China visa for Thailand citizens

Current status (verified May 2026)

Thai ordinary passport holders are eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry to mainland China for tourism, business, family visit or transit. The arrangement is mutual; Chinese citizens are also eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand. This reflects the strong bilateral tourism relationship between the two countries.

What you need at the border

• Passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
• Onward ticket.
• Hotel booking or address.
• Digital health and customs declaration at arrival.

What 30-day visa-free covers

Tourism, business meetings, family visits. Travel across mainland China is permitted; Tibet requires the Tibet Travel Permit through a licensed agency.

Longer stays

Stays beyond 30 days require an L visa. Thai applicants apply at the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate-General in Chiang Mai.

Hong Kong and Macau

Thai passport-holders are visa-free for Hong Kong (30 days) and Macau (30 days). These are separate from mainland entry rights.

Practical context

Thailand is one of the largest source markets for Chinese tourism internationally, and a major destination for Chinese tourists. Multiple direct routes connect Bangkok (BKK and DMK), Chiang Mai, Phuket and other Thai cities to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and beyond. The 30-day window accommodates virtually all standard leisure itineraries.