Thailand’s foreign minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara confirmed on 29 October 2025 that Bangkok and Beijing will activate a reciprocal visa-exemption programme on 1 March 2026. Under the deal, holders of ordinary passports may stay up to 30 days per visit for tourism or business without needing to apply for a visa in advance.
The announcement follows months of negotiations aimed at reviving two-way tourism, which has yet to recover fully to its 2019 peak of 10 million Chinese arrivals. Thai officials timed implementation to capture outbound traffic after China’s Lunar New Year rush and to boost inbound flows ahead of Thailand’s lucrative Songkran festival in mid-April.
For Chinese leisure travellers the exemption eliminates biometric enrolment and processing fees that could exceed CNY 500 per applicant. Corporate road-warriors will benefit from shorter lead times for meetings in Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor, where many Chinese manufacturers maintain regional headquarters. Conversely, Thai exporters will find it easier to dispatch technicians and after-sales staff to mainland clients on short notice.
Airlines are already responding: Thai Airways plans to add four weekly flights to Guangzhou, while Spring Airlines will reopen seasonal Chiang Mai-Shanghai services. Hotel groups such as Minor and Accor told analysts they expect a double-digit jump in Chinese bookings in Q2 2026.
Companies should note that the 30-day stay cannot be extended in country; travellers needing longer missions must still obtain the appropriate visa. In addition, work activities remain restricted unless covered by a separate permit, and travellers may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds at immigration.
The announcement follows months of negotiations aimed at reviving two-way tourism, which has yet to recover fully to its 2019 peak of 10 million Chinese arrivals. Thai officials timed implementation to capture outbound traffic after China’s Lunar New Year rush and to boost inbound flows ahead of Thailand’s lucrative Songkran festival in mid-April.
For Chinese leisure travellers the exemption eliminates biometric enrolment and processing fees that could exceed CNY 500 per applicant. Corporate road-warriors will benefit from shorter lead times for meetings in Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor, where many Chinese manufacturers maintain regional headquarters. Conversely, Thai exporters will find it easier to dispatch technicians and after-sales staff to mainland clients on short notice.
Airlines are already responding: Thai Airways plans to add four weekly flights to Guangzhou, while Spring Airlines will reopen seasonal Chiang Mai-Shanghai services. Hotel groups such as Minor and Accor told analysts they expect a double-digit jump in Chinese bookings in Q2 2026.
Companies should note that the 30-day stay cannot be extended in country; travellers needing longer missions must still obtain the appropriate visa. In addition, work activities remain restricted unless covered by a separate permit, and travellers may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds at immigration.
