China and Thailand enjoy a mutual visa exemption agreement that took effect on March 1, 2024, marking a historic “visa-free era” between the two nations.4 For Chinese tourists, this means entering Thailand for leisure, family visits, or short business trips is straightforward and requires no advance visa application for stays up to 30 days.

Entry Options for Chinese Citizens

Chinese tourists have two main options for visiting Thailand:

Option 1: Visa-Free Entry (30 days) Most convenient for short trips. Simply arrive with your passport, completed TDAC, and supporting documents.2 No fees, no advance application.

Option 2: Tourist Visa TR (60 days) For longer stays, apply through the Thai e-Visa system or at an embassy/consulate in China.3 Allows 60 days, extendable by 30 more days at Thai Immigration.

Entry Process for Visa-Free Travel

Follow these steps for a smooth arrival in Thailand:

1. Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
   At least 72 hours before departure, visit tdac.immigration.go.th to submit your information.2 This mandatory digital form collects your passport details, flight information, accommodation address, and health declaration. It’s free and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

2. Prepare your documents
   Have ready: valid passport (6+ months validity), TDAC confirmation, return/onward ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds (฿20,000 per person or bank card/app).5

3. Check in for your flight
   Airlines verify you have a return ticket and valid passport before boarding. Keep your hotel confirmation accessible.

4. Arrive at Thai immigration
   Join the “Visa Exempt” or “Visa-Free” queue. Present your passport and TDAC confirmation (digital or printed). The officer may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and length of stay.2

5. Receive entry stamp
   Your passport receives a stamp showing your permitted stay (up to 30 days from entry date). Note this date and ensure you depart before it expires.

Applying for a Tourist Visa (TR)

If you need more than 30 days, apply for a Tourist Visa before traveling:

1. Choose your application method
   Apply online via thaievisa.go.th (recommended) or visit the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing or a Thai consulate in China.3

2. Create an e-Visa account
   Register on the Thai e-Visa website with your email address and personal information.

3. Complete the application form
   Fill in all required fields accurately. Information must match your passport exactly.

4. Upload documents
   Submit digital copies of your passport biodata page, photograph, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, bank statement (3 months), and employment verification.

5. Pay the visa fee
   Single-entry Tourist Visa: $40 (¥290). Multiple-entry: $200 (¥1,450).1 Payment is made online by card.

6. Wait for processing
   E-visa processing takes approximately 10-15 working days.3 Check your application status online.

7. Receive your e-Visa
   Approved visas are sent via email. Print a copy to present at check-in and Thai immigration.

Fees

The extension fee is paid at any Thai Immigration office in Thailand.1 Popular offices include those in Bangkok (Chaeng Watthana), Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Bring your passport, one photo, completed TM.7 form, and the fee.

What You Need to Prove

Thai immigration officers focus on several key criteria:

Genuine tourism intent: A clear itinerary with sightseeing plans, restaurant reservations, or tour bookings helps demonstrate tourism purpose.5 Vague plans may raise questions.

Adequate financial means: The official requirement is ฿20,000 per person or ฿40,000 per family.5 While not always checked, young solo travelers and those without visible means may be asked to show funds.

Confirmed accommodation: Immigration expects you to know where you’re staying. Having a hotel booking or host address ready avoids delays.2

Return travel arrangements: A confirmed flight departing Thailand within your permitted stay is essential. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration may verify.5

Not exploiting visa exemption: Thailand has tightened enforcement against “visa runs” where travelers exit and immediately re-enter to reset their stay.6 More than two consecutive visa-free entries may trigger additional scrutiny.

Processing Times

Peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Golden Week, summer holidays) may extend processing times for visa applications.3 Apply at least 3 weeks before your intended travel during busy periods.

After Your Entry is Approved

At arrival: Your passport receives an entry stamp showing your permitted stay date. For visa-free entry, this is 30 days from arrival. For Tourist Visa holders, it’s 60 days.

During your stay: Keep your passport safe. You may need to show it when checking into hotels, as Thai law requires hotels to register foreign guests.5

90-day reporting: Does not apply to tourists on visa-free or Tourist Visa stays, as the maximum stay is less than 90 days. Only long-term visa holders must report.

Extending your stay: Apply at any Thai Immigration office at least 7 days before your current stay expires. Bring passport, one photo, ฿1,900 fee, and completed TM.7 form.1 Extensions are typically processed same-day.

Changing visa type: You cannot change from tourist status to a work visa while in Thailand. Exit and apply from your home country if you need a different visa category.

If Entry is Denied

Entry denial at Thai immigration is rare for Chinese tourists with proper documentation, but it can happen. Common reasons include:

Multiple visa runs: If you’ve made repeated visa-free entries, immigration may conclude you’re residing in Thailand without proper authorization. You’ll be advised to apply for an appropriate long-term visa.6

Missing documents: Arriving without completed TDAC, return ticket, or accommodation details can result in secondary questioning or denial.2

Insufficient funds: If asked to prove financial means and you cannot, entry may be refused.5

What to do if denied:

1. Stay calm and respectful with officers
2. Ask for the specific reason in writing if possible
3. You may be offered a chance to book a return flight immediately
4. If denied, you typically must return on the same day or next available flight
5. Consider applying for a proper Tourist Visa next time

Reapplying after denial: There’s no automatic ban for a single denial due to documentation issues. Address the deficiency and try again, ideally with a Tourist Visa in hand rather than relying on visa-free entry.

Important Notes for 2025

TDAC is mandatory: Since May 1, 2025, all travelers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arrival. Paper forms are no longer accepted except as backup during system issues.2

Visa run crackdowns: Thailand has implemented stricter enforcement against travelers making repeated visa-free entries. After two entries in a calendar year, you may face increased scrutiny or denial on subsequent visits.6

Financial proof enforcement: Immigration has resumed checking funds for some arrivals, particularly young solo travelers arriving at land borders.5 Carry adequate cash or have bank access ready.

E-visa recommended for longer stays: If planning a trip over 30 days, the e-visa application is smoother than visa-free entry plus extension. Apply at thaievisa.go.th.3

Tourism between China and Thailand continues to flourish under the visa exemption agreement, with millions of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand annually.4 With proper preparation and complete documentation, entry is straightforward and welcoming.