Everything you need to know about riding your own motorcycle into China: temporary import permits, customs clearance, temporary licenses, border procedures, and route planning.
Get Your Free Quote →Yes, you can temporarily import your own motorcycle into China for self-drive travel. Here's how it works.
Yes, you can temporarily import your own motorcycle into China for self-drive travel. China allows foreign-registered motorcycles to enter under the temporary import scheme, valid for up to 3 months.
However, this is not a process you can do on your own. By Chinese regulations, all foreign vehicles entering China — including motorcycles — must be sponsored by a licensed travel agency that provides customs guarantee and handles the paperwork. This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion.
We are Yunnan Province International Travel Agency (Group) Co., Ltd., based in Kunming, Yunnan. We've been helping foreign riders bring their motorcycles into China since 2014.
We process motorcycle entry through four land border ports.
Choose the port that makes the most sense for your route.
Most popular for riders coming from Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Best for riders coming from Central Asia, Russia, or Europe.
For riders coming from Nepal, India, or Tibet overland.
For riders coming from Mongolia, Russia, or the Gobi route.
Mohan Port is the most popular choice for Southeast Asian riders, as it connects directly to the Lao highway network and is a natural entry point for anyone riding south from China or north from Thailand.
Prepare these documents at least 20 days before your planned entry date.
Send digital copies to us; we handle all translation and filing.
Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned exit date.
Tourist visa is fine. Apply at your local Chinese embassy or consulate.
Your home country license. We handle the Chinese translation.
White background, passport style photo.
Your motorcycle's log book / registration document.
Front, side, and rear photos of your motorcycle.
Clear photo of the engine number (if not printed on the registration document).
Important: If your motorcycle is more than 6 years old, you'll also need a vehicle inspection certificate from your home country. After entry, the motorcycle will need to pass a Chinese vehicle inspection at the local vehicle management office before the temporary plate is issued.
Our service fee for motorcycle entry is the same as for cars.
All fees are in Chinese Yuan (RMB). Motorcycle and car pricing is identical.
Mohan Entry: ¥5,000–6,000 (Laos-registered: ¥4,000)
Khorgos Entry: ¥6,000–9,000
Cross-border (Khorgos in, Mohan out): ¥8,000
Customs declaration
Immigration procedures
Chinese temporary driving license
Temporary license plate (3 months)
Exit clearance + route filing
Normally 50%–65% of vehicle value. With our guarantee, you only pay ¥10,000. Fully refunded after exit.
Third-party liability is mandatory. We arrange it before you enter.
Translation fees, vehicle inspection (~¥200), fuel, tolls, food, accommodation.
From documents to riding on Chinese roads — here's the full process.
After entry: If your motorcycle needs inspection, ride to the local vehicle management office. Install your temporary plate, and you're ready to ride!
Once you have your temporary plate, you can ride almost anywhere — with some restrictions.
Tibet: Must have a licensed guide throughout your trip, plus a Tibet Travel Permit. Apply 1 month in advance.
Beijing: You need a Beijing Entry Permit to ride into the city.
Xinjiang border zones: Some restricted border areas in Xinjiang and Gansu are off-limits.
Xinjiang to Tibet: Cannot take G219 or Kashgar-Rutog road. Must detour via Golmud on G109.
Answers to the questions we hear most often from riders.
Yes. China does not recognize the International Driving Permit (IDP). We arrange a Chinese temporary driving permit for you as part of our service.
Yes. China allows right-hand drive vehicles to enter temporarily. All our ports accept RHD motorcycles, and the fees are exactly the same as for LHD.
The temporary plate is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
If you entered visa-free for 30 days but need more time, we can provide an invitation letter to help you apply for a longer tourist visa.
If you're stopped by police at a checkpoint, we can remotely provide proof of your registration and guarantee documents. Keep our contact number handy.
Contact us today for a free quote. Send us your details and we'll reply within 24 hours.
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