CHINA AND THAILAND. In a major boost for tourism and travel retail, China and Thailand have agreed to a 30-day mutual visa-free entry for citizens of both countries. The arrangement formally comes into force on 1 March.
The policy comes after China last week signed a similar visa-exemption scheme with Singapore.
The agreement was signed yesterday by Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara during their meeting in Thailand.
Under the visa waiver agreement, Chinese and Thai citizens holding ordinary passports can enter China or Thailand visa-free for no more than 30 days (and no more than 90 days per 180 days).
The deal marks a significant milestone for both countries’ people-to-people exchanges, as they aim to enhance tourism and deepen bilateral cooperation.
The signing took place ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China in 2025.
In 2023, Thailand recorded 28 million tourist arrivals, 3.5 million of which were from China, which makes it the second top source market. ✈
