Do I need a border pass to visit Xinjiang? Guide to obtaining border passes for Baitaba/Tashkurgan 2026

Which areas in Xinjiang require a Border Defense Permit?

Several regions in Xinjiang border international boundaries. Visiting these areas requires a "Border Management Area Permit of the People's Republic of China" (commonly known as a Border Pass). Many travelers are unaware of which locations require this permit, how to apply, or how long the process takes. As a result, they often arrive on-site only to find they cannot enter, causing unnecessary delays to their itineraries.

This guide provides a comprehensive list of Xinjiang attractions requiring border permits for 2026, along with application procedures, required documents, fees, and key tips to help you prepare in advance.

1. Xinjiang Attractions Requiring a Border Pass

Northern Xinjiang Region

Note: A border pass is required to visit Baihaba. There is a border checkpoint on the route from Kanas or Hemu to Baihaba; you will be turned back if you do not have a valid pass.

Southern Xinjiang

Summary: In Northern Xinjiang, only Baihaba requires a Border Pass. In Southern Xinjiang, a Border Pass is needed for Tashkurgan (towards the Pamir Plateau). No Border Pass is required for other popular attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, Kashgar Old City, and the Duku Highway.

II. How to Apply for a Border Pass

Method 1: Process at your household registration location (Recommended)

This is the most convenient and cost-effective method. Visit your local Public Security Bureau or police station in your registered hometown before you depart to complete the registration.

Required Materials:

• Original copy of your national ID card
• Original household registration booklet (required in some regions)
• 1-inch white-background photo, 2 copies (on-site photography available in some regions)
• Fill out the Border Pass Application Form

Process:

1. Visit the certificate hall of the county-level Public Security Bureau (or designated police station) in your household registration location.
2. Fill out the application form and specify your destination.
3. Submit ID and photo
4. On-site audits typically issue certificates on the same day.
5. Cost: Free

Destination entry suggestions:

• Go to Baihaba: Enter "Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Altay Prefecture, Haba County"
• Go to Tax County: Enter "Taxilukun Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region"
• Enter both: Write both, or enter "Altay Prefecture and Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region".

Processing time: Apply 1–2 weeks before your departure. Do not wait until the day of travel, in case additional documents are required.

Method 2: Process locally in Xinjiang

If you forget to apply before departure, you can do so locally in Xinjiang. However, processing there typically takes longer than at your place of household registration, and not all cities offer this service.

Location:

• Urumqi: Xinjiang Public Security Department Border Defense Bureau (Shayibake District), typically 1-2 business days.
• Kashgar: Kashgar Public Security Bureau, generally 1-2 working days
• Altay: Altay Prefecture Public Security Bureau, usually same day or 1 business days.

Required documents: original ID card and copy. Some regions may also require a letter from your employer or a travel agency certificate.

Cost: Free, though a small administrative fee (10-20 CNY) may apply in some cities.

Note: During the peak season (9-10), processing times may be longer due to high volume. We recommend arriving at least 2-3 days in advance.

Method 3: Group tours are handled by the travel agency.

If you join a group tour to White Baha or Taxien, most travel agencies will handle the border permit for you. Simply provide your original ID card or a copy to your tour guide or driver.

Pending Tasks:

• Submit your ID information to the travel agency 1–3 days before departure.
• The travel agency shall apply to the local public security authority on behalf of all applicants.
• On the departure day, your tour guide will hand you the completed border permit.
• Fee: Usually included in the group rate, or a service fee of 20-50 may apply.

This is the most hassle-free option. Just confirm with the travel agency before booking whether they offer visa assistance services.

3. Border Permit Format and Validity Period

Style

A border pass is a paper document similar in size to an ID card, displaying the holder's name, gender, ID number, destination area, and validity period. While some cities have transitioned to card formats, most still use paper versions.

Valid until

• Valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
• Available in some regions for 1 or 6 months.
• Must be renewed after expiration

Tip: If your trip is long, apply about a week before departure to ensure coverage for the entire duration.

IV. Frequently Asked Questions about Border Passes

Q1: Do children need a border pass?

Required. All individuals entering the border control zone must obtain a Border Pass, regardless of age. Children can be processed with their parents by adding them as accompanying persons on the parent's pass, or by obtaining a separate pass.

Q2: What should I do if my border pass is lost?

If you lose your Border Pass during travel, you must reapply at a local public security office. We recommend storing it in a waterproof bag and keeping it separate from your ID to avoid losing both documents at once.

Q3: Can a passport replace the Border Pass?

No. A passport and a border pass are two different documents. A passport is used for entering or leaving the country, while a border pass is required to enter domestic border control areas. Even with a passport, you still need a border pass to visit places like Baihaba or Taxkorgan.

Q4: What happens if I drive to Baihaba or Taxien without a border pass?

You will be stopped at checkpoints entering the border management area and asked to present a Border Pass. Without a valid Border Pass, you cannot proceed further and must return the way you came. Checkpoints are typically located 30-50 kilometers from the scenic area; do not attempt to bypass them.

Q5: Can the Hong Kong and Macao Pass or Taiwan Travel Permit replace the Border Control Pass?

No. The Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents and the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents are entry/exit documents and cannot replace a Border Pass. Visitors from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan also need to obtain a Border Pass, which can be applied for in Urumqi or at local public security authorities.

5. Reminder for Group Tourists Regarding Border Permits

• Clarify before signing up: Does the itinerary include any scenic spots that require a Border Defense Permit?
• If needed, confirm whether the travel agency handles it and if the cost is included.
• If the travel agency does not handle it, you must apply in advance at your place of household registration.
• Remember to bring the original border pass on departure day; your guide will verify it.
• The destination listed on the Border Defense Permit must match your actual itinerary.

VI. Summary and Recommendations

Obtaining a border pass is straightforward; the key is to determine in advance whether you need one for your itinerary and allow sufficient time for processing. For more questions about traveling in Xinjiang,Contact UsGet professional advice.