Border Management Area Transit Practices
Which places require border passes, how to handle them, and how to get through checkpoints: practical experience for the Baihaba, Tashkurgan, and Khunjerab areas. Practical travel through border management zones belongs to the Xinjiang pre-trip preparation series: it explains all practical issues at once, such as seasons and duration, documents and border passes, hiring a car and transportation, payments and internet access, food and accommodation, so you can check everything before departure.
Areas Requiring Border Passes
Common three areas: Kanas Bihaba Village (border of Habahe County), the entire Pamir Tashkurgan area (including the Panlong Ancient Road and Hongqilafu direction), and some border township roads in Yili. For scenic area shuttle buses entering border areas (such as Bihaba), temporary procedures can be handled through the scenic area.
How to Apply
You can apply at the public security exit and entry office of your household registration location or at Xinjiang local offices, free of charge; if applying on-site in Xinjiang, visit the Kashgar Border Police Brigade or the Tashkurgan county office, bring your ID card and fill in your destination area (specify "Tashkurgan County"). For foreign passports, apply through the local exit and entry administration department, which takes longer, so allow enough time for your trip.
Passing Checkpoints
Border checkpoints along the border line check people, documents, and rear trunks. Everyone must carry their pass and cooperate with trunk inspections; avoid taking photos of checkpoints, military police facilities, and military zones, and drones are directly prohibited in these areas.
Hongqilafu
The national gate scenic area is at an altitude of 4,700 meters, with strong winds and low temperatures year-round. It is closed in winter and during extreme weather, and opening conditions are subject to the daily announcement; when going to the national gate, bring an oxygen tank and down jacket, and time for staying is limited.