Do Thailand citizens need a visa for China?
No, not for short trips. Thailand passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits or transit, within the limits of the mutual exemption agreement (often 30 days per entry).
Your options
Mutual visa exemption
Your country has a visa-exemption agreement with China. Length of stay and passport types follow the agreement, often 30 days per entry.
Hainan 30-day visa-free entry
Enter Hainan directly and stay up to 30 days on the island. Going on to the mainland needs a visa.
24-hour transit
Any nationality can connect within 24 hours without a visa, as long as you stay inside the airport or port.
Work, study and journalism always need a visa, whatever your nationality.
Check your exact trip (dates, purpose, onward ticket) →Guidance only. Border officers make the final decision. Check the official notice before you fly.
Official sources
- Hainan Provincial Government · 2026-08
- National Immigration Administration · 2026-08-20
- National Immigration Administration · 2026-08-20
Last checked: 25 October 2026