Xinjiang Border Pass Guide: How to Get the Permit for Tashkurgan and Beyond

Why You Need a Border Pass for Tashkurgan

Tashkurgan (塔什库尔干), known as the “Stone City” in Chinese, sits at the confluence of three mountain ranges — the Pamirs, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush. It’s the gateway to the Khunjerab Pass (红其拉甫口岸) and the Pakistan border. But here’s something I learned the hard way: you cannot just show up with your passport and expect to get in.

The first time I tried to visit Tashkurgan, I was stopped at a checkpoint about 50 kilometers before reaching the county seat. The officer looked at my documents, then shook his head. “Border pass (边境通行证)?” he asked. I had my passport, my Chinese visa, even a photocopy of my hotel reservation — but none of that mattered. Without the bianjiang tongxingzheng (边境通行证), you’re not getting past that checkpoint.

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Where to Get the Border Pass in Kashgar

The good news is that getting the border pass is straightforward if you’re in Kashgar (喀什). There are two main places where you can apply:

1. Kashgar Administrative Service Center (喀什市行政服务中心)

This is the primary location and where I recommend you go. It’s a modern government building with clear signage in both Chinese and English. The address is:

Address: 喀什市行政服务中心, No. 16 Tiyuchang Road, Kashgar (喀什市体育场路16号)

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (though some windows close for lunch from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM)

The process is simple: you walk in, find the entry-exit or border pass window (usually clearly marked), fill out a short form, and wait. In my experience, it takes about 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish, assuming there’s no crowd.

2. Kashgar Public Security Bureau (喀什市公安局)

This is an alternative if the Administrative Service Center is closed or if you’re told to go there. It’s a bit more bureaucratic and can take longer, so I’d only use this as a backup.

What Documents Do You Need?

Here’s what you need to bring with you to apply for the border pass:

• Passport (original, not a copy) — make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months
• Chinese visa — must be valid and match your passport
• Accommodation registration form (临时住宿登记表) — this is the paper you get from your hotel within 24 hours of checking in. It’s required by law in China for foreigners, and you’ll need it for the border pass application.
• Passport-sized photos — typically 2 photos with white background. Some offices have a photo booth, but don’t rely on it. Bring your own.
• Hotel reservation — not always required, but it helps to have proof of where you’re staying in Tashkurgan.

If you’re a Chinese citizen, the process is even simpler: just bring your ID card (身份证) and a photo.

How Long Does It Take?

The actual processing time is usually same-day. In most cases, you’ll get your border pass within 1 to 2 hours. However, there are a few things that can slow it down:

• If you go during a holiday period (especially National Day in October or Chinese New Year), expect delays.
• If your documents aren’t in order — for example, if your accommodation registration form is missing or incorrect — you’ll have to go back and fix it.
• If the officer needs to verify something with your hotel or your visa sponsor, it could take until the next day.

In my case, I had to wait until the next morning because I went on a Friday afternoon and the officer said they needed to “verify with the county.” That was annoying, but it taught me to apply at least 2 days before you plan to travel.

Which Areas Require the Border Pass?

The border pass is required for several areas in Xinjiang, not just Tashkurgan. Here’s a list of the main places where you’ll need it:

• Tashkurgan County (塔什库尔干县) — including the town itself and all attractions nearby
• Karakoram Highway (喀喇昆仑公路) — the road from Kashgar to Tashkurgan and beyond
• Khunjerab Pass (红其拉甫口岸) — the border crossing to Pakistan (note: this is often closed to tourists, but the road itself requires the pass)
• Taxkorgan Nature Reserve — home to the Marco Polo sheep and snow leopards
• Other border areas — including parts of Akto County and some remote villages near the Kyrgyzstan border

It’s worth noting that the border pass specifies which areas you’re allowed to visit. When you apply, make sure to list all the places you want to go. If you forget one, you might have to apply for a new pass.

Can Foreigners Get the Border Pass?

Yes, foreigners can get the border pass. This is a common misconception — some people think only Chinese citizens are allowed. That’s not true. As long as you have a valid passport and Chinese visa, you can apply.

However, there are a few caveats:

• Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny. I’ve heard that travelers from certain countries (especially those with tense relations with China) might be denied or delayed. I can’t confirm this from personal experience, but it’s worth being aware of.
• You cannot get the border pass outside of Xinjiang. Unlike some other permits in China, the Xinjiang border pass must be applied for in person in Xinjiang, usually in Kashgar or Urumqi.
• The border pass is not the same as a Tibet Travel Permit. Don’t confuse the two. The Tibet Travel Permit is a completely different document that you need to visit Tibet (including the Tibet Autonomous Region parts of Xinjiang, if such a thing exists — it doesn’t, but people get confused).

2026 Policy Updates

As of 2026, the process for getting the border pass has become more streamlined, but there are also stricter checks. Here’s what’s new:

• Online pre-application: Some travelers have reported being able to fill out the application form online before going to the office. This can save time, but you still need to show up in person to get the actual pass.
• Longer validity: The border pass used to be valid for only 7 days. Now, it can be issued for up to 30 days, depending on your itinerary. This is a big improvement.
• Stricter accommodation registration: Hotels in Xinjiang are now required to register foreigners within 2 hours of check-in (previously it was 24 hours). If your hotel hasn’t given you the registration form, ask for it immediately.

My Personal Experience: Getting Stopped at the Checkpoint

I want to share a bit more about what happened when I got stopped that first time. It was July 2019, and I had just rented a car in Kashgar. I was excited to drive the Karakoram Highway — the views, the history, the sense of adventure. I had done my research (or so I thought) and knew that some areas in Xinjiang required permits. But I assumed that since I had a valid visa and passport, I’d be fine.

Wrong.

About two hours out of Kashgar, we reached a checkpoint. The officer asked for documents. I handed over my passport. He looked at it, then asked: “Border pass?” I blinked. “Border pass?” He repeated. I didn’t have one. He pointed to a sign (in Chinese) that listed the required documents for entering Tashkurgan County.

The good news is that the officers were polite. They didn’t yell or threaten. They simply said I couldn’t proceed and told me to go back to Kashgar and get the pass. I lost a day of travel, but it was a valuable lesson.

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Apply early in the morning. The offices are less crowded, and you’re more likely to get your pass the same day.
• Bring extra passport photos. You never know when you’ll need them, and the photo booths in government buildings are notoriously unreliable.
• Keep your hotel registration form safe. This is the one document that people often lose or forget. Ask your hotel for two copies if possible.
• Be polite to the officers. A smile and a “thank you” in Chinese (谢谢) go a long way.
• Check your pass before leaving the office. Make sure all the information is correct and that the areas you want to visit are listed.

What If You’re Denied?

Denials are rare but possible. If you’re denied, ask for the reason in writing (though they may not give it to you). Common reasons include:

• Expired visa or passport
• Incomplete accommodation registration
• Previous violations of Chinese immigration law
• Nationality-based restrictions (rare but possible)

If you’re denied and you believe it’s a mistake, you can try applying again the next day with corrected documents. Alternatively, you can contact your embassy for assistance, though their ability to help is limited.

Internal Links for Further Reading

• Karakoram Highway Guide: Kashgar to Pakistan Border — the epic road that the border pass unlocks
• Tashkurgan Travel Guide: Stone City and the Pamir Plateau — what to see once you have your pass
• Best Time to Visit Xinjiang: A Seasonal Guide — plan your trip for the right season

FAQ: Xinjiang Border Pass

Can I get the border pass in Urumqi instead of Kashgar?

Yes, you can apply at the Urumqi Public Security Bureau or Administrative Service Center. However, it may take longer because they sometimes need to verify with Kashgar. I recommend getting it in Kashgar if your itinerary allows, since that’s where you’ll enter the border zone.

How much does the border pass cost?

The border pass is free for both Chinese citizens and foreigners. There’s no application fee. If someone asks you for money, it’s a scam.

Can I visit Tashkurgan without a border pass if I join a tour group?

No. Even tour groups need border passes for their participants. The difference is that the tour company usually handles the application for you. If you’re booking a tour, ask them explicitly: “Will you arrange the border pass for me?”

What happens if I’m caught without a border pass?

You’ll be turned back at the checkpoint, as I was. In more serious cases (if you try to sneak through or if you’re in a restricted area without permission), you could face fines or even deportation. It’s not worth the risk.

Can I use the border pass to cross into Pakistan?

No. The border pass allows you to travel within the border areas of China, but it does not allow you to cross an international border. To enter Pakistan, you need a Pakistani visa and must go through official border crossing procedures at Khunjerab Pass (which is only open from May to October, and even then, only to organized tour groups).