In April 2026, the first group of self-driving tourists (12 people in 5 RVs) passed through the Suifenhe checkpoint, while in January, 15 foreigners on 9 cars entered via the Zhangmu port in Tibet. Both cases featured accelerated clearance procedures.
Suifenhe: first self-driving tourists of 2026
On April 29, 2026, the first organized group of self-driving tourists of the year passed through the Suifenhe checkpoint. According to different sources, the group consisted of 4 or 5 vehicles (RVs) and 12 people. Border authorities applied an individual clearance scheme "one vehicle, one plan," including dedicated lanes and prior coordination with tour operators. Clearance time was reduced through advance data submission and procedure optimization. Authorities plan to make cross-border RV tourism a regular route.
Zhangmu: first foreign group of 2026
On January 13, 2026, a group of 15 tourists from Austria, Germany, Russia, and Malaysia entered through the Zhangmu port in Tibet (Nyalam County) in 9 private cars. This was the first foreign group to enter via this port by car in 2026. Border authorities used accelerated inspection procedures, including separate checks for people and vehicles, ensuring fast border crossing.