On September 2, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand posted a consular reminder regarding Thailand’s changes to the visa-free policy on its WeChat official account. The statement indicated that Chinese citizens with valid passports can still enjoy visa-free treatment when traveling to Thailand. Previously, Thailand announced the cancellation of the unilateral visa-free policy for stays of up to 60 days for 93 countries and regions, including China.
The full text is as follows:
Recently, the Thai government issued a notice adjusting the duration of visa-free stay. The relevant regulations will come into effect on September 15, 2026. Having obtained confirmation from the Thai authorities, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand wishes to remind everyone as follows:
I. This adjustment by Thailand does not affect the bilateral visa exemption agreement between China and Thailand. What Thailand has cancelled is the unilateral visa exemption policy of 60 days for stays in 93 countries and regions, including China. The “Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on Mutual Visa Exemption for Persons Holding Ordinary Passports,” which came into effect on March 1, 2024, remains in force.
II. According to relevant agreements, Chinese citizens can still enjoy visa-free treatment when traveling to Thailand with a valid passport. Starting from September 15, 2026, Chinese personnel holding official passports or ordinary passports for purposes such as tourism, visiting relatives, or other reasons stipulated in the agreements can enter Thailand without a visa. The maximum stay per visit is 30 days (with a total stay of no more than 90 days over 180 days).
III. Visa exemption does not mean unconditional entry. Activities such as working, studying, reporting news, or settling in Thailand require prior approval. Additionally, those who intend to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days must obtain the appropriate visa before entering Thailand. Please ensure that your passport is valid for the period required by Thailand, and complete the registration for the Thai Electronic Entry Card according to the regulations. Comply with Thai immigration laws and regulations, as well as the approved stay period. Do not stay beyond the permitted time or engage in activities unrelated to your entry purpose.
Chinese citizens in Thailand who need consular assistance should contact:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline (24 hours): +86-10-12308, +86-10-65612308
Thailand embassy consular support and assistance phone: +66-2-245-7010
Vientiane Consulate General's Consular Protection and Assistance Phone Number: +66-53-280-618
Songpa Consulate General's Consular Protection and Assistance Phone: +66-81-766-5560
The Consulate of the Honorable Ambassador in Bangkok's contact and assistance phone number: +66-80-936-6070
The Consulate General of Thailand in Phuket provides consular protection and assistance. Consular contact number: +66-94-595-6158
Thai Police Call: 191
Thailand Tourist Police: 1155 (Provides Chinese services)
According to Thai media reports earlier, on July 15, 2024, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a 60-day visa-free entry policy would officially come into effect, covering 93 countries and regions. This policy is aimed at promoting the recovery of tourism and the economy after the pandemic. On May 19 this year, the Thai Cabinet approved a tightening of the policy: the 60-day visa-free entry rule was abolished, and the list of 30-day visa-free countries and regions was reduced from 57 to 54. Additionally, three new countries and regions were added with a 15-day visa-free entry arrangement.
For Chinese tourists, the China-Thailand visa waiver agreement came into effect on March 1, 2024. Chinese citizens with official passports and ordinary passports, as well as Thai citizens with ordinary passports, can enter the other country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days (with a total stay of no more than 90 days within every 180 days). However, if they are engaged in work, study, journalism, settlement, or other activities, or if their stay exceeds 30 days, they must obtain a visa in advance. This means that even after the new regulations take effect, most Chinese tourists will still be able to enjoy the 30-day visa-free stay under the China-Thailand visa waiver agreement.
