Starting March 1, China and Thailand are exempting each other from visas! Find out which countries have been added to the visa-free entry and exit tours.

China and Thailand signed a mutual visa exemption agreement in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 28, local time, CCTV News reported. The agreement will take effect from March 1, 2024 onwards.

According to the relevant provisions, after the agreement comes into force, Chinese holders of official ordinary passports and ordinary passport holders and Thai holders of ordinary passports can enter each other's countries visa-free for a single stay of no more than 30 days (cumulative stay of no more than 90 days per 180 days).

Those who enter the other country to engage in activities that require prior authorization, such as work, study, news reporting or settlement, and those who intend to stay in the other country for more than 30 days, must obtain the appropriate visas before entering the other country.

The signing of the agreement coincides with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's official visit to Thailand, where key agenda items include the signing of a permanent visa waiver agreement between the two countries and an in-depth discussion on possible cooperation in a number of areas. The two sides will hold consultations on promoting cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, security, culture and tourism. In addition, the two sides will exchange views and discuss issues of common concern in regional and international affairs. The Thai Foreign Ministry said that on this occasion, the Thai side will reaffirm the vision of “50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations in 2025”, emphasize adherence to the “One China Principle”, and uphold the stance of mutual benefit and win-win situation as well as common adherence to the international principles, in order to build a “more stable, more prosperous, more stable, and more prosperous” relationship that is agreed upon by the two sides. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to the “One China Principle”, a position of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and joint compliance with international principles, in order to build a Thailand-China community of destiny that is “more stable, prosperous and sustainable”, as agreed by both sides. Up to now, China has concluded mutual visa-free agreements with 157 countries covering different passport types, reached agreements or arrangements on simplified visa procedures with 44 countries, and realized full mutual visa-free access with 22 countries, including Singapore, Maldives and Kazakhstan. In addition, more than 60 countries and regions have granted Chinese citizens visa-free access or visa-on-arrival facilities.

▲China-Thailand Permanent Visa Waiver Agreement Signing Site

Visa-free countries for outbound travel

Thailand

Chinese official and ordinary passport holders are entitled to a 30-day visa waiver for entering, exiting or transiting through Thailand, and the cumulative period of stay for passport holders shall not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. Long-term residence, work, study, media activities or other activities that require prior official authorization do not apply to this visa waiver agreement. The agreement will be effective from March 1, 2024 onwards.

Malaysia

Malaysia has implemented a visa waiver for Chinese citizens within 30 days of entry. The policy is effective from December 1, 2023 onwards.

Singapore

Chinese holders of ordinary passports can enter Singapore visa-free to engage in tourism, family visits, business and other private affairs for a stay of not more than 30 days. The agreement will come into force on February 9, 2024 (Lunar New Year's Eve).

Kiribati

Chinese citizens holding diplomatic, official or ordinary passports (valid for more than 6 months) for tourism and short-term visits to Kiribati may enter and transit through the country visa-free, and stay in Kiribati for a cumulative total of no more than 90 days in each 12-month period. If a single stay in the country exceeds 30 days, they need to apply to the Immigration Bureau for an extension of their stay for a maximum of 60 days. The policy will be implemented from November 15, 2023 onwards.

Kazakhstan

Chinese nationals holding official ordinary passports, ordinary passports and travel certificates can enjoy visa-free facilities when entering, exiting or transiting Kazakhstan for private affairs, business activities, tourism, medical treatment, international transportation and transit, with a single stay of no more than 30 days from the date of entry, and a cumulative total of no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The policy is effective from November 10, 2023 onwards.

Sri Lanka

On November 28, Sri Lanka launched a pilot program to approve 30-day visa waivers for tourists from seven countries, including China. Under the program, Chinese tourists are entitled to a 30-day visa-free period and can re-enter Sri Lanka within 30 days from the date of their first arrival. The pilot program is valid from October 24, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

Tunisia

Individual or group travelers holding Chinese passports can enter Tunisia visa-free from within or outside China and stay in Tunisia for up to 90 days. The policy is effective from October 7, 2023 onwards.

Angola

Chinese nationals can enter Angola multiple times without a visa for short-term travel. However, it should be noted that after entering the country visa-free, travelers must leave Angola within 30 days. If they plan to stay in Angola for more than 90 days in a year, or if they need to stay in Angola for other reasons, they will need to apply for a visa in advance at an Angolan embassy or consulate abroad according to the usual procedure, or apply for a visa on arrival upon entry after submitting an application online at the official website of the Angolan National Immigration Institute and obtaining approval. The policy is effective from September 29, 2023 onwards.

Georgia

Georgia has a visa-free policy for Chinese nationals holding Chinese ordinary passports, allowing a stay of up to 30 days for Chinese passport holders. The policy is effective from September 11, 2023 onwards.

Visa-free countries for inbound tours

Ireland

In order to facilitate the exchange of people between the two countries, on January 17 China granted Ireland unilateral visa-free treatment. Irish citizens can travel to China visa-free and stay for up to 15 days.

Thailand

Thai passport holders are entitled to 30-day visa-free entry and exit or transit in China. within 180 days, the cumulative stay of the passport holders shall not exceed 90 days.

Long-term residence, work, study, media activities or other activities that require prior official authorization do not apply to this visa waiver agreement.

The agreement will come into effect from March 1, 2024 onwards.

Singapore

Ordinary passport holders from Singapore are allowed to enter China visa-free for tourism, family visits, business and other private affairs for a stay of not more than 30 days.

The agreement will come into force on February 9, 2024 (Lunar New Year's Eve).

Kazakhstan

Citizens of Kazakhstan holding ordinary passports and certificates of repatriation can enjoy the convenience of visa exemption when entering, exiting or transiting China for personal affairs, business activities, tourism, medical treatment, international transportation and transit, with a single stay of no more than 30 days from the date of entry and a cumulative total of no more than 90 days in every 180 days.

The policy is effective from November 10, 2023 onwards.

France

During the period from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports from France who come to China for business, sightseeing and tourism, visiting relatives and friends and transit for not more than 15 days can enter the country without a visa.

Germany

During the period from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports from Germany who come to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends and transit for not more than 15 days will be allowed to enter China visa-free.

Italy

During the period from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports from Italy who come to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends and transit for not more than 15 days will be granted visa-free entry.

Netherlands

During the period from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports from the Netherlands who come to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends and transit for not more than 15 days will be granted visa-free access.

Spain

During the period from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports from Spain who come to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends and transit for not more than 15 days will be granted visa-free entry.

Malaysia

During the period from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, Malaysian holders of ordinary passports who come to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends and transit for not more than 15 days will be allowed to enter the country visa-free.

Wu Xi, director of the Consular Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with the media that in recent times, China has launched a series of measures to facilitate the movement of people to and from China, which fully demonstrates China's determination to promote a high level of opening up to the outside world.

At the same time, China welcomes friends from all over the world to come to China to travel, do business, invest and study. It is hoped that Chinese and foreign friends will respect the laws and regulations of local countries and bilateral agreements, and work together to maintain good order in the flow of people between China and foreign countries.

Below is a list of mutual visa-free agreements between China and foreign countries (updated until December 24, 2023) Photo courtesy of China Consular Service.