Temporary Vehicle Entry Process for Self-Drive Travel in China

Process Overview

Drive 2 China coordinates the complete temporary vehicle entry process for international self-drive travel in China.

We manage end-to-end compliance for privately owned vehicles arriving by ocean freight or approved land border crossings — including documentation preparation, port and border procedures, temporary import customs clearance, Chinese license plate issuance, driving permit coordination, and structured exit or return arrangements.

Each case is evaluated individually and processed in accordance with applicable regulations. Our objective is to provide a clear, structured execution plan while ensuring full regulatory compliance at every stage.

Step-by-Step Entry Process

People planning a trip with maps, documents, and a checklist on a table.

Step 1 — Assessment & Eligibility Review

Before any logistics or documentation begins, we conduct a detailed eligibility assessment.

We review:

Vehicle origin country and entry method (ocean freight or land border)
• Ownership status and title clarity (including lien/financing restrictions)
• Vehicle type and modification compliance
• Planned entry month and duration of stay
• Port of entry feasibility
This stage ensures the case is viable under current regulatory conditions and helps prevent delays later in the process.

Person reviewing vehicle entry documentation checklist with laptop and passport on desk.

Step 2 — Documentation Preparation

Once eligibility is confirmed, we provide a structured documentation checklist tailored to your specific vehicle and origin country.

This typically includes:

Vehicle ownership and registration documents
• Identity and driver information
• Entry timeline and travel scope
• Required declarations for customs and border processing
Accurate documentation is critical. Proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of rejection, inspection delays, or processing interruptions.

Border crossing checkpoint with vehicles and a large overhead sign in Chinese and English.

Step 3 — Export or Border Coordination

Entry method determines the coordination process:

Ocean Freight Entry
We coordinate export documentation, inland transport (if required), container loading and securing, shipping schedules, and arrival port preparation in China.
Land Border Entry
We schedule and coordinate entry at approved land border crossings, ensuring timing alignment with required permits and documentation readiness.
At this stage, precision and timing are essential to avoid regulatory complications.

Temporary Beijing entry permit, vehicle plate, and black card on car seat.

Step 4 — Temporary Entry & Permit Issuance

Upon arrival at the designated port of entry, we coordinate:

• Temporary import customs clearance
• Issuance of temporary Chinese license plates
• Processing of required temporary driving permits
All procedures are handled in accordance with applicable entry regulations. Vehicle operation within China is only permitted after completion of required processing.

Black off-road vehicle parked on street with people and shops in background.

Step 5 — Travel & Exit Compliance

During the authorized stay period, the vehicle must comply with all temporary entry conditions.

Prior to permit expiration, we coordinate:

• Exit scheduling at approved ports
• Return ocean freight arrangements (if applicable)
• Final compliance confirmation
Ensuring timely exit is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance and preventing future entry restrictions.