: ~600 km, 7 hours

Colorful Danxia landform, the next stop on the Hexi Corridor.

⚠️ Important Restrictions

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Xinjiang border zones: Some restricted border areas in Xinjiang and Gansu are off-limits. Check with us before planning your route.

🗺️

Xinjiang to Tibet: Cannot take G219 or Kashgar-Rutog road. Must detour via Golmud on G109.

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Tibet: Must have licensed guide throughout + Tibet Travel Permit. Tell us 1 month in advance.

🏛️

Beijing: You need a Beijing Entry Permit. We can arrange this for you.

Ready to Enter China via Khorgos?

Contact us today for a free quote. Send us your travel dates and vehicle details.

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