2026 Essential for Overseas Tourists Visiting Xinjiang

For overseas travelers planning a trip to Xinjiang in 2026, preparing the right documents and essentials in advance is key to a smooth journey. As a border region of China, Xinjiang has specific entry and travel requirements that differ from regular domestic destinations. Its vast landscapes and changeable climate also mean that missing certain items may impact both comfort and safety. This article focuses solely on what you must prepare before departure—documents, essential items, and important policies—to help you start your Xinjiang adventure fully ready.

Core Documents for Entering Xinjiang: Indispensable, Verify in Advance

Overseas tourists must first prepare valid documents to enter Xinjiang. These are not only required for entry but also for visiting some border areas or handling local procedures. Be sure to verify their validity and completeness in advance.

1. Basic Identification Documents (Mandatory, No Substitutes)

Valid Passport: This is the core document for overseas tourists to enter China and prove their identity in Xinjiang. It must be valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of departure from Xinjiang (some airlines or border control may require this to avoid being denied entry due to insufficient validity). The passport must have enough blank visa pages (at least 2) for pasting visas or stamping border control seals.
Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa): Overseas tourists need to apply for a “Tourist Visa (L Visa)” from the Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country in advance. Application materials include travel plans, hotel booking confirmations, proof of funds (required by some countries), etc. The visa is usually valid for 3 months with a usual duration of stay of 30 days. Verify that the “entry validity period” and “duration of stay” cover your Xinjiang trip (if planning to stay more than 30 days, apply for a visa with a corresponding duration of stay).

Sample of the People’s Republic of China Visa

2. Xinjiang-Specific Documents (Prepare According to Itinerary Needs)

Tourist Invitation Letter: If participating in a group tour organized by a travel agency, the agency will assist in processing the “Xinjiang Tourist Invitation Letter.” This is a supplementary document that may be required by some border control ports or scenic spots (e.g., Pamir Plateau), usually including tourist information, itinerary routes, and travel agency qualifications. The invitation letter is generally provided free of charge by the travel agency (included in the group fee). Submit a scanned copy of your passport and other materials to the travel agency 7-15 days in advance for processing.
Border Pass: If planning to visit Xinjiang’s border areas (e.g., Khunjerab Pass, Baihaba Village, parts of Hemu Village, Pamir Plateau), a “Border Pass” is mandatory. It can be applied for in two ways: ① Handled by the travel agency in advance (provide passport and travel proof); ② Applied on-site at the “Border Control Brigade” in cities like Urumqi or Kashgar after arriving in Xinjiang (bring passport, 1 2-inch bareheaded photo, cost about 20-50 CNY, collect on the same day).

3. Supplementary Supporting Materials (Recommended to Carry to Avoid Troubles)

Scanned Copies/Photos of Documents: Scan and save electronic copies of passport pages (first and last pages), visa pages, invitation letter, border pass, etc., in your mobile phone album and cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Baidu Netdisk). Print 1-2 paper copies and store them separately from the original documents to prove your identity temporarily if the originals are lost.
Travel and Accommodation Proof: Print hotel booking confirmations (including guest name, hotel address and phone number), electronic air tickets/train tickets (border control may inquire upon entry), and itinerary confirmations issued by the travel agency (for group tourists) to avoid being questioned for failing to prove the purpose of travel.
Vaccination Certificate (Not Mandatory, Recommended to Prepare): Currently, China has no mandatory vaccination requirements for overseas tourists entering the country. However, if you are from a high-risk epidemic area or plan to visit remote areas in Xinjiang (with limited medical resources), it is recommended to carry vaccination certificates for routine vaccines (e.g., influenza, tetanus) for reference in case of emergencies requiring medical treatment.
Foreigner Arrival Card: When entering China from overseas (by air, land, or water), you need to fill out the “Foreigner Arrival Card.” For some entry methods, you can complete the online declaration in advance through the WeChat Mini Program “Customs Passenger Fingertip Service” to generate a health declaration code, which is linked to the information on the arrival card. The arrival card is usually distributed by the airline during the flight or can be collected and filled out on-site at the entry port. Accurately fill in personal basic information, purpose of entry, accommodation address, contact information, etc., ensuring consistency with passport and visa information. Submit it to border control personnel together with your passport after completion. In some cases, it needs to be kept until departure. It is recommended to bring a pen in advance for filling.

Must-Have Items for Entering Xinjiang: Prepare According to Climate and Scenarios to Enhance Experience

Xinjiang has a vast territory, with great differences in climate and environment from deserts to grasslands, and from cities to plateaus. In addition, supplies in some remote areas are relatively scarce. Bringing necessary items in advance can avoid the trouble of temporary purchases during the trip.

1. Clothing: Cope with Large Day-Night Temperature Differences and Regional Climate Variations

Core Clothing (Must-Have):
Windproof and Sunscreen Jacket: Xinjiang is windy with strong ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is recommended to bring 1 lightweight windproof jacket (e.g., leather or nylon material) that is both windproof and slightly warm, suitable for multiple scenarios such as cities and grasslands. If planning to visit high-altitude areas like Pamir Plateau or Kanas (which may cool down even in summer), bring an additional light down jacket or fleece jacket (compressible, does not take up luggage space).
Long-Sleeved Tops and Pants: Even in summer (June-August), it is recommended to mainly wear long-sleeved T-shirts and pants to avoid UV skin damage and prevent mosquito bites in grasslands and deserts. Prefer breathable cotton-linen or quick-drying fabrics (easy to wash and dry, suitable for long trips).
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Touring between scenic spots in Xinjiang often requires a lot of walking (e.g., Kashgar Old Town, Kanas Lake trails). It is recommended to bring 1 pair of non-slip, breathable sports shoes or hiking shoes. If planning to ride horses (Yili Grassland) or walk in deserts (Taklamakan Desert), you can bring an additional pair of sand-proof shoe covers (also available locally, but quality varies).
Supplementary Clothing (Bring as Needed):
Hat and Scarf: 1 wide-brimmed hat (for sun protection) and 1 knitted hat (for warmth in high-altitude areas); a lightweight scarf (e.g., cotton or silk) can not only match clothes but also prevent sand in deserts, wind in grasslands, and serve as head covering when entering religious venues (e.g., mosques) to respect local customs.
Pajamas and Underwear: It is recommended to bring 3-4 sets of underwear (preferably quick-drying material) and 1 set of comfortable pajamas (some homestays in remote areas may not provide disposable pajamas) to avoid frequent washing.

2. Medicines: Cope with Altitude Sickness and Common Discomforts

Some areas in Xinjiang are at high altitudes (e.g., Pamir Plateau exceeds 4000 meters), and the diet is mainly beef and mutton. It is recommended to bring the following medicines to avoid affecting the trip due to physical discomfort (keep medicines in their original packaging and carry doctor’s prescriptions or instructions to avoid being detained by customs).

Must-Have Medicines:
Altitude Sickness Medicine: Take Rhodiola Rosea Capsules 1-2 weeks in advance (to prevent mild altitude sickness); carry Ibuprofen (to relieve headaches caused by altitude sickness) and Glucose Oral Solution (to supplement energy and relieve fatigue). If you have severe cardiopulmonary diseases, consult a doctor in advance and carry corresponding prescription medicines.
Gastrointestinal Medicines: Xinjiang’s diet is greasy and salty, and ingredients in some areas have long transportation times. It is recommended to bring Huoxiang Zhengqi Water (to relieve diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort), Lactobacillin Tablets (to regulate intestinal flora), and Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets (to aid digestion).
Routine Medicines: Cold medicine (e.g., Compound Paracetamol and Amantadine Hydrochloride Capsules), painkillers (e.g., Paracetamol), band-aids (for minor scratches), povidone-iodine cotton pads (for disinfection), and mosquito repellent (essential for grasslands and rural areas).
Special Medicines:
Allergy Medicine: If allergic to beef, mutton, or pollen (abundant in grasslands in summer), carry anti-allergy medicine (e.g., Loratadine); for those allergic to sunlight, bring anti-photosensitivity medicine and high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+, PA++++).
Chronic Disease Medicines: If you have chronic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, carry enough prescription medicines for the entire trip (it is recommended to bring an extra week’s supply) and print medicine instructions (in English or Chinese for medical use).

3. Daily Supplies: Solve Difficulty in Purchasing in Remote Areas

Must-Have Supplies:
Sunscreen Supplies: UV intensity in Xinjiang is 2-3 times that in inland areas. Bring high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+, PA++++, waterproof type is recommended for outdoor activities), sunscreen sunglasses (to block strong light and protect eyes), and sunscreen lip balm (to avoid chapped lips).
Insulated Water Bottle: Drinking cold water in some areas of Xinjiang (e.g., plateaus, deserts) may easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and the climate is cold in winter. Bring a lightweight insulated water bottle (500-750ml) to fill with hot water at any time (free hot water is available in most hotels and restaurants).
Portable Charger: Distances between scenic spots in Xinjiang are long (e.g., a 10-hour drive from Urumqi to Kanas), resulting in high mobile phone power consumption. It is recommended to bring a 20000mAh portable charger (comply with airline regulations, rated energy not exceeding 100Wh) to ensure the mobile phone has power at all times (for navigation and communication).
Supplementary Supplies:
Translation Tools: If your Mandarin or English is not proficient, download translation apps (e.g., Google Translate, Youdao Translate, download offline “Chinese-native language” dictionaries in advance) or carry a small Chinese-English bilingual manual (e.g., common words for catering and transportation) to facilitate communication with locals.
Storage Bags: Bring 2-3 waterproof storage bags (to separate dirty clothes and wet towels) and 1 small backpack (e.g., hiking bag) to carry necessities such as mobile phones, wallets, and water during visits, avoiding carrying large suitcases.
Toiletries: Homestays in remote areas may not provide disposable toiletries (e.g., toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash). It is recommended to carry travel-sized toiletries (environmentally friendly and convenient); female tourists can bring skincare samples (e.g., moisturizer, essence) to cope with Xinjiang’s dry climate.

4. Payment and Document Storage: Ensure Property Safety and Easy Access

Must-Have Items:
Cash and Bank Cards: Alipay and WeChat Pay are supported in major cities in Xinjiang (e.g., Urumqi, Kashgar), but cash is still the main payment method in remote scenic spots and rural stalls. It is recommended to exchange 1000-2000 CNY in cash (mainly in 10, 20, and 50 CNY denominations for easy change). Carry 1 international credit card (Visa, MasterCard, accepted in some high-star hotels or shopping malls) and 1 UnionPay card (if you have a mainland China bank account, convenient for cash withdrawal at ATMs).
Document Organizer: Use a waterproof, wear-resistant small bag (e.g., passport holder) to specially store original documents such as passports, visas, and border passes. Avoid mixing them with wallets and mobile phones to reduce the risk of loss. It is recommended to place the organizer in the inner pocket of your carry-on backpack and not leave it randomly.
Supplementary Items:
Travel Adapter: If carrying electronic devices purchased overseas (e.g., cameras, chargers), bring a “international to China” travel adapter (China’s voltage is 220V, plug types are two-pin flat plug or three-pin flat plug) to avoid being unable to charge the devices.

Policy Requirements for Entering Xinjiang: Abide by Rules for Smooth Entry and Travel

Overseas tourists entering Xinjiang must not only comply with China’s entry policies but also abide by Xinjiang’s local special regulations. Understanding them in advance can avoid trip interruptions due to violations.

1. Entry Customs Regulations (Must Abide by to Avoid Fines or Detention)

Prohibited Items: Strictly prohibited from carrying contraband such as firearms and ammunition, controlled knives, flammable and explosive items, and drugs. Restricted items include: tobacco products (exceeding 2 cartons must be declared, otherwise may be confiscated), alcoholic beverages (no more than 1.5 liters of Baijiu, no more than 2 bottles of red wine, must be carried with you, not checked), and fresh fruits/meat products (may carry diseases, prohibited from entry; for example, Xinjiang does not allow carrying fresh fruits from other regions into some scenic spots).
Cash Declaration: If carrying foreign currency cash exceeding 5000 US dollars (or equivalent other currencies) or RMB cash exceeding 20000 yuan, you must declare it to the customs upon entry. Failure to declare may result in fines if detected. It is recommended to minimize cash carrying and mainly use mobile payment and bank cards.
Tax Declaration: If carrying high-value items (e.g., cameras, watches, jewelry with a unit price exceeding 5000 yuan), declare them upon entry to avoid being mistakenly identified as “purchased in China” and taxed when leaving the country.

2. Local Rules in Xinjiang (Need to Pay Attention to, Respect Local Customs)

Religious and Cultural Customs: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region. Respect local customs, such as removing shoes when entering mosques, not wearing shorts or skirts, not randomly taking photos of local residents (especially the elderly and children, ask for permission first), and not discussing sensitive topics (e.g., controversial content related to ethnicity or religion).
Scenic Spot Regulations: Some scenic spots (e.g., Wucai Beach in Burqin, Sayram Lake) prohibit carrying pets and camping equipment (unless there are special camping areas) and littering (violators may be fined). When entering border areas, obey the command of border soldiers and do not randomly take photos of military facilities (e.g., sentry boxes, border markers; violators may have their equipment confiscated).
Internet and Communication: Mobile phone cards of China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom can be used in Xinjiang (overseas tourists can purchase “temporary tourist SIM cards” with data and call time at airports or urban business halls, requiring a passport). There is no mobile phone signal in some remote areas (e.g., some sections of the Pamir Plateau). It is recommended to agree on a meeting place with companions in advance to avoid getting lost.

3. Emergency Contact Preparation (Must Do to Cope with Emergencies)

Save Emergency Phone Numbers: Store the contact information of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in your home country (e.g., Chinese Embassy in the United States, Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom), Xinjiang’s local tourism complaint hotline (12301), emergency medical service hotline (120), and police hotline (110) in your mobile phone, and print 1 copy to put in the document organizer.
Inform Family of Your Itinerary: Before departure, inform your family or friends of your Xinjiang itinerary (including entry time, hotel address, and travel agency contact information) and agree on a daily contact time (e.g., checking in at night). In case of emergencies (e.g., lost documents, physical discomfort), you can get timely assistance.

To make overseas tourists’ trips to Xinjiang smoother, it is recommended to choose China Dragon Travel, which has rich experience in receiving inbound tourists. As a service organization specializing in Xinjiang tourism, it can not only handle a full set of entry documents for you, such as passports, visas, tourist invitation letters, and border passes but also customize personalized itineraries according to your needs, integrate resources such as air tickets, accommodation, and scenic spot tickets, and provide a multilingual tour guide team to solve language communication and policy understanding problems. If you need professional support in document processing, itinerary customization, policy consultation, etc., you can visit its customization page or contact customer service at any time to get one-on-one intimate service, making your Xinjiang trip worry-free.