Thailand Expands Visa-free Access for Tourists from China and Kazakhstan

The Royal Thai Government has decided to extend visa-free access for tourists from China and Kazakhstan, effective immediately.

Thailand and China have entered into a mutual visa entry agreement, which officially commenced on January 28, 2024. Under this agreement, holders of valid Thai ordinary passports and valid Chinese passports for public affairs and ordinary passports are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days. However, cumulative stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period, except for certain purposes such as residence, employment, study, or media activities.

Previously, Thailand had granted temporary visa exemption for Chinese tourists from September 25, 2023, to February 29, 2024. China remains one of Thailand’s largest markets, with 3.5 million Chinese arrivals in 2023 alone.

Similarly, the Thai cabinet has extended the temporary visa exemption for visitors from Kazakhstan until August 31, 2024, due to the significant increase in the number of Kazakhstani tourists to Thailand. This exemption allows Kazakhstani tourists to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days for tourism purposes without requiring a visa. Kazakhstan is one of Thailand’s rapidly growing markets, with 172,489 visitors recorded in 2023, representing a 190% growth over the previous year.

Source: https://www.tatnews.org