What Procedures Are Required for Outbound Self-Driving?
To prepare for your trip, ensure you have a passport valid for over 6 months, your driver's license, and your vehicle's registration certificate, along with their notarized translations. (Please note: The notarization for the vehicle registration certificate must be obtained from the local notary office that originally issued it). Also, have your vehicle ownership certificate and a scanned copy of the vehicle purchase invoice ready. Temporary vehicle import/export procedures for your vehicle must be arranged through a travel agency authorized to handle international services. We recommend confirming the latest policies and application procedures in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance.
What to Do If Your Passport Is Lost or Stolen
Apply for a replacement ordinary passport. Please ensure you carry all relevant documents and materials to the nearest entry-exit administration service center. Currently, applications for entry-exit documents can be processed nationwide. Furthermore, you can conveniently schedule appointments or submit applications through the "National Immigration Administration" mini-program, the National Immigration Administration's official Government Service Platform, and its official "National Immigration Administration" App, offering a swift and efficient service.
Are There Any Regulations Regarding Passport Validity?
There are no specific requirements regarding the duration of passport validity; normal entry and exit are permitted as long as your passport remains valid. However, if your passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining upon entry, you may encounter the following risks: When applying for a visa, most countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months and to have at least 3 blank visa pages. Upon immigration, some countries may refuse entry if a visa has been obtained, should your passport have less than 6 months of validity remaining.
What Precautions Should Be Taken for Outbound Self-Driving Tours?
Before embarking on an outbound self-driving tour, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the laws and regulations of the destination country. Requirements for self-driving, such as driver's license types, minimum age requirements, personal accident insurance, and vehicle insurance, vary significantly by country.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is fundamental for driving abroad. While some countries accept a Chinese driver's license, an IDP or a certified translation of your domestic license is highly recommended to ensure legal validity and smooth passage. Obtaining an IDP is relatively straightforward: simply gather the required documents and apply at your local traffic authority.
Travel insurance is crucial for outbound self-driving tours. It provides comprehensive coverage for emergency medical treatment, accidents, and vehicle damage or loss, thereby preventing unforeseen financial burdens and disruptions. Selecting an appropriate travel insurance policy is essential for a smooth journey.
When undertaking cross-border self-drives, the distinction between left-hand drive (LHD, driving on the right) and right-hand drive (RHD, driving on the left) systems is a key consideration. Most countries worldwide operate on an LHD system, including China, the United States, Germany, and France. Conversely, countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and Ireland employ an RHD system. Should you drive an LHD vehicle in an RHD country, strict adherence to local traffic regulations is mandatory.
In addition, carrying necessary emergency rescue tools and supplies is vital for ensuring a seamless self-driving experience.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
