chinese citizen travel to thailand

Thailand Visa » Thailand eVisa Requirements » Thailand Visa for Chinese Citizens

Thailand Visa for Chinese Citizens

Apply online for the thai visa on arrival from china.

When the temporary visa exemption is over, Chinese citizens can apply for a Thailand eVisa on arrival —the fastest and most convenient option for travelers.

The Thailand eVisa application process is 100% online and the approved visa is sent to the visitor by email.

Read on for more information about Thailand eVisa requirements for Chinese citizens and the online application process.

Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to Thailand?

Usually, if you’re a Chinese passport holder traveling to Thailand, you must have a valid visa to enter the country. However, until 29 February 2024, Chinese citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to Thailand.

Once the visa exemption has been lifted, Chinese citizens will once again need to obtain a visa to visit Thailand.

The easiest way to get a Thai visa from China is through the electronic Visa on Arrival system . This process avoids the need to wait in line at the border, or apply for a visa at a Thai embassy.

Below you will find more information about the Thailand eVisa and how to apply online .

What Is the Thailand eVisa on Arrival for Chinese Citizens?

The online visa on arrival for Thailand is known by several names :

• Thailand eVOA (electronic visa on arrival)
• Thailand eVisa (electronic visa)
• Thailand visa on arrival online

All these terms refer to the same electronic visa for Thailand .

The Thailand eVOA allows Chinese citizens to obtain the visa in advance and avoid waiting in line to apply on arrival at the airport.

Purposes of travel permitted with the Thailand E-VOA for Chinese

Chinese citizens visiting Thailand for a wide range of tourism and leisure-related activities are eligible to apply for an online visa.

Permitted reasons for visiting Thailand with the eVOA include :

• Recreational course
• Medical and wellness

How long can Chinese citizens stay in Thailand with an online visa?

Chinese nationals who apply for a visa online can stay in Thailand for up to 15 days from the arrival date.

The eVOA holder must enter Thailand within 15 days of receiving the approved visa. The permit expires after 1 month and a new application must be submitted.

The Thailand eVOA is a single-entry permit , a new visa is required for each trip.

Documents Required to Obtain Thailand Visa on Arrival for Chinese

Chinese citizens need the following documents to support their online visa application:

• Chinese passport: valid for at least 15 days from the arrival date
• Passport style photo: taken in the last 6 months
• Email address : to receive the visa
• Credit or debit card : to pay the processing fee

All documents can be uploaded digitally . You do not need to visit a government office in person to present any paperwork.

How to Apply for Thailand Visa on Arrival for Chinese Citizens

Visitors who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for a Thai eVisa from China in 3 steps :

• Fill out the online application form
• Pay the visa fees and finalize the request
• Receive the approved Thailand visa by email

Thailand eVOA application form from China

The Thai eVOA electronic application is quick to complete . Provided travelers have the relevant information to hand, the form can be filled out in under 10 minutes.

Chinese citizens need to provide the following information:

• Basic personal information : name, gender, date of birth, gender
• Passport data : country of issue, passport number, issue date, and expiry date
• Flight details : arrival airport, date and time of arrival and departure, flight number
• Accommodation : type and name of the accommodation in Thailand

The information should match that shown on the supporting documents provided. It is important to check all the details carefully before submitting the request to avoid processing delays.

Successful applicants receive the approved Thailand visa by email.

How soon before traveling to Thailand should I apply for the visa?

Thailand visa on arrival online processing is fast. Most Thailand visas for Chinese applicants are reviewed and approved within 5 days .

As the eVOA is valid for 15 days from the date of issue, travelers can therefore apply up to 1 month before the date of departure.

The flights from China (or alternative country of origin) to Thailand must be booked before the application can be made.

Travel from China to Thailand with an eVisa

Chinese citizens traveling to Thailand with an electronic visa have to fly into one of 4 approved international airports :

• Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) (also known as Bangkok Airport)
• Phuket International Airport (HKT)
• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

The Thai visa must be printed out and presented to immigration officials at one of the above airports in Thailand.

Chinese arrivals carrying a valid Thailand E-VOA will not need to wait in line at the airport to request a visa.

FAQ’s about Thailand Visa for Chinese citizens

Can chinese citizens travel to thailand without a visa.

No, Chinese citizens cannot travel to Thailand without a visa. Chinese passport holders need a visa for Thailand , even for short stays.

Fortunately, Chinese nationals are eligible for the Thailand eVisa on arrival . Travelers can complete the visa application before departure and avoid delays on arrival at the airport.

The Thailand eVOA is valid for stays of up to 15  days for tourism , business, and other short-stay purposes.

Chinese citizens visiting Thailand for more than 15 days, or for purposes not covered by the eVisa, need to get a different visa through the embassy.

Do I need to go to the Thailand Embassy in China for my visa?

You do not need to go to the Thailand Embassy in China to get a visa. Chinese passport holders can apply for a visa for Thailand online, using the eVisa on arrival system.

Electronic visa applicants provide digital copies of their documents and submit the application form online. Thailand eVisa applicants do not need to provide paperwork at the embassy. Applicants are notified by email when the eVOA has been approved.

Chinese nationals who do not meet Thailand eVisa requirements need to go to the embassy. Thailand Embassy visas are issued for stays exceeding 15 days and for purposes such as work and study.

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New Thai Visa Exemption for Chinese Citizens

A visa exemption plan will be implemented between China and Thailand on March 1, 2024.

On January 28, 2024, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara entered a mutual agreement with his Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on a visa-free entry policy between their nations. This new exemption plan will be formally rolled out to the general public to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand as a testament to their continuing economic cooperation.

This new policy was implemented as a means of strengthening the tourist economies of both nations, with the intent of creating an influx of tourists and propelling Thailand and China into a “visa-free era.” It is hoped that this agreement will strengthen the bond between both countries as diplomatic allies and prominent trading partners.

Under the new rule, Chinese citizens will be able to travel to and stay in Thailand for at least 30 days without requiring a visa. They can also stay for up to no more than 90 cumulative days within a 180 day period.

Travelers seeking to prolong their visa-free period must contact Thai immigration. Whether or not they will be granted an extension is up to the discretion of the immigration authorities. 

If you are a Chinese citizen and are looking to embark on a visa-free journey into the Kingdom, here’s what you need to bring:

• A Chinese passport, with remaining validity of at least 6 months
• Proof of flight tickets in and out of Thailand
• Proof of financial security (bank statements, credit card or cash)
• Proof of temporary accommodation in Thailand (hotel or hostel vouchers)
• Health Insurance (optional, but highly recommended)

Present these documents to the immigration officer when requested. If you are interested in acquiring insurance prior to traveling (again, highly recommended), consider reaching out to AXA, Thailand’s leading travel health insurance provider. 

Need assistance or have any additional questions? Contact Siam Legal and we will respond to all your questions and concerns regarding the new visa waiver.

Category : Thailand Visa

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What to know about the new Thailand-China free-visa entry policy

From 1 March 2024 onwards, Thailand and China have agreed to implement a visa-free entry policy permanently for their citizens. This means that tourists from both countries are free to enter and exit with a stay of up to 30 days per entry.

This new policy has been implemented to replace the former temporary visa waiver for Chinese travellers which was in effect until 29 February 2024. It is expected that this new enactment will encourage more economic activities between the two countries.

Following the implementation, airlines are launching more flights and routes to Chinese cities like Shanghai , Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Kunming.

A low-down on the new Thailand-China free-visa entry policy

Conditions for the Thailand-China visa-free entry

According to the terms of the agreement, Thai nationals holding valid passports and Chinese nationals holding valid public affairs and ordinary passports will not require visas for entry, exit, or transit through each other’s countries for up to 30 days. Within 180 days, the cumulative days of stay should not exceed 90 days. Otherwise, they will need additional official approval.

Other things to note

For Thai tourists, this means one less hurdle for travelling to Mainland China. Still, there are several things to prepare before you embark on your trip.

• Some social media applications are not available in China such as Instagram, Facebook, LINE, Google and Youtube. In order to still have access to these, it is recommended to turn on the roaming from your Thai cellular service, or use a travel sim card bought from Thailand. VPN access is generally illegal in China.
• Digital wallet is highly preferred in China, and some shops don’t accept cash payments at all. WeChat Pay and Alipay are two common channels for online payment, though you will need a Chinese bank account to use WeChat. For tourists, Alipay Tour Pass can be used to connect with your credit cards.
• You can carry cash not exceeding CNY 20,000, and other currencies not exceeding USD 10,000.
• Marijuana is prohibited in China.

The new diplomatic manoeuvre holds significant importance for both nations, coinciding with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations in 2025. Additionally, there is a push for further policies aimed at constructing a railroad between the two countries to enhance tourism even further.

For more information, visit Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in The Kingdom of Thailand .

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Thailand Tourist Visa for Chinese citizens

Thailand’s awe-inspiring landscapes and rich culture beckons to the hearts of many Chinese citizens. If you're planning a journey to the Land of Smiles, the Thailand Tourist Visa is the perfect option for a hassle-free expedition. This electronic visa system allows you to get a Thai visa online without the hassles of a traditional visa.

This article will guide you through the Thailand Visa application process, ensuring a smooth entry into Thailand. Discover how to get a Thailand Tourist Visa for Chinese citizens in just a few uncomplicated steps.

Thailand Visa on Arrival - China: Do Chinese citizens need a Thailand visa?

Chinese citizens have visa-free entry into Thailand for a 30-day stay until February 29, 2024 . From this date onwards, a visa will be required. The good news is that Chinese passport holders are eligible for the Thailand Tourist Visa , an electronic visa that allows a 60-day stay.

Chinese tourists can also get a Thailand Visa on Arrival, but this option permits them to stay in the country for only 15 days.

If you’re looking for convenience, we advise you to apply for the Thailand Tourist Visa through our platform. Get your Thailand visa online , travel hassle-free, and don’t worry about the visa application lines on arrival.

How to get a Thailand Tourist Visa for Chinese citizens with us

While you can apply for a Thailand eVoa at the airport upon arrival, you may need to brace yourself for tourist queues. For a more straightforward process, get your Thailand Tourist Visa in advance by completing the form from the comfort of your own home. Follow these steps:

Step 1 - Provide your travel and contact information on our website or iVisa app . Select the processing time and pay the visa fee online.

Step 2 - Complete the Thailand Tourist Visa application form and upload the necessary documents.

Step 3 - Submit the application and await the confirmation email. You’ll receive the Thailand Tourist Visa within your chosen timeframe.

Print a physical copy and keep a digital version on your mobile device, as you must present this document to Thai immigration authorities to enter the country.

Thailand Embassy in China

The Thailand Embassy in China can offer valuable information about long-term visa applications or if you need further assistance for your trip. Find the nearest embassy below:

Thailand Embassy in Beijing:

Address: 40 Guanghua Rd

Phone: +86 10 6532 1749

Thailand Embassy in Chengdu:

Address: Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chengdu 12F, Building C, Fund International Plaza, No.6, Hangkong Rd., Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041 China

Phone: (+8628)-6689-7861

Thailand Consulate in Hong Kong:

Address: Fairmont House, 8th floor, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central

Phone: +852 2521 6481 ext. 5

Thailand Consulate-General in Kunming:

Address: 18th Floor, Shuncheng Twin Tower, East Building, Dong Feng Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province, PRChina

Phone: (86-871) 6314-9296

Thailand Consulate in Nanning:

Address: 1st and 2nd Floor, No. 52-1 Jinhu Road, Nanning, Guangxi 530022 PR China

Phone: (86-771) 5526942-47

Thailand Consulate in Qingdao:

Address: 15 Floors, Unit 1504-05 Shangri-La Center Tower, No. 9 Xiang Gang Zhong Road, Qingdao, PRC 266071.

Phone: +(86-532) 6887 - 7038 and 6887 - 7039

Thailand Embassy in Shanghai:

Address: No.18, Wanshan Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200336

Phone: (+86) 021-5260-9899

Thailand Embassy in Xiamen:

Address: City Hotel Xiamen No. 16 Hu Yuan Road Xiamen Fujian, PRC. 361003

Phone: (86) 592- 202-7980

Thailand Embassy in Xi'an:

Address: 11 East, Diamond Peninsula, Yannan 3rd Road, Qujiang New District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PRC 710061

Phone: (+86) 29 8931 2831 ext 801

Do you have questions or need assistance with your Thailand Tourist Visa application? Don’t worry! Our dedicated customer support team is always available to help. Contact us via our online chat or email at [email protected] .

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.immigration.go.th/

Thailand Visa for Chinese Citizens: Visa on Arrival

Thailand visa for Chinese  can be acquired quite easily, as if you're hold a passport of China and planning to visit Thailand for up to 15 days, you can get a Thailand Visa on Arrival  at the time of your arrival to Thailand. This kind of Thailand Visa can be received at the airport in Thailand and you just need to prepare all the required documents for getting it.

Thailand Visa Fee for Chinese

Thailand Visa on Arrival fee for Chinese currently is 2000 THB.  Visa on Arrival fee must be paid at the airport and only cash in local currency ( Thai baht ) is accepted. There are plenty of currency exchange booths at the airport so you just need to bring cash in Chinese Yuan or other popular currency and exchange it here for paying Thailand Visa on Arrival fee.

Travel SMART!   Get Thailand SIM Card with unlimited Internet much cheaper here:  [SALE] SIM Card for Thailand (Airport Pick Up)

Thailand Visa Free for Chinese 2023/2024

Visa on Arrival requirement was temporarily removed for Chinese who can enter Thailand without the need to apply for Visa on Arrival from 25 September 2023 to 29 February 2024.

Thailand Visa on Arrival Requirements 

When applying for  Thailand Visa on Arrival  Chinese need to provide these required documents:

• Passport issued by the People's Republic of China that is valid for at least 30 days from the day of your arrival to Thailand.
• A ticket for your journey from Thailand to China or any other foreign country. Your flight or bus ticket must be within the next 15 days from your arrival. Flights from China to Thailand can be booked here:  Cheap Flights from China to Thailand .
• Address of hotel in Thailand and hotel booking confirmation. If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, book your hotel on  Booking.com  or  Agoda . 
• One passport size (4 x 6 cm) photo. If you won't bring one from China, you can get them made at the airport.
• Visa on Arrival application form .
• Visa on Arrival fee for Chinese is 2000 THB.
• Thailand Arrival Card (currently needed only when arriving by land or by sea).
• A proof that you have funds of at least 10,000 THB per person and 20,000 THB per family for your stay in Thailand. Funds can be shown in any currency, showing this amount in Chinese Yuan is fine too.

Where can you get Thailand Visa on Arrival?

Chinese can get Visa on Arrival at all Thailand international airports:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok - Visa at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
• Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok - Visa at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
• Chiangmai International Airport, Chiang Mai - Visa at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX)
• Phuket International Airport, Phuket - Visa at Phuket Airport (HKT)
• Krabi International Airport, Krabi - Visa at Krabi Airport (KBV)
• U Tapao Airport, Rayong (Pattaya)
• Samui Airport, Surat Thani (Koh Samui)
• Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint (Sukhothai)
• Chiangrai Airport, Chiang Rai
• Surat Thani Airport, Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan)
• Hua Hin Airport, Hua Hin
• Trang Airport, Trang (Koh Chang)
• Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla

Thailand Visa on Arrival for Chinese is also issued at the border crossings when arriving by land from Laos , Myanmar , Cambodia , Malaysia .

Full list of Immigration checkpoints issuing Visa on Arrival for Chinese can be found here: Points where you can get Thailand Visa on Arrival .

E-Visa on Arrival Thailand

There is  Thailand E-Visa on Arrival online application system that is supposed to simplify and speedup the process of application for Thailand Visa on Arrival. This way of application is available for Chinese at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and three other international airports. More info about the online application system can be found here: E-Visa on Arrival Thailand (E-VoA) .

Detailed information about how to how to apply for E-Visa on Arrival Thailand and how to fill in E-Visa on Arrival application form correctly can be found here: Thailand E-Visa on Arrival Application .

There's also another Thailand E-Visa on Arrival system that can be used as an alternative. More info about it: Thailand eVisa on Arrival (eVOA) by VFS Global .

Other types of Thailand Visa for Chinese

If you're a citizen of China and planning to visit Thailand for more than 15 days , you should choose another type of Thailand Visa  that is available for Chinese and other nationalities.

In such a case you can choose to get  Thailand Single Entry Visa  from Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate in China. Thailand visa for Chinese is also issued at Thai Embassies and Thai Consulates in other countries, such as  Malaysia ,  Singapore  etc.

Thailand E-Visa Application

Thailand E-Visa Application  service giving an opportunity to apply for  Thai visa online is available. E-Visa service will make application for Thailand visa at Thai embassies and consulates much easier. 

Thailand E-Visa application service is available for visa submission at the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing as well as in Thai consulates in other Chinese cities.

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Thailand receives the first Chinese visitors under a new visa-free policy to boost tourism

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin handed out gifts and posed for photos as he welcomed hundreds of Chinese tourists on the first day a new visa-free entry scheme for them became effective.

Chinese tourists takes selfies with Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right, on their arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

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Chinese tourists takes picture with Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right, on their arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese tourists arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese tourists received garland during welcome Chinese tourists arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese tourists receive garlands from Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right, on their arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese tourists dance with puppet as Chinese tourists are welcomed on the arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese tourists are welcomed with puppet on their arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese tourists dance with puppet as they are welcomed on arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese tourists reacts on the arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese boy tourists are welcomed by Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right, on their arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand’s new government granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK (AP) — Top Thai officials welcomed hundreds of Chinese tourists at Bangkok’s international airport on Monday, the first day of a new visa-free entry program that officials say will boost the country’s tourism industry that was badly damaged by the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin handed out gifts and posed for pictures as his tourism minister and other VIPs greeted about 300 travelers from Shanghai. The surprised tourists were entertained by Thai traditional dancers and drummers inside the arrivals area at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

“We are confident that this policy will greatly boost the economy,” Srettha told reporters. He said that the government plans to promote Thailand’s smaller cities as destinations for Chinese tourists to encourage them to stay longer and spend more.

Addressing safety concerns among tourists, Srettha said it was the top priority of the authorities. There have been reports and rumors widely circulating on Chinese social media about fraud and kidnapping in Thailand.

A tourist from Shanghai, who identified himself only as Dai, said he was impressed with the “very lively” welcome ceremony at the airport, though he noted that the immigration officer who checked his passport did not immediately know about the temporary visa exemption policy. He said he plans to stay for two weeks and visit other cities besides Bangkok, including Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Peng Chunyu and Wan Yi, who arrived on the same flight, said it was a great policy for Thailand to allow visa-free entry for Chinese. The process was “very smooth,” said Peng. The two will stay for nine days and said they look forward to seeing Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Wat Arun temple and Chinatown.

The visa exemption, which also applies to visitors from the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan, will be effective until Feb. 29. Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said there has been about a 30% surge in accommodation and flight bookings since the policy was announced.

China more than a decade ago became a major source of tourists to Thailand, with almost 11 million visitors in 2019, accounting for 27.6% of all arrivals that year before the pandemic devastated the tourist market.

The government proposed the visa exemption measure due to concern that the number of Chinese tourists might be lower than expected this year because of strict visa requirements. The target number of arrivals from China had been revised from 5 million to 3 million after a report from the state Tourism Authority of Thailand that around 1.4 million Chinese tourists came in the first six months.

Tourism Authority Director Thapanee Kiatphaibool said Monday that the authorities were confident the number of Chinese arrivals could hit 4 million-to-5 million after the visa-free program was introduced.

Thailand’s economy slumped during the pandemic as its huge tourism industry virtually collapsed. The country received about 40 million visitors in 2019, and the government estimated they spent 1.9 trillion baht ($53.2 billion) — an amount that plummeted by more than 99% by 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Chai Wacharonke, a spokesperson for the prime minister, earlier said that Thailand received 15 million international visitors in the first seven months. He said the government aims to draw 28 million tourists and generate 1.4 trillion baht ($39.2 billion) in revenue in 2023.

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Thailand, China Declare Permanent Visa-Free Travel Pact – Here’s All You Need To Know

China and thailand have announced a historic travel accord with a permanent "visa-free" arrangement to bolster post-pandemic tourism..

By: Yashita Vashishth Published: Jan 29, 2024 12:00 PM ICT

Beginning March 1, 2024, Thailand and China are set to establish a permanent visa-free agreement, eliminating the need for citizens from either country to obtain a visa for reciprocal travel.

This strategic geopolitical move, expected to bolster travel and tourism between China and Thailand, will come into effect after the Lunar New Year Holiday in February, which marks the peak holiday season for Chinese travellers, and just a few weeks short of Thailand’s coveted Songkran Festival in April.

The groundwork for this development was laid in September 2023 when Thailand initially waived visa requirements for Chinese citizens, resulting in a substantial surge in tourist numbers and a boost to the economy. According to a BBC News report, 22,000 Chinese tourists visited the Southeast Asian nation within the first two days of the waiver. Originally intended to last until February 2024, the two countries have now agreed to make this arrangement permanent.

Thailand-China visa waiver: A catalyst for tourism recovery

In 2023, Thailand welcomed 28 million international tourists, generating revenue of USD 34.93 billion. As Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, Thailand heavily relies on tourism. The bilateral visa waiver with China is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties and further stimulate tourism . “This visa-free era will bring people-to-people exchanges to a new height,” remarked Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a joint press conference.

According to a Bloomberg report, Chai Wacharonke, a Thai government spokesperson, revealed that the official bilateral agreement would be signed between the two countries towards the end of February 2024. Chinese citizens will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 30 days per entry, and vice versa. Additionally, multiple entries within 180 days will enable an extended stay of up to 90 days. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara shared that China and Thailand’s foreign ministers will hold consultations at least once a year.

Beijing and Bangkok have also teamed up and pledged to accelerate the completion of the China-Thailand Railway, as well as effectively combat transnational crimes.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bitesize BKK (@bitesize_bkk)

In response to this significant decision, Thailand has agreed to reduce excise taxes on fermented alcoholic beverages to encourage international tourist spending. The 10 percent ad valorem tax on local rice wine varieties will also be eliminated. In 2023, Thailand recorded revenue of 3.6 trillion baht (INR 87,58,791,032,400) from 28 million international tourists. For 2024, the country anticipates a rise in tourist numbers to 35 million, with 8.2 million visa-free travellers expected from China.

The two countries also signed agreements related to poultry exports from Thailand, while China committed to purchasing specialty agricultural exports, promoting Chinese companies investing in Thailand, and cooperating on green technology, the digital economy, and electric vehicles .

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Chinese visitors also constitute the second-largest group of tourists in Malaysia, closely trailing Malaysians themselves. The removal of visa requirements for Chinese citizens is anticipated to lead to a surge in visitor numbers in Malaysia as well.

(Feature Image Credit: apiguide/Shutterstock)

Related:  These Are Some Of The Most Beautiful Places In China

• china visa-free
• thailand visa

Yashita Vashishth

Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.

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Chinese get visa-free entry to Thailand

Thailand has waived visa requirements for travelers from China for the next five months, as the country tries to revitalize its tourism industry, particularly in terms of the Chinese market, which has been slow to recover after the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's new government announced the country will start a five-month visa waiver program for China and Kazakhstan from Sept 25 until Feb 29, 2024. The program aims to attract 30 percent more travelers and generate more revenue for the country.

The news has gone down well in China, with travel platforms inundated with searches and inquiries.

Searches for tour products on Trip.com Group's travel platform surged by 800 percent within 30 minutes of the news being announced. Qunar, another travel portal, said searches for flight tickets to Thailand increased by 70 percent compared with the same time last week, and searches for the country's hotels doubled.

"The program hit the spot, as the time period covers two major long holidays for Chinese people — the eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday in early October, and the Spring Festival holiday in late January. The visa waiver program will strongly stimulate Chinese people to travel to Thailand in the next five months," said Xu Xiaolei, chief brand officer of CYTS Tours in Beijing.

He said a visa policy is usually the most effective and convenient tool to attract travelers and boost consumption. "Some countries and regions have been trapped in 'black swan' accidents in recent months and the coming visa waiver program will help restore Chinese travelers' confidence in Thailand's tourism."

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the visa waiver program is estimated to add 700,000 new arrivals.

Statistics from TAT show that Thailand was visited by about 3 percent of all outbound tourists from the Chinese mainland, representing the largest share among foreign destinations. In the first quarter of this year, Chinese travelers were in the top five groups of foreign arrivals, along with Malaysian, Russian, South Korean and Indian visitors.

The Thai government expects the number of Chinese visitors to meet the target of 5 million this year, with spending of 446 billion baht ($13.2 billion). The target is less than half of the Chinese visits in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. About 350,000 to 400,000 Chinese tourists have visited Thailand per month so far this year, with the tally by August reaching 2.1 million, according to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

One of the major factors that stopped Chinese tourists from traveling to Thailand is safety concerns, said Varut Kanchanapattana, board member and honorary treasurer of the Association of Thai Travel Agents.

"The visa-free scheme will definitely be a booster to tourism in Thailand and also the country's economy. But it still won't have maximum benefit if a negative perception about Thailand remains among Chinese," he said.

Thailand has become popular among Chinese travelers in the past decades, and was among the first countries that welcomed Chinese tour groups after China optimized its COVID-19 control measures around February.

Trip.com Group said the upcoming National Day holiday from Sept 29 to Oct 6 will see a peak in outbound tourism, and Thailand is among the top three choices for its users.

Fan Dongxiao, who is in charge of travel firm Tuniu's short-distance overseas trips, said more Chinese people from second or third-tier cities will choose to visit Thailand after the visa-free policy decision.

"We've already seen a jump in bookings for tour products for the coming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, and the implementation of the visa waiver policy will further increase people's desire to visit Thailand," she said.

In another development, Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili announced on Monday that the country by the Caucasus and the Black Sea has decided to introduce visa-free entry for Chinese citizens, and more details will be declared later.

"China is the second-largest economy in the world. One of our main interests is to strengthen trade and economic relations with China, to attract more investments from China, as well as to attract more tourists," Gharibashvili said at a governmental session in Tbilisi.

Chinese tourists are considered one of the most desirable tourists in the world, said the prime minister.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

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Thailand sees Chinese tourism soar as visa requirement dropped

Less bureaucracy and more flights are luring Chinese visitors back to Thailand in a boost to the tourism industry.

Bangkok, Thailand – Bangkok’s Chinatown, lit up by red-lanterns and decorative banners to celebrate the Lunar New Year holidays, is bustling.

As the region welcomed the Year of the Dragon last weekend, ethnic Chinese Thais thronged temples to light candles and pray for good fortune.

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Inside the glowing red interior of Wat Mangkon Kamalawat – the largest Chinese temple in Bangkok – women wore traditional cheongsam dresses and took photos with their loved ones.

Outside, in the hustle and bustle of Yaowarat Road, lion dancers performed as visitors – Thais and legions of tourists – crowded the street, sampling the food and shopping from stalls in the market.

Many were from China, with official figures showing hundreds of thousands of Chinese nationals chose to spend the holiday, which began on February 10, in Thailand where they no longer need to get a visa.

“Destinations in Southeast Asia traditionally rely on a strong Lunar New Year holiday to kick-start the tourism calendar,” Gary Bowerman, a tourism analyst in Kuala Lumpur, told Al Jazeera.

“Thailand has positioned itself astutely to capture outbound travel demand from China with its bilateral visa waiver and aggressive marketing into the Chinese market led by the prime minister. This resonates well with Chinese tourists and has encouraged Chinese airlines to add more capacity over [the] Chinese New Year.”

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin started his push to lure more arrivals from China in September when he announced a temporary visa waiver for Chinese tourists. The short-term agreement soon became permanent after Thailand and China signed an indefinite mutual visa exemption for their nationals to visit each other’s country starting from March 1.

Nithee Seeprae, deputy governor for marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, says Chinese arrivals have been encouraging.

“It’s very exciting and [a] successful Chinese New Year, and it is a positive sign for the new visa waiver between China and Thailand because it brings more confidence for the Chinese tourists,” he told Al Jazeera. “Now we got 27-28,000 tourists [arriving each day] since the 1st of February, it is almost back to normal before Covid. Last year, at the same time, it was 7-8,000. Last month 500,000 [China visitors arrived].”

Thailand’s government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said on Saturday that four million tourists had arrived in the country from January 1 to February 8, including more than 730,000 Chinese.

Based on Nithee’s approximate figures, Chinese arrivals could reach one million by the end of the month.

“We have promotions with online travel agents, and [we] coordinate with normal travel agents to create a roadshow in the big cities in China. Also, the flights are back to 90 percent [capacity] like before the pandemic because of the visa waiving. We [are trying] to coordinate with influencers and key opinion leaders from China to create the content experience in Thailand,” he added.

More initiatives planned

Phuket, in southern Thailand, has seen an influx of arrivals in recent weeks.

The island hotspot is expected to welcome 49,000 tourists a day through the international airport during the Chinese New Year period until February 16, according to local media.

The festival falls in the middle of Thailand’s high season, which usually runs from November to March, and is a major holiday for mainland China.

Ranjeet Viswanathan, the director of sales and marketing at the luxury Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, said occupancy was even higher than many had hoped.

“This year has started with a bang. Every hotel has seen better-than-expected results in January and this continues in February. Our hotel has been doing over 92 percent in occupancy since January 1,” he told Al Jazeera.

Chinese tourists make up about 12 percent of the resort’s business and the number of travellers in 2024 so far is five percent higher than a year ago.

According to the Chinese calendar, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, which can be a time for new ideas, projects and prosperity.

Chinese visitors have long been crucial to the Thai travel industry, but even with the jump in arrivals, the numbers remain well below 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In that year, Chinese visitors made up more than 11 million of the record 39 million tourists who visited Thailand.

Last year, there were more than 3.5 million Chinese arrivals, but that still fell short of the five million predicted by Thai officials.

Experts put the lower-than-expected numbers down to China’s own economic issues and domestic travel trends. The mass shooting in a Bangkok shopping mall in September that killed one Chinese national, and the release of the Chinese blockbuster movie No More Bets, a film depicting scams in Southeast Asia , may have also played a part.

But the recent surge of Chinese visitors to Thailand shows China’s outbound travel is recovering, according to Bowerman, the tourism analyst.

“Strong demand for travel to Thailand from China in the first two months of 2024 suggests that this year will be very different for outbound travel from China compared to 2023,” he said.

Thai tourism officials have forecast more than eight million arrivals from China by the end of 2024.

The tourism authority’s Nithee is already working on luring more visitors from China and is in talks to arrange new flight routes from China into Thai cities including Udon Thani in the northeast and Hat Yai in the south. He is optimistic Thailand is on track to meet its arrivals target by the end of the year.

“It is really promising. We have to keep an eye on these situations and get more confidence for tourists and do more promotion,” he added.

Update April 12, 2024

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Thailand Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, thailand - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

• Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces due to  civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Thailand.

If you decide to travel to Thailand:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Thailand.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla Provinces – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. In Songkhla, the insurgency is most active in the districts of Chana, Thepha, Nathawat, and Saba Yoi. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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Visa Exemption and Bilateral Agreement

(Last updated: October 24, 2023)

Who Can Enter Thailand Without a Visa

The Thai Visa Exemption Scheme allows tourists from 64 countries to enter Thailand without applying for a visa. Travelers can visit Thailand for up to 30 days if they are entering Thailand through an international airport or land border checkpoint from a neighboring country.

Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme and Bilateral Agreement

Provisions of the tourist visa exemption scheme and bilateral agreement, effective December 31, 2016, allowing passport holders from 64 countries to enter Thailand under this rule, provided they meet the following criteria:

• Be from an approved country.
• Be visiting Thailand strictly for tourism.
• Hold a genuine passport with a valid expiry of over 6 months.
• Can provide a valid address in Thailand on entry that can be verified. This address can be a hotel or an apartment.
• Must have a confirmed return ticket exiting Thailand within 30 days. Open tickets do not qualify. Traveling overland by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar, etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.**
• Provide proof of funds of at least 10,000 THB for single travelers, or 20,000 THB per family during your stay in Thailand.

** You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show that you will exit Thailand within 30 days of entry, you will most likely be refused entry.

If entering Thailand by land or sea, eligible travelers holding normal passports will be granted visa-free travel to Thailand twice per calendar year. There is no limitation when entering by air.

For Malaysians entering by land border, there is no limitation in issuing the 30-day tourist visa exemption stamp.

Travelers from Korea, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Chile will receive permission to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days under Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme. This applies to both airport and land border entries.

Top Services provided by Siam Legal International, Thailand’s largest legal service network.

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Passport holders who are not eligible to enter Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme or Visa on Arrival Scheme are required to get a tourist visa through a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to their visit.

If you seek a long-term visa or are traveling for a purpose other than tourism, you can find other Thailand Visas here.

https://www.siam-legal.com/legal_services/thailand-visa-services.php

Holders of normal passports of the following countries are granted visa-free travel to Thailand for a period of up to 30 days. The exemption is granted at most twice in a calendar year when entering over land or via a sea border but there is no limitation when entering by air. For Malaysians entering by land border, there is no limitation in issuing the 30-day visa exemption stamp. Korea, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Chile will get 90 days in both airport and land border.

64 Countries allowed to enter Thailand under the VISA EXEMPTION RULE

Covid and vaccination requirements.

Proof of this paperwork is not required before leaving a home country, but Airline staff and Immigration Officers are conducting random checks of passengers arriving in the country. A Visa Exemption stamp may be denied if the relevant paperwork cannot be provided.

Children under 18 will enter Thailand the same way as their parents. If a child travels with unvaccinated parents, they will need to provide proof of Covid tests.

Travel Insurance for Visa Exempt Visitors

With travel restrictions eased, Thailand removed the need for Visa Exempt travelers to provide proof of a valid Covid Insurance policy. It is important to note that foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care while in Thailand. If a foreigner requires medical attention, they will need to cover any expenses themselves.

Travel insurance is a wise choice for people traveling abroad. It not only covers COVID-related incidents but also:

• Medical emergencies
• Personal injury & accidents
• Missed or delayed flights
• Damage to belongings
• Lost luggage

To ensure you have the best cover possible while visiting Thailand and to avoid potential exclusions or conditions, choose Travel Insurance which is designed for Thailand.

AXA Thailand: AXA Sawasdee Thailand

AXA Sawasdee Thailand is a well-known and respected insurance company in Thailand that caters to travelers from around the world. Their policies are straightforward, approved in minutes, and trusted by Thai authorities and medical institutions.

For the best Travel Insurance, a Visa Exempt traveler can have in Thailand, look to AXA Thailand .

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In accordance with the latest requirements, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand will accept visa application with procedures and documents requirements as follows:

 1.visa categor ies and requirements

2.Application process and processing time

The visa applicant ( Hong Kong SAR visa and Macao SAR visa applicant not included) is required to fill out the application form online and make an appointment to submit the application via website  https://visaforchina.org . Print out the visa appointment confirmation form and visa application form and sign the confirmation page. Submit the application(including the above mentioned forms, passport and supporting documents) in person at Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Bangkok at the appointment time.The visa processing time is 1 week (The pickup date will be automatically postponed in case of Chinese and Thai holidays ).

For those who intend to visit China for humanitarian reasons such as visiting an immediate family member who is in critical condition, attending funeral of an immediate family member in China, or for other emergencies, please send an email to  [email protected]  in advance for inquiry and application. Chinese embassy will accept and approve the applications by considering the actual situation of the applicant.

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China Visa Policy for Thai Citizens: 30 Days Visa Free Available from March 1st, 2024

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on March 7, 2024 :

1. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is newly available for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Read more »

2. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

3. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Read more »

4. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

5. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

6. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

7. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

8. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

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Do Thai citizens/passport holders need visa to China?

On January 28, 2024, China and Thailand signed the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Ordinary Passports, which will officially come into effect on March 1. By then, the phased unilateral visa-free policy that Thailand began to implement for Chinese tourists in September last year will officially become a long-term arrangement for "mutual travel". The scope of full visa exemption includes not only diplomatic passports, official passports, and official ordinary passports, but also ordinary passports.

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How long can a Thai stay in China without visa?

For two countries or regions that have concluded a visa exemption agreement, as long as their citizens hold valid passports or international travel documents as specified in the agreement, they can enjoy a visa-free stay of usually 30 days in the other country or region; however, if the stay exceeds 30 days, or if they are studying, living, or working in the local area, they still need to apply to the other country's visa authority or competent department before entering the country.

Below are some recommended tour packages for Thai travelers. You are also welcomed to design your own China tour with the help of our travel experts!

6 Days Best of Yunnan Tour (Lijiang, Shangri-La, Kunming)

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Thailand to china visa free - more details to know.

1. The agreement applies to holders of ordinary passports issued by China and Thailand.

2. The maximum period of stay is 30 days per visit.

3. Visitors are allowed to enter and exit China and Thailand multiple times within the validity period of their passports.

4. The agreement does not apply to people who are planning to study, work, or live in China or Thailand for more than 30 days. These people will still need to apply for a visa before entering the country.

Why is This Agreement Important

The agreement is expected to boost tourism and trade between China and Thailand. In 2019, over 10 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand. The agreement is expected to increase this number significantly.

The agreement is also a sign of the growing relationship between China and Thailand. The two countries have been working to strengthen their ties in recent years. In 2019, they signed a strategic partnership agreement. The visa exemption agreement is another step forward in this partnership.

How to Apply China Visa in Thailand

If Thai citizens need to stay over 30 days in China, or want to work, study or live in China, he/she need to apply for required Chinese visas.

① Log in the official website of COVA ( https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn ), choose the country and city you will submit application.

② Create an new China Visa Application Form online, fill in the electronic form step by step, provide all personal information completely and truthfully. Note down the application ID number for retrieving the saved form & booking a appointment. After careful check, save and submit the application form. The form cannot be changed once it is submitted.

③ Print the completed form out, sign and date it.

④ Visit https://avas.cs.mfa.gov.cn to make an appointment for submission to the embassy. Print the confirmation page. (Use your Application ID to book the China Visa Online Appointment)

⑤ Arrive at the the embassy visa office at least 20 minutes in advance . Submit the paper form, confirmation page with other required documents when it’s your turn.

⑥ Pick up your passport and visa (if granted), once you are noticed by the visa officer. Pay the China Visa Fees to the embassy upon collection.

* Most Chinese embassies and consulates require make appointment online in advance. Directly walking in the visa office to submit application without appointment may cause refusal by the embassy or consulate. If you want walk-in service, you can contact the Chinese embassies and consulates to check availability.

* You can submit and pick up the documents in person, or entrust another person, agent on your behalf.

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China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide any visa-related support & help you need to travel to China. With a Chinese Visa, you can freely travel to many cities in China's mainland, among all, Beijing , Shanghai , Hong Kong are often used as gate way cities, Xian , Guilin , Chengdu are also excellent destinations to discovery different regional culture, history and local customs in China.

You may choose from our most popular China tours, or just  contact us , tell your interests and travel plans, we could customize a perfect China tour as you like.

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Chinese get visa-free entry to Thailand

Thailand has waived visa requirements for travelers from China for the next five months, as the country tries to revitalize its tourism industry, particularly in terms of the Chinese market, which has been slow to recover after the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's new government announced the country will start a five-month visa waiver program for China and Kazakhstan from Sept 25 until Feb 29, 2024. The program aims to attract 30 percent more travelers and generate more revenue for the country.

The news has gone down well in China, with travel platforms inundated with searches and inquiries.

Searches for tour products on Trip.com Group's travel platform surged by 800 percent within 30 minutes of the news being announced. Qunar, another travel portal, said searches for flight tickets to Thailand increased by 70 percent compared with the same time last week, and searches for the country's hotels doubled.

"The program hit the spot, as the time period covers two major long holidays for Chinese people — the eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday in early October, and the Spring Festival holiday in late January. The visa waiver program will strongly stimulate Chinese people to travel to Thailand in the next five months," said Xu Xiaolei, chief brand officer of CYTS Tours in Beijing.

He said a visa policy is usually the most effective and convenient tool to attract travelers and boost consumption. "Some countries and regions have been trapped in 'black swan' accidents in recent months and the coming visa waiver program will help restore Chinese travelers' confidence in Thailand's tourism."

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the visa waiver program is estimated to add 700,000 new arrivals.

Statistics from TAT show that Thailand was visited by about 3 percent of all outbound tourists from the Chinese mainland, representing the largest share among foreign destinations. In the first quarter of this year, Chinese travelers were in the top five groups of foreign arrivals, along with Malaysian, Russian, South Korean and Indian visitors.

The Thai government expects the number of Chinese visitors to meet the target of 5 million this year, with spending of 446 billion baht ($13.2 billion). The target is less than half of the Chinese visits in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. About 350,000 to 400,000 Chinese tourists have visited Thailand per month so far this year, with the tally by August reaching 2.1 million, according to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

One of the major factors that stopped Chinese tourists from traveling to Thailand is safety concerns, said Varut Kanchanapattana, board member and honorary treasurer of the Association of Thai Travel Agents.

"The visa-free scheme will definitely be a booster to tourism in Thailand and also the country's economy. But it still won't have maximum benefit if a negative perception about Thailand remains among Chinese," he said.

Thailand has become popular among Chinese travelers in the past decades, and was among the first countries that welcomed Chinese tour groups after China optimized its COVID-19 control measures around February.

Trip.com Group said the upcoming National Day holiday from Sept 29 to Oct 6 will see a peak in outbound tourism, and Thailand is among the top three choices for its users.

Fan Dongxiao, who is in charge of travel firm Tuniu's short-distance overseas trips, said more Chinese people from second or third-tier cities will choose to visit Thailand after the visa-free policy decision.

"We've already seen a jump in bookings for tour products for the coming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, and the implementation of the visa waiver policy will further increase people's desire to visit Thailand," she said.

In another development, Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili announced on Monday that the country by the Caucasus and the Black Sea has decided to introduce visa-free entry for Chinese citizens, and more details will be declared later.

"China is the second-largest economy in the world. One of our main interests is to strengthen trade and economic relations with China, to attract more investments from China, as well as to attract more tourists," Gharibashvili said at a governmental session in Tbilisi.

Chinese tourists are considered one of the most desirable tourists in the world, said the prime minister.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

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