Drive From Netherlands to China, Road Trip to China by Car from Netherlands

A drive from the Netherlands to China is a significant challenge and will require dedication and money. After all, the journey will span somewhere in the region of 6,000 miles and will likely take you several weeks of travel time. On top of this, you will also need to get around China’s legislation on foreign drivers and foreign vehicles. However, this should not put you off, as these issues can be overcome and driving to China can lead to the trip of a lifetime, giving you the freedom to explore the country the way you would like to. In this article, we look at the preparation involved, the best route to take, and why you will realistically need to work with a tour operator.

Before you can actually drive a car, motorcycle or other vehicle in China, you will need to obtain a valid Chinese driving licence. This is because the country does not recognise an international driving permit, or licences from foreign countries and the process for this is one of the key reasons why you should plan your trip with local experts. Most foreign travellers who possess a licence in their own country should be able to apply for a temporary Chinese licence, which will allow short-term access to Chinese roads. You can usually obtain a temporary licence without completing additional testing. However, a full licence may be required in some circumstances, requiring a theory test.

Furthermore, you are going to need to register your vehicle in the country. Before you can do so, you will need an up-to-date MOT and a translation of the documentation. You will also need photographs of your vehicle from all sides, a detailed itinerary covering your intended road travel, and you will need to fit temporary number plates upon arrival. Again, the process can be complex and overwhelming. A local tour operator with expertise, local contacts, knowledge of the language and experience in arranging such trips, like Road Pioneer, can be of vital importance.

Feasibility of driving from Netherlands to china with own car

Is it possible to travel from Netherlands to China or South East Asia by Motor vehicles? Yes, this is possible. Every year there are people who have done it. They drive normal cars, motor homes, old timer, trucks, buses, vintage cars, pure electric vehicles, and even ride motorcycles to China, India or Southeast Asia.

How to drive into china with a Netherlands-registered vehicle?

Because China is not a party to the United Nations International Treaty on Land Transport, international driving licenses are not recognized in China. Using ATA Carnet or Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) to temporary import the used vehicles of tourists into China is not currently feasible. Tourists’ vehicles need to be registered after entering China and they must obtain temporary Chinese number plates to drive on the road.

Therefore, foreign tourists who want to drive own car/motorbike into China and drive on Chinese roads usually need to complete the following procedures:

• Passport (valid for six months)
• Chinese tourist visa (It is recommended to apply in in your own country, of course, it is also possible in a third country, but if possible, apply in your own country)
• Temporary import of vehicles into China (via a China Travel Agency)
• Apply for a temporary driver’s license in China (via a China Travel Agency)
• Apply for Chinese temporary number plate (via a China Travel Agency)
• Need local guide (via a China Travel Agency)

Chinese travel agencies usually ask for following Materials and documents

• Passport, valid for at least 6 months
• Chinese tourist visa
• Vehicle registration certificate
• Vehicle inspection report (TÜV, MOT, DEKRA, ContrôleTechnique, ITV etc.)
• National driving license (no international driving license required in China)
• Vehicle photos
• ID photo of the driver (people who want to get Chinese temporary driver license)

Apply china visa in Netherlands

You can apply for a Chinese tourist visa(L Visa) in your home country, or you can apply for Chinese tourist visa in a third country on the road. If conditions permit, we always recommend that you apply in your home country. To apply for a Chinese visa in your home country, you need to ensure that your visa is still valid when you reach the Chinese border. Following is place for applying china visa in Netherlands.

Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in the Hague
Office Address: Maanweg 174,2516AB Den haag 9th floor
Postal Address: Postbus 170,2501CD,’S-GRAVENHAGE(Den Haag)
Parking: The Chinse Visa Application Service Center has NO available parking facilities for Visa applicants and other visitors. All visitors are obliged to park in the surrounding area. Please notice that it is not permitted to park alongside our office building at Regulusweg. This is municipal property. Unauthorized vehicles can be fined or towed away.
Business Hours: Monday-Friday. Closed on weekends and Public Holidays.
Applications Submission: 9:00 to 15:00
Payment and collection: 9:00 to 16:00

Road Trip From Netherlands to China

The ideal route for a drive from Netherlands to China will see you travel east through Germany, Poland and Belarus, before you travel into Russia. From there, you will need to make your way through Kazakhstan and then either cross into China from there, or pass through Mongolia or Kyrgyzstan first.

Your choice here will depend on where in China you are actually intending to travel to. Those heading for Beijing, for example, may find it easiest to go through Mongolia, enter China through Inner Mongolia, and make their way down to the city. It is possible to cross into China from other neighbouring countries, but this may complicate your trip.

Most of the European phase of the journey should be fairly simple, as you will not face strict border checks and will not need different visas to pass through countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Poland. However, you will need visas for countries like Russia and Mongolia. Be aware that biometric data may be collected as part of this process.

The following are the most commonly used routes for Netherlands-China:

Route 1(Entering China from Kyrgyzstan): Netherlands-Germany-Poland-Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan (or Uzbekistan)-Kyrgyzstan-Turkut Port or Irkstan Port-China

Route 2(Entering China from Mogolia): Netherlands-Germany-Poland-Belarus-Russia-Mongolia-Bulgan Gol or Zamiin-Uud-China

Route 3(Entering China from Kyrgyzstan): Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Hungary-Serbia-Bulgaria-Turkey-Iran-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China

Route 4(Entering China from Pakistan): Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Hungary-Serbia-Bulgaria-Turkey-Iran-(Many governments will advise their citizens to stay away from the Iran-Pakistan border, please refer to the latest Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel security tips)-Pakistan-China

Road Trip from Netherlands to India

Route 1: Netherlands-Germany-Poland-Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan (or Uzbekistan)-Kyrgyzstan-China (Xinjiang)-Pakistan-India

Route 2: Netherlands-Germany-Poland-Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan (or Uzbekistan)-Kyrgyzstan-China (Xinjiang, Tibet)-Nepal-India

Route 3: Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Hungary-Serbia-Bulgaria-Turkey-Iran-(Many governments will advise their citizens to stay away from the Iran-Pakistan border, please refer to the latest Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel security tips)-Pakistan-India

Road Trip from Netherlands to South East Asia

Route 1: Netherlands-Germany-Poland-Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan (or Uzbekistan)-Kyrgyzstan-Turkut Port or Irkstan Port-China-Laos-Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.

Route 2: Netherlands-Germany-Poland-Belarus-Russia-Mongolia-Bulgan Gol or Zamiin-Uud-China-Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.

Route 3: Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Hungary-Serbia-Bulgaria-Turkey-Iran-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China-Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.

Route 4: Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Hungary-Serbia-Bulgaria-Turkey-Iran-(Many governments will advise their citizens to stay away from the Iran-Pakistan border, please check the latest travel security tips from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)-Pakistan-India-Myanmar-Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.