The Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing is Thailand's primary diplomatic mission in China, serving one of the largest source markets for Thai tourism. China consistently ranks among the top three countries sending visitors to Thailand, with millions of Chinese nationals visiting annually.
Most Chinese holidaymakers no longer need a visa at all, thanks to the mutual visa exemption agreement. Those who do need one apply online at thaievisa.go.th. This guide covers the exemption, the embassy's jurisdiction and the online application process.
Embassy Contact Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Royal Thai Embassy, Beijing |
| Address | No. 21, Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 |
| Main phone | (86-10) 8531-8700 |
| Visa inquiries | (86-10) 8531-8768, Monday - Friday, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | thaiembbeij.org |
| Nearest Metro | Yonganli Station (Line 1) or Guomao Station (Line 1/10) |
| Visa applications | Online, via the Thailand e-Visa portal |
Consular Section Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
| Thai & Chinese public holidays | Closed |
Important: The consular section's counter serves document services for Thai citizens, who book by phone in advance. Visa applications are made online, not at the counter. The embassy closes for both Thai and Chinese national holidays, including Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), National Day Golden Week, and major Thai holidays.
Jurisdiction
In an announcement dated 26 May 2026, the embassy lists its consular jurisdiction as:
- In China: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hubei, Shanxi, Henan, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, Tibet Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
- Mongolia
- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Residents of other provinces select the Thai Consulate-General that covers them when they apply online (see below).
Chinese Nationals and Visa Requirements
The visa situation for Chinese nationals traveling to Thailand has evolved significantly in recent years. As of 2026, the key arrangements are:
Permanent Visa Exemption
Thailand and China implemented a mutual visa exemption agreement effective from 1 March 2024, allowing Chinese passport holders to enter Thailand visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. Total visa-free stays cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-day period (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand).
On 15 September 2026 Thailand replaced its general 60-day visa exemption with a 30-day scheme, after publication in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 (TAT Newsroom). China is not on the new lists because this separate bilateral agreement already covers Chinese travellers, and the Gazette did not change it. Check the current terms with the Thai embassy or consulate before you travel.
Quick Reference for Chinese Travelers
| Your Situation | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Short holiday (up to 30 days) | Visa exemption (no advance application) |
| Holiday of 31-60 days | Tourist Visa (TR), applied for online |
| Working in Thailand | Non-Immigrant B Visa + Work Permit |
| Studying in Thailand | Non-Immigrant ED Visa |
| Retiring in Thailand (50+) | Non-Immigrant O or O-A Visa |
| Remote work / digital nomad | Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) |
When You Need a Visa
You should apply for a visa if:
- Your planned stay exceeds 30 days
- You need a Non-Immigrant visa for work, education, or retirement
- You are applying for a DTV
- You want a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for repeated visits
Group Tours
Organised group tours used to rely on group visa arrangements made by licensed travel agencies. Under the mutual visa exemption, Chinese tour members staying 30 days or less can enter visa-free like any other Chinese tourist. If your agency tells you a group visa is still needed for your tour, confirm it with the embassy's visa inquiry line before you pay.
How to Apply for a Visa
The embassy's visa page sends applicants to the official portal, thaievisa.go.th. The embassy's e-Visa guidance for applicants inside China dates from 27 September 2021.
- Register an account at thaievisa.go.th.
- Select the mission that covers where you live: the Beijing embassy for the areas listed above, or the relevant Consulate-General.
- Complete the form, upload your documents and pay the fee online.
- Track the status yourself in the e-Visa system. The embassy asks applicants to check there rather than call.
- Print the approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport.
Using a Visa Agency
In principle, the embassy expects applicants to apply for a visa themselves. You may authorise a third party such as an agency to apply for you, but you remain fully responsible for the application, including any misconduct or false documents the agency submits.
Required Documents
The e-Visa portal lists the documents for each visa type once you choose your purpose of visit. Most tourist visa applications need:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with the biodata page
- A recent photo that meets the photo requirements
- Confirmed flight booking and proof of accommodation
- Proof of funds, such as recent bank statements
For Non-Immigrant visas (work, study, retirement) and the DTV, follow the portal's checklist for your category. Under the embassy's update on DTV supporting documents, DTV applicants since 31 August 2026 must submit two extra documents: proof of permanent residence in their country of nationality or permanent residence, and a criminal record clearance certificate from that country.
Processing Times and Fees
The embassy does not publish a standard processing time on its visa page, and its fee notice is published as an image. The e-Visa portal shows the fee for your visa type before you pay. Apply well ahead of your travel date, especially before Chinese New Year and National Day Golden Week.
Other Thai Missions in China
Thailand also has Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Xiamen, Nanning and Qingdao, plus Hong Kong. Each covers its own group of provinces. Choose the mission for your place of residence when you apply online. The full mainland split, according to each mission's own site:
| Thai mission | Provinces and municipalities |
|---|---|
| Embassy, Beijing | Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hubei, Shanxi, Henan, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, Tibet, Xinjiang |
| Consulate-General, Shanghai | Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui |
| Consulate-General, Guangzhou | Guangdong, Hainan |
| Consulate-General, Xiamen | Fujian, Jiangxi |
| Consulate-General, Kunming | Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan |
| Consulate-General, Chengdu | Sichuan, Chongqing |
| Consulate-General, Xi'an | Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia |
| Consulate-General, Nanning | Guangxi |
| Consulate-General, Qingdao | Shandong |
| Consulate-General, Hong Kong | Hong Kong and Macao residents |
Consular Services
The Royal Thai Embassy Beijing also provides:
- Document legalization for documents to be used in Thailand
- Thai passport and ID services for Thai nationals in China
- Trade and investment promotion through the commercial section
- Cultural and educational programs including Thai language and cultural events
- Consular assistance for Thai nationals in China
Tips for Chinese Applicants
Application Preparation
- Use the visa exemption when possible — For holidays of 30 days or less, Chinese nationals do not need a visa. Simply fly to Thailand with a valid passport.
- Bank statements matter — Missions review financial documentation carefully. Maintain a stable balance over at least 3 months. Avoid large deposits immediately before applying.
- Check your uploads — Make sure scans are clear and complete before you pay.
- Photo specifications — Follow the photo requirements and use a recent photo.
Peak Travel Periods
Chinese traveler volumes to Thailand spike during specific periods:
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) — January/February. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before the holiday.
- National Day Golden Week — First week of October. Apply by mid-September.
- Summer holidays — July-August. Family travel peaks during school holidays.
- Winter escape — December-February. Popular for travelers from northern China.
Practical Advice
- Apply yourself where you can — The embassy's position is that applicants should apply personally, and you stay responsible for anything an agency submits in your name.
- Keep copies of everything — Keep digital copies of every document you upload.
- Check the bilateral agreement — The visa exemption terms between China and Thailand may be updated. Always confirm current rules on the embassy website before planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Thailand?
For stays up to 30 days for tourism, no. The mutual visa exemption agreement allows visa-free entry. For stays over 30 days or for non-tourism purposes, a visa is required.
Can I extend my stay in Thailand?
Yes. The 30-day visa exemption can be extended by 30 days at a Thai immigration office for 1,900 THB. Tourist visas (60 days) can also be extended by 30 days. See our visa extension FAQ for details.
Is Visa on Arrival still available for Chinese nationals?
No. Since 15 September 2026, Visa on Arrival is only available to passport holders of Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia. Chinese travelers use the 30-day mutual visa exemption, or apply for a visa in advance for longer or non-tourist stays.
Can I submit my visa application at the embassy?
No. Visa applications are made online at thaievisa.go.th. The consular counter serves document services for Thai citizens.
Which provinces does the Thai Embassy in Beijing cover?
Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hubei, Shanxi, Henan, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang, plus Mongolia and North Korea, according to the embassy's announcement of 26 May 2026. Other provinces are covered by Thai Consulates-General.
Can I work in Thailand with a tourist visa?
No. Working in Thailand (including paid employment) requires a Non-Immigrant B visa and a work permit. Working on a tourist visa or visa exemption is illegal and can result in arrest, fines, and deportation.
What is the DTV and can Chinese nationals apply?
Yes. The Destination Thailand Visa is available to Chinese nationals who work remotely, attend events, or participate in qualifying soft power activities. It offers 180-day stays within a 5-year validity period.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between China and Thailand has made travel between the two countries easier than ever, with the mutual visa exemption removing the need for a visa for most short-term tourists. For longer stays, work, or study, apply online through the mission that covers where you live, track your application in the e-Visa system, and apply early before peak travel periods.
Sources
- Royal Thai Embassy, Beijing — Visa
- Royal Thai Embassy, Beijing — Consular services
- Royal Thai Embassy, Beijing — Announcement: An update regarding Thai visa applications (26 May 2026)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand — Thailand-China mutual visa exemption agreement
- TAT Newsroom — Thailand introduces new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules from 15 September
