Drive from Ukraine to China, Road Trip to China by Car from Ukraine

The idea of a road trip to China can be appealing to many travellers, but it also poses significant challenges. If you are planning to drive from Ukraine to China, not only will you need to contend with the large distance and long journey time, you will also need to commit to a substantial amount of preparation as well. In particular, China has some of the strictest laws around in terms of preventing foreign drivers from using its roads and bringing their own vehicles in. However, while these laws represent a significant obstacle, they are by no means impossible to overcome, especially if you have the help of knowledgeable experts, like our team at Road Pioneer. This article explores some of the preparation involved in a trip to China, as well as the best routes from Ukraine.

The main steps you will need to take to prepare for a journey to China include obtaining a valid Chinese driving licence and registering your vehicle. For most visitors, a temporary Chinese licence will be sufficient and the process for acquiring one has become easier in recent years, but long stays may require a full Chinese licence. Assuming you possess a valid international licence, you should be eligible for a temporary Chinese licence without having to pass a theory or practical test. A full licence, on the other hand, will require you to take a theory test and achieve a score of 90 percent or more. This will need to be done before you enter the country.

You will also need to register your vehicle and acquire temporary Chinese number plates. The process for this can be complicated, which is why it is important to work with an experienced tour operator. Moreover, you will need to check the individual travel permit requirements for the various provinces of China you are planning to enter.

Feasibility of driving from Ukraine to china with own car

Is it possible to travel from Ukraine 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 Ukraine-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, tourists driving in China and driving on Chinese roads usually need to complete the following procedures

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 Ukraine

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 Ukraine.

China visa application center in Kyiv
Office Address: No. 32, Grushevskogo Str., Kyiv 01901, Ukraine
Tel: +38-044-2533154, 2531049
Fax: +38-044-2537371, 2540086
Email: chinaembassy@kiev.relc.com
cschinaembassy@kiev.relc.com

Road Trip from Ukraine to China

Although the distance involved in the journey is vast, the most efficient route to drive from Ukraine to China is relatively straightforward. You will need to cross the border into Russia, then drive through Kazakhstan, before arriving in China. Depending on your destination in China, you might pass from Kazakhstan to Mongolia or Kyrgyzstan first.

The border between Ukraine and Russia is generally regarded as being safe to cross, although since 2014 a number of border checkpoints have been closed, so you will need to take care with your precise route. You will also need to check visa requirements for the other countries you will pass through along the way.

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan provide access to the Xinjiang region of China, while passing through Mongolia first provides access to Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia or Gansu. Alternative routes are available for travellers you wish to see neighbouring countries on the way, but you will need to scrutinise the local laws, visa requirements and political situations.

The following are the most commonly used routes Ukraine-China:

Route 1(Entering China from Kyrgyzstan): Ukraine-Russia-Kazakhstan (or Uzbekistan)-Kyrgyzstan-Turkut Port or Irkstan Port-China

Route 2(Entering China from Mogolia): Ukraine-Russia-Mongolia-Bulgan Gol or Zamiin Uud-China

Route 3(Entering China from Pakistan): Ukraine-Georgia-Azerbaijan-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 Ukraine to India

Route 1: Ukraine-Russia-Kazakhstan (or Uzbekistan)-Kyrgyzstan-China (Xinjiang)-Pakistan-India

Route 2: Ukraine-Russia-Kazakhstan (or Uzbekistan)-Kyrgyzstan-China (Xinjiang, Tibet)-Nepal-India

Route 3: Ukraine-Georgia-Azerbaijan-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 Ukraine to South East Asia

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

Route 2: Ukraine-Russia-Mongolia-Bulgan Gol or Zamiin Uud-China-Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.

Route 3: Ukraine-Georgia-Azerbaijan-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.