China and Thailand have reached a bilateral agreement to waive visa requirements for each other’s visitors in a bid to boost tourism between the two countries. The mutual visa exemptions will officially take effect from March 1, 2024.
Under the new agreement, visitors can stay in each other’s country for up to 30 days for entry, exit, or transit purposes, with a total stay not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period. This move is expected to significantly enhance travel convenience and stimulate economic growth in the tourism sectors of both nations.
The announcement has already sparked a surge of interest among travelers. According to Chinese tourism platform Ctrip.com, the search volume for the term “Thailand” increased by more than sevenfold on the day the deal was signed compared to the previous day. Similarly, the search volume for “China” on Ctrip’s Thai website jumped by more than a factor of four.
The visa-free arrangement is anticipated to strengthen cultural exchanges and deepen bilateral relations. Tourism industry experts foresee a substantial increase in tourist numbers, further promoting mutual understanding and economic collaboration between China and Thailand.
Reference(s):
Visa-free travel set to boost tourism for both China and Thailand
cgtn.com
