China Visa for Thailand Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to China as a Thai citizen? You can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days under the mutual visa exemption agreement that took effect March 1, 2024. For longer stays, you will need an L (tourist) visa. With strong bilateral relations between Thailand and China, including 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2024, the entry process is welcoming for Thai visitors.

Visa Application process

If you need to stay more than 30 days, follow this process to obtain an L visa:

Complete the online application

Visit bio.visaforchina.cn/BKK3_EN and fill out the visa application form.2 Upload your photo and required documents. Print the confirmation page and full form.

Gather your documents

Prepare your passport (original plus photocopy), printed application form with photo, and any supporting documents.1 Since January 2024, flight tickets and hotel bookings are optional but recommended.1

Submit in person at CVASC

Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Bangkok or Chiang Mai during working hours.2 Submit your application and pay the fees in cash (THB only).

Fingerprint collection (if required)

Most tourist visa applicants are currently exempt from fingerprints until December 31, 2025.1 If required, your fingerprints will be collected at this visit.

Collect your passport

Return to CVASC after 4 working days (or sooner if you paid for express service) to collect your passport with the visa.2

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost (THB)	Visa-free entry: Free	L Visa: Single entry (regular): ฿1,430	L Visa: Single entry (express 3 days): ฿2,430	L Visa: Single entry (urgent 2 days): ฿3,310	L Visa: Double entry (regular): ฿2,180	L Visa: Multiple entry 6 months: ฿2,930	L Visa: Multiple entry 12 months: ฿4,050	CVASC Service Fee: ฿680-1,360	All fees must be paid in Thai Baht cash at the visa center.4 Credit cards are not accepted.

What you need to prove

Whether entering visa-free or applying for an L visa, Chinese immigration expects you to demonstrate:

Required documents

Valid Thai Passport
Visa Application Form
Passport Photo

Valid Thai Passport

Your Thai passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry • Must have at least six months validity from the date of application or entry; • Must have at least two blank visa pages; • Must be in good condition without damage] (Tip: Renew your passport if it expires within eight monthsCheck all pages are intact and undamaged)

Visa Application Form

Completed online application form via the CVASC website • Complete online at bio.visaforchina.cn/BKK3_EN; • Print the confirmation page and full form (double-sided recommended); • Sign on the bottom of the confirmation page and item 9 of the form] (Tip: Fill out the form carefully: errors are a leading cause of rejectionUse a computer rather than mobile device for best results)

Passport Photo

Recent passport-sized photo meeting Chinese visa specifications • 48mm x 33mm color photo; • White background; • Taken within the last 6 months; • Full face, front view, without glasses] (Tip: Get photos taken at a professional studio familiar with Chinese visa requirementsUpload the digital version during online application)

Optional documents

Travel Itinerary | Previous Chinese Visas | Biometric Fingerprints

Travel Itinerary

Round-trip flight booking and hotel reservations • Round-trip air ticket booking; • Hotel reservation for duration of stay; • Or invitation letter from a host in China with their ID copy] (Tip: Since January 2024, these documents are optional but recommendedHaving a clear itinerary strengthens your application)

Previous Chinese Visas

Photocopies of any previous Chinese visas or passports • If you have visited China before, include copies of previous visas; • If you changed passports, include copy of old passport's data page; • Former Chinese citizens must submit original previous Chinese passport] (Tip: Having a positive visa history can help your application)

Biometric Fingerprints

Ten fingerprints collected at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center • Collected in person at CVASC Bangkok or Chiang Mai; • Exemption for applicants under 14 or over 70 years old; • Exemption if fingerprints were collected within the past 5 years; • Single/double-entry visas exempt until December 31, 2025] (Tip: Most short-term tourist visa applicants are currently exempt from fingerprints)

Border entry information

Thai passport holders have two ways to visit China for tourism:
Option 1: Visa-Free Entry (up to 30 days)
Since March 1, 2024, Thai citizens can enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days.1 This is the simplest option for most tourists.
Option 2: L Visa (for stays over 30 days)
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, or your cumulative stays exceed 90 days in a 180-day period, you must apply for an L (tourist) visa before traveling.1

Comparison

Service	Cost (THB)
Visa-free entry	Free
L Visa: Single entry (regular)	฿1,430
L Visa: Single entry (express 3 days)	฿2,430
L Visa: Single entry (urgent 2 days)	฿3,310
L Visa: Double entry (regular)	฿2,180
L Visa: Multiple entry 6 months	฿2,930
L Visa: Multiple entry 12 months	฿4,050
CVASC Service Fee	฿680-1,360

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Documentation Errors
25%	Application Inconsistencies
20%	Unclear Travel Purpose
10%	Photo Specification Issues
10%	Previous Immigration Issues

35% - Documentation Errors

How to avoid: Double-check all fields on your application form. Ensure your name matches exactly as it appears in your passport. Have all required documents ready before submitting.

25% - Application Inconsistencies

How to avoid: Ensure all dates, names, and details are consistent across your passport, application form, and supporting documents. If information has changed, provide documentation explaining the change.

20% - Unclear Travel Purpose

How to avoid: Be specific about your travel plans. Include hotel bookings and a general itinerary even though they are optional. Know what cities you plan to visit and for how long.

10% - Photo Specification Issues

How to avoid: Use a professional photo service familiar with Chinese visa requirements. Ensure white background, correct dimensions (48x33mm), and no glasses.

10% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: If you have a complicated immigration history, consider providing a cover letter explaining the circumstances. Be honest about any previous issues.

Frequently asked questions

Do Thai citizens need a visa to visit China?

No visa is needed for stays up to 30 days. Since March 1, 2024, Thai passport holders can enter China visa-free for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family for up to 30 days per visit. For longer stays, you need an L (tourist) visa.

How long can Thai citizens stay in China without a visa?

Thai nationals can stay up to 30 days per visit visa-free, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. For stays longer than 30 days, you must apply for an L visa.

Is the Thailand-China visa exemption permanent?

The current visa exemption is valid until December 31, 2026. Check official sources closer to this date for any extensions or changes to the policy.

What documents do I need for visa-free entry to China?

For visa-free entry, you need a valid Thai passport with at least six months validity. Having a return ticket and hotel bookings is recommended but not strictly required.

How much does a China tourist visa cost for Thai citizens?

Visa-free entry is completely free. If you need an L visa for longer stays, the fees are: Single entry ฿1,430 (regular), Double entry ฿2,180, plus a service fee of ฿680-1,360 at the visa center.

How long does it take to get a China tourist visa?

Standard processing takes 4 working days at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center. Express service (2-3 working days) is available for an additional fee, subject to approval.

Where do I apply for a China visa in Thailand?

Apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Bangkok (Thanapoom Tower, New Petchaburi Road) or Chiang Mai. You cannot apply directly at the Chinese Embassy.

Do I need to provide fingerprints for a China tourist visa?

Currently, applicants for single or double-entry L visas are exempt from fingerprint collection until December 31, 2026. Those under 14 or over 70 are also permanently exempt.

Can I extend my stay in China?

If you entered visa-free, you must leave within 30 days. Extensions are not granted for visa-free entry. If you have an L visa, you may apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration before your visa expires.

What happens if I overstay in China?

Overstaying is a serious offense. Penalties include fines of ¥500 per day (up to ¥10,000 maximum), detention for up to 15 days, and deportation with a potential entry ban. Always leave before your permitted stay expires.

Apply for China tourist visa online

Sources

Chinese Embassy in Thailand - Visa Requirements

https://th.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zgqz/va/202305/t20230521_11080898.htm

Chinese Visa Application Service Center Bangkok

https://www.visaforchina.cn/BKK3_EN/

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand - China Visa Exemption Agreement

https://mfa.go.th/en/content/thcn280124

CVASC Fee Schedule 2025

https://www.visaforchina.cn/BKK3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/feiyongbiaozhun

China Daily - Thailand-China Relations

https://epaper.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202507/02/WS68646439a31072f9198f399f.html

At a glance