map overland itinerary netherlands to singapore
Expedition Overland

Overland Itinerary: Driving From The Netherlands to Singapore

February 3, 2024 / 23 Comments

When I Googeled for the first time: “Is it possible to drive from Europe to Southeast Asia with your own car?”, the answer was: “No, nearly impossible.” I refused to take no for an answer and spent my nights reading the requirements for different countries along the route. In only six weeks time we will finally leave for Singapore by car from our hometown in the Netherlands. We have been preparing for this expedition for months and had to make some important choices about our overland itinerary. Which countries do we want to see? Which countries are we even allowed to enter by car? What are the requirements per country? And what about safety on the road?

Our overland itinerary from Europe to Asia

For some countries we have to arrange everything well in advance, otherwise you can’t even enter the country. However, we want to keep our options open and decide on the way how long we want to stay somewhere and where we want to go. So our itinerary is definitely not set in stone, but I expect we’ll drive at least through the countries below. It also states – if applicable – what you need to arrange to drive through the country with your own car (updated January 2024 – applicable for Dutch citizens). If you ever want to follow in our footsteps… I mean, tracks?

Overlanding Europe

Auto Toyota 4Runner in de bergen
  • Netherlands: We have to take into account the validity of the APK of our car. This document has to be valid upon our return or we must drive directly to a garage for a valid APK when we get back.
  • Germany: Emissions sticker for certain cities.
  • Austria: Vignette.
  • Slovenia: Vignette.
  • Croatia
  • Bosnia: No visa required for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Montenegro
  • Albania: No visa required for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Greece: No visa required for stays of up to 90 days.

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Overlanding Asia

Centraal Azië Pamir Highway zelf rijden
  • Turkey: No visa required for stays of up to 90 days, HGS Toll Card.
  • Iran: Visa, Carnet de Passage (if you live in the Netherlands you have to apply for a carnet at ADAC in Germany). You need to determine your entry date in advance.
  • Turkmenistan: Visa, local guide. We arranged everything with Saada Tours. You need to determine your entry date in advance.
  • Uzbekistan: No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
  • Tajikistan: Gorno Badakshan permit (for the Pamir Highway).
  • Kyrgyzstan: Border permit for the border areas.
  • Kazakhstan: No visa required for stays of up to 30 days.
  • China: Visa, guidebook, Chinese license plate, Chinese driver’s license, hotel list, itinerary by day, employer’s statement. Just to name a few things. This process takes months and you need help from a specialized tour company. We use the services of Drive China to arrange everything. Mention promo code CHARISFAR when booking, and you’ll get $50,- off!
  • Laos: Visa on arrival.
  • Thailand: No visa required for stays of up to 30 days. Officially, strict rules for entering Thailand by car were introduced in 2016 (similar to China). However these rules are not always enforced. Dave Goodchild from the Plodd Stop in Thailand can help you with this and has the latest updates. You do need a local car insurance to enter the country.
  • Malaysia: No visa required for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Singapore: ICP (International Circulation Permit), AutoPass Card, Carnet de Passage.

Also check out our updated itinerary with the second leg of this amazing overland expedition.

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