The Lao and Chinese governments signed an agreement on September 4, 2025, to simplify immigration procedures for international passenger trains on the China-Laos Railway through the One Location, Two Inspections system.
One Location, Two Inspections System Mechanism
Under the new system, passengers traveling from Laos to China can undergo both Lao exit and Chinese entry inspections at the same facility at Boten Station on the Lao side. Conversely, passengers traveling from China to Laos can receive inspections from both countries at Mohan Station on the Chinese side. This significantly improves passenger movement efficiency compared to the current Two Locations, Two Inspections system. Previously, passengers needed separate procedures at both border stations, making this a substantial convenience improvement.
Dramatic Reduction in Processing Time
Under the current system, passengers from Laos to China must complete exit procedures at Boten Station, cross the border by rail, then disembark at Mohan Station for Chinese immigration inspection. When service began in April 2023, procedures at both stations required 3 hours, with total travel time from Vientiane Station to Kunming South Station taking 10 hours 30 minutes. Through operational schedule adjustments and additional inspection lanes, this was reduced to approximately 9 hours 26 minutes by July 2023, a shortening of about 1 hour. The new system implementation is expected to achieve further travel time reductions.
Increased Ridership and Economic Impact
Cross-border passenger usage reached 162,000 people in January-August 2025, a 4.7% increase year-on-year, due to train frequency increases and other factors. According to JETROs interview with the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport Railway Department (September 10), they aim to start system operations early through adjustments including mutual deployment of immigration and customs officials. This system introduction is expected to contribute to further economic revitalization, particularly in tourism, for both countries.
The article evaluates that the One Location, Two Inspections system introduction on the China-Laos Railway will achieve immigration procedure efficiency and travel time reduction, with expectations for more active human exchange between the two countries and further development in tourism and economic sectors.