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Thailand Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Free

China citizens need to obtain a Thailand eVisa before travel—apply online at https://www.evisa.go.th/ for Tourist or Non-Immigrant categories; fees start around 60 USD (approx 2,000 THB) with typical processing 3–5 days.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Thailand.
  • Specific forms: For online eVisa, apply at https://www.evisa.go.th/; no DS-160 or UK VAF1A etc. required for Thailand eVisa.
  • Financial proof: Proof of funds showing at least 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family, held in the applicant’s name for the last 3 months (bank statements may be requested).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Proof of stay for the entire planned duration (hotel bookings or invitation letter) and a confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
  • Photo spec: Passport-style photo 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with white background; digital photo in JPEG format; file size typically 1–2 MB; head should be centered and occupy a standard portion of the frame.
  • Biometrics: Not required for the online eVisa application; biometrics may be requested at immigration in some cases or if applying via embassy.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory for eVisa, but strongly recommended with adequate medical coverage for your trip.

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa (TR) – Official name: Tourist Visa (TR). Validity: 90 days from the date of issue. Maximum stay: 60 days per entry (extendable by 30 days at Thai Immigration). Entry: Single-entry. Approximate fee: 2,000 THB (about USD 60).
  • Non-Immigrant Visa, Category B (Business) – Official name: Non-Immigrant Visa B. Validity: 3 months to 1 year. Maximum stay per entry: 90 days. Entry: Multiple entries may be granted with proper documentation; Approximate fee: 2,000 THB (about USD 60).
  • Non-Immigrant Visa, Category ED (Education) – Official name: Non-Immigrant Visa ED. Validity: 3 months to 1 year. Maximum stay per entry: 90 days. Entry: Typically single entry or multiple entries as granted; Approximate fee: 2,000 THB (about USD 60).
  • Non-Immigrant Visa, Category O (Other) – Official name: Non-Immigrant Visa O. Validity: 3 months to 1 year. Maximum stay per entry: 90 days. Entry: Multiple-entry options may be granted; Approximate fee: 2,000 THB (about USD 60).
  • Work and study paths: For work, you must obtain a Non-Immigrant B visa followed by a Thai work permit; for study, a Non-Immigrant ED visa is typical with institutional acceptance letter; Fees for these categories are generally in the same range as above (approx. 2,000 THB).

Application process

  • How to apply online: Visit https://www.evisa.go.th/ and create an account; select the visa type (Tourist TR or Non-Immigrant B/ED/O as applicable); fill in personal details, passport information, travel plans, and upload required documents (passport bio page scan, photo, hotel or invitation letter, itinerary).
  • Payment: Pay the visa fee with a credit or debit card (Visa/MasterCard) through the online portal.
  • After submission: You will receive an application reference number and status updates in your eVisa account; approval is issued digitally.
  • Upon approval: Print the e-Visa and present it along with your passport at Thailand immigration on arrival.
  • Processing time: Standard processing is typically 3–5 working days; expedited processing (priority) is available for an additional fee and can take 24–48 hours.
  • If not eligible for online eVisa: You can apply through a Thai Embassy/Consulate in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Chengdu, etc.) with a traditional visa application; common documents include passport, photo, completed application form, travel itinerary, financial proofs, and invitation/admission letters if applicable; interview may be requested by the embassy.
  • Extensions and notes: Tourist eVisas can often be extended inside Thailand for 30 days at Thai Immigration with a fee (approximately 1,900 THB).

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (Thai Baht) for most categories: 2,000 THB (approx USD 60) per applicant; some categories may charge the same or slightly different rates depending on category.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for online eVisa; if you apply via a Thai Embassy/Consulate, third-party visa service fees and courier charges may apply (varies by office).
  • Total cost estimate: eVisa principal fee around 2,000 THB plus card processing fees; total often around 2,000–2,500 THB depending on card charges.
  • Standard processing time: 3–5 working days for online eVisas; express/priority service often available for an extra fee (e.g., 24–48 hours).
  • Express options: Available at select locations for faster processing; additional fees apply and vary by consulate or service level.
  • Sticker visa (embassy): If applying via a consulate, typical timelines range 5–15 working days depending on the workload and whether documents require verification.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply in advance: Start online applications at least 2–3 weeks before travel; allow extra time during peak periods and holidays.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: Incomplete or inconsistent information in the online form; passport validity under 6 months; insufficient funds or mismatched financial documents; lack of hotel bookings or clear travel itinerary; photo or scanned documents not meeting requirements; discrepancies between uploaded documents and passport data.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: For online eVisa, apply via the Thai eVisa portal (evisa.go.th); if you are not eligible, use the official Thai Embassy/Consulate channels in China rather than third-party intermediaries; VFS/BLS handles some non-online visa processes but is not required for eVisa applications.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: Check the Royal Thai Embassy in China or the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest entry rules, travel advisories, and any health or border restrictions affecting Chinese travelers prior to departure.
  • Extension options inside Thailand: Tourist visas can generally be extended by 30 days at Thai Immigration; extension requests cost around 1,900 THB and should be submitted before the current visa expiration date.
  • Documentation readiness: Have clearly scanned color copies of passport bio page and visa page, hotel reservations, and a return/onward flight ticket; carry printed copies of the e-Visa confirmation and your travel itinerary for immigration officers.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.