Thailand and China Launch Visa-Free Entry Scheme – Thai Tourism Enjoys an Added Boost

Effective 1st March 2024, Thailand and China implemented a reciprocal visa-free entry scheme. This new policy allows citizens of both countries to visit the other for stays of up to 30 days without obtaining a visa beforehand. Travel booking platforms have reported a surge in interest from Chinese travellers following the visa exemption. For example, according to Yicai Global, Trip.com data revealed a 300% increase in travel reservations from China to Thailand on 1st March this year compared to the same day in 2023.

It should be noted that China consistently ranks among Thailand’s top tourism markets, with 3.5 million Chinese visitors recorded in 2023 alone, making it the second-largest source country after Malaysia. With visa-free entry in place, Thailand will be anticipating a significant rise in arrivals in the coming months, further bolstering its tourism sector. Not surprisingly, travellers from China and the rest of the world have been once more enjoying all that the country has to offer including island getaways to Phuket for some coastal bliss in Mai Khao; hotels located near the beach here such as Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites continue to draw tourists looking to experience plenty of fun in the sun, sand, and surf.