Xinjiang Travel Restrictions 2022 - 6 Practical Xinjiang Travel Tips

Xinjiang province had played an importable role on silk road in China’s history. Xinjiang province is known for its Uyghur culture, magnificent natural landscape, charming scenery and delicious fruits. Xinjiang is open to visitors in many most areas. Contact us to get more detail and advice.

Many expats in China frequently ask: do I need a special visa or permit to Xinjiang in 2022? We have seen a lot of confused news online, which will give you wrong information. You have a clear understand of the Xinjiang travel restrictions.

Dear visitors

Due to the small outbreak of the epidemic in Xinjiang, traveling to Xinjiang has been suspended. Our travel advisors pay close attention to the development of the epidemic in Xinjiang and other parts of the mainland. We will update the latest news and keep you informed.

Tips: Traveling to Xinjiang in August is impossible but September is hopeful.

Is it safe to travel to Xinjiang?

According the our first-hand knowledge of local life, Xinjiang is more than safe to visit. Although there are some special regulations in Xinjiang, the local government offers local residents and visitors a peaceful land. The local residents are friendly. However, like all places, please respect the local religion. In Xinjiang, Uyghur people are Muslem and they are relatively conservative.

Xinjiang travel restriction under Covid-19

Do I have to be fully vaccinated before heading for Xinjiang? This question is frequently asked. The answer is No. The local government doesn’t require it. Documents you’re required:

Green Health Code
Negative PCR test result
No travel history to med/high-risk areas within 7 days

Important note: However, we suggest you do the PCR test in the morning of the day before departure. You have to make sure your PCR test result is still within 48 hours when you land in Xinjiang. Before arriving in Xinjiang, please apply for the local health code. You can apply for Xinjiang health code on Xinjiang Health Kit.

Do I need a special Xinjiang visa?

The answer is NO. As expats, you don’t need a special visa to enter Xinjiang. You only need the following documents to enter Xinjiang.With the following 2 documents, you can get to Xinjiang freely without difficulty. You can enter via international border(It is closed after Covid-19), train station or airport.

Valid Chinese visaGreen Health Code
Valid passports

Do I need a Xinjiang travel permit?

Since Xinjiang has some special regulations, do I need a Xinjiang Travel Permit, like Tibet? The answer is NO. Although Xinjiang is a little special compared with other provinces in China, expats don’t need a permit to get there. You’re free to move around at your leisure.

Next, we have to emphasize something important you should know. Expats don’t need to apply for a permit to enter Xinjiang, but you have to ask your tour agencies to report to the local relevant department in advance. You should offer the following information to your tour agencies : names on passport, passport number, passport expiry date, birthday, visa number, visa expiry date, address in China, company in China and your phone number.

Military control zone are not open to Expats

As mentioned above, expats don’t need to apply for permit to enter Xinjiang. Expats are allowed to move around freely in Xinjiang. However, there are exceptions:

Military Control Zones: Xinjiang has many military bases, for example Bayinbulak Grasslands. No permit for expats to Bayinbulak Grassland.Dry season of Tibet: October - April
Karakuri Lake in Kashgar region, Tashkurgan County and other places are required to apply for border passes. Our travel agency will assist expats to apply for the border passes. It’s free of charge and no need to make an appointment in advance. All you need to do is: show your passport at the spots.

How to get to Xinjiang?

For expats coming from inner China, of course, you can take a train or planes to get Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. There are also bullet trains from Gansu Province to Turpan of Xinjiang. Before epidemic of Covid-19, you can also cross the border point in Kazakhstan. International trains from Almaty to Urumqi will pass by this boarder points in Kazakhstan. There are also bus/car from Pakistan to Xinjiang by Karakoram Highway.

When to visit Xinjiang?

Xinjiang is mainly divided into 2 parts: the north and the south. The best to visit the north is from May to the end of September, while the best time to visit the south is from late March to early November. Actually, different seasons have different beauty and give you different feeling. If you only have free time at low season, you will come to in winter of Xinjiang. Although it is cold during winter, the scenery will also be charming. You will have chance to appreciate the snowy Xinjiang. Recommended tours: