Thailand entry requirements for travellers from China
Visa requirement summary
Chinese passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa under a bilateral visa-exemption agreement between China and Thailand. This arrangement grants 30 days per entry and is separate from the broader 93-country scheme — meaning the Thai Cabinet’s proposals to reduce the general exemption period do not affect the China–Thailand bilateral arrangement in the same way.
The 30-day visa-free period for Chinese nationals remained in force as of late 2026. Confirm the current position with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before you travel.
For longer stays, apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) at thaievisa.go.th before departure.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
All visitors to Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival — this applies to Chinese nationals whether entering visa-free or on any other visa type. Submit your TDAC free of charge at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours of arrival. You will receive a QR code to present at the immigration counter.
How long you can stay
Chinese nationals may stay for up to 30 days per entry under the bilateral visa exemption. A single 30-day in-country extension can be applied for at any Thai immigration office for 1,900 THB before your stamp expires.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Thailand.
Proof of funds and financial requirements
The standard funds requirement is 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family. Cash, a bank card, or a bank statement are all acceptable.
Onward or return travel
A confirmed return or onward flight booking should be available for inspection by immigration officers and airline staff at check-in.
Health requirements
No vaccinations are specifically required to enter Thailand from China.
Other entry requirements
Thailand has very strict drug laws — trafficking carries the death penalty. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned; fines and confiscation apply.
The visa exemption is for tourism only. Work requires a Non-Immigrant B visa and a work permit.
FAQs
Do Chinese passport holders need a visa for Thailand?
No. China and Thailand have a bilateral visa-exemption agreement allowing Chinese nationals to enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.
Is the TDAC mandatory for Chinese travellers?
Yes. All visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card at tdac.immigration.go.th before arrival. It is free of charge.
Can I stay longer than 30 days?
Yes — you can apply for a 30-day extension at any Thai immigration office for 1,900 THB. For stays beyond that, a Tourist Visa applied for before travel is the appropriate route.
Can I take e-cigarettes to Thailand?
No. Vaping devices are prohibited in Thailand.
Is there a limit to how often I can enter Thailand visa-free?
There is no fixed annual limit, but immigration officers can refuse entry to frequent visitors who appear to be using repeated short stays to effectively reside in Thailand.