Traveling during the pandemic has been particularly difficult, with travelers often facing lengthy exit procedures before reaching their desired destinations. However, since January 1, 2023, travel to and from Thailand has become as easy as before the pandemic. Thailand has adjusted its travel restrictions and entry requirements for Chinese tourists. Key policy changes include:

  • Chinese travelers no longer need to present a Thailand Pass or Certificate of Entry (COE).
  • Tourists no longer need to show proof of vaccination or nucleic acid test results upon arrival in Thailand.

    • For travelers planning to travel to or from Thailand and then to China or other countries, it is recommended to pay attention to local COVID-19 prevention and control regulations. If the destination country requires ATK or RT-PCR test results, please be sure to purchase travel insurance in advance. The insurance must cover the period after you leave Thailand for 7 days. (This insurance must be purchased before entering Thailand.)

    Documents required for travel to Thailand in January 2023

    2023 China-Thailand Entry Strategy

    Thai visa types

    Visa on arrival

    Chinese travelers to and from Thailand can apply for a "visa on arrival" at designated entry channels. This type of visa allows tourists to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days.

    Note: Before March 31, 2023, Chinese travelers can enjoy the benefit of a 30-day visa on arrival in Thailand.

    If you plan to stay in Thailand longer than permitted by your visa on arrival, or if you wish to hold a business meeting or other purposes in Thailand beyond tourism, Siam Legal International Law Firm can provide you with a variety of Thai visa services. You can view our services on our website:

    https://www.siam-legal.com/legal_services/thailand-visa-services.php

    tourist visa

    Chinese travelers can apply for a 60-day tourist visa through the Royal Thai Embassy in China. This type of visa allows for a 30-day extension.

    Thailand Elite Visa

    If you frequently travel to and from Thailand or plan to reside there for an extended period, you may consider applying for the Thai Elite Visa. The Thai Elite Visa allows travelers to reside in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the package you choose. Holders of the Thai Elite Visa do not need to go through the lengthy and complicated application process common to other visa types. The Thai Elite Visa offers holders many exclusive privileges and benefits, bringing greater convenience to their lives. If you wish to enjoy "Thai life" long-term, you can click on the Thai Elite Visa link to learn more.

    nonimmigrant visa

  • Non-immigrant B visa – suitable for passengers traveling to and from Thailand for business or work.
  • Non-immigrant Early Decision (ED) visa – suitable for students enrolled in Thai government-approved educational institutions and their parents or legal guardians.
  • Non-immigrant Type O Retirement Visa – Suitable for those who wish to retire/live a comfortable life in Thailand.
  • Non-immigrant OA/OX visa type – suitable for those who wish to retire/live a fulfilling life in Thailand (different from the non-immigrant O visa type).

    • The above visas can be processed at the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your local area. The paperwork can be somewhat complex, but many companies can provide the necessary services. Siam Legal International Law Firm is a reputable law firm in Thailand that has been providing visa-related services to Indians for many years. Siam Legal has extensive knowledge and experience in Thai immigration policies and procedures. If you need assistance with your visa application, please contact them.

    To apply for a visa, you can do so via this link: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ or schedule an appointment to submit your documents at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in China.

  • The Royal Thai Embassy in China is located at No. 40 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.
  • The Royal Thai Consulate General in Chengdu is located at 12th Floor, Block C, Fengde International Plaza, No. 6 Aviation Road, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China (610041).
  • The Royal Thai Consulate General in Guangzhou is located at No. 36 Youhe Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510310, China.
  • The Royal Thai Consulate General in Shanghai is located at No. 18 Wanshan Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200336, China.
  • The Royal Thai Consulate General in Shanghai is located at 1st-2nd Floor, Oriental Manhattan Building, No. 52-1 Jinhu North Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning City, Guangdong Province, 530028, China.

    • Entry into Thailand: COVID-19 vaccination status

    The local government announced today that tourists arriving in Thailand no longer need to show proof of vaccination or nucleic acid test results.

    Book a flight to Thailand

    Flights from China to Thailand can land at any airport within the country! The following airlines offer flights departing from China:

  • Singapore Airlines

    • Most international airlines follow the entry and exit regulations of the destination country. If you need to transit through a country/region, it is best to confirm with the airline whether you meet the country/region's COVID-19 prevention and control policies.

    Hotel Booking

    If you're looking for a hotel in Thailand, visit Agoda. They offer free hotel booking, their website is easy to use, and cancellations are free. Upon arrival in Thailand, you'll need to provide your address. You can use the address of your booked hotel, a friend's address, etc.

    Insurance

    While insurance is not a requirement for entry into Thailand, if you are a foreign national, it is recommended that you consider purchasing travel insurance in advance, covering at least your entire trip. Travel insurance is a "better than nothing" form of protection, covering not only COVID-19 cases but also other illnesses.

    Foreign tourists in Thailand do not receive any free medical services. In any situation where a tourist contracts COVID-19, needs medical attention, misses a flight, or loses luggage, costs will be incurred depending on the severity, and these costs must be borne by the traveler. This is where the value of travel insurance becomes apparent. Many tourists to Thailand choose AXA Insurance Thailand. It is a trustworthy company that provides comprehensive insurance for travelers from all over the world. Their policies are simple, clear, and offer broad coverage.

  • A streamlined reimbursement process for COVID-19-related cases (including asymptomatic cases) that requires no waiting.
  • Provide customers with a convenient one-page insurance certificate. This certificate contains all the information needed by medical institutions or when making a claim.

    • View detailed insurance information: AXA Thailand.

    Arrival in Thailand – Best Option

    So what can you expect when you land in Thailand? These tips will allow you to enjoy your trip in Thailand with peace of mind and show respect to the local Thai people.

    Mask-wearing policy

    Since July 2022, the Thai government has lifted the mandatory mask-wearing policy, but still recommends that residents wear masks in public places. You will see many Thais (and tourists) still wearing masks when out and about. You will not be held legally responsible for not wearing a mask, but for the safety of others and those around you, it is recommended that you wear a mask when going to restaurants or public places.

    TM6 Arrival Card

    The Thai government has temporarily removed the requirement for tourists to fill out a blue arrival card called TM6. Their aim is to alleviate congestion at airports and immigration checkpoints, while also saving travelers the effort of filling out a form upon arrival. This change is in the testing phase, but it is hoped that the removal of TM6 will be permanent.

    Required documents and materials

    Although the Thailand Pass has been cancelled and travelers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or nucleic acid test results before entry, it is still recommended that you prepare some documents before arriving in Thailand.

    Having accurate and complete documentation will expedite the immigration process in Thailand. If you are randomly selected by local officials to provide proof of vaccination or testing, you can present the relevant documents digitally. However, providing paper copies will expedite the process for airline, immigration, and public health officials.

    Following the tips and suggestions above will ensure a smooth trip to Thailand and help you realize your long-held dream of traveling abroad, enjoying a well-deserved few weeks of vacation in the tropics.

    Within Thailand – RT PCR COVID-19 nucleic acid test, flight readiness certificate

    If you are planning to travel to your next destination and need to prepare a nucleic acid test report or obtain a flight fitness certificate, you can go to a hospital in Bangkok to complete the relevant procedures, as follows:

    Website: www.medconsultasia.com