In short: Thai passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per visit under the mutual visa exemption in force since March 2024. Kunming, one of our home cities, is a short direct flight from Bangkok and has several large Grade III, Class A public hospitals with checkup centres. A checkup with a few days of travel fits into about five to seven days.
Why a checkup in China
- Large public hospitals: China's major public hospitals run checkup centres that see very high numbers of clients, with CT, MRI, ultrasound and endoscopy in the same building. Most of the hospitals in our guide hold Grade III, Class A, the highest rating in China's hospital system.
- A route to specialist care: if the checkup finds something, the same trip can continue with a specialist at a leading public hospital.
- Close to home: Kunming is the nearest major Chinese city to Thailand, with a mild climate all year.
Visa and entry
Since 1 March 2024, Thai ordinary-passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per visit. A checkup with a few days of travel fits within this. If treatment is likely to take longer, apply for a visa before you travel. More in our visa-free entry guide.
Flights
Bangkok has direct flights to Kunming, and Chongqing and Chengdu connect with Thailand too. Schedules change; we check current flights for your dates, and your coordinator meets you at arrivals.
What is included
- A comprehensive checkup at the checkup centre of a large public hospital, in one of three programmes; see the programmes.
- Your report translated into English, or another language on request, and DICOM copies of the images your programme includes, where the centre provides them.
- A doctor explains the results, in person or by video. If something needs treatment, we arrange it at a leading public hospital in the same city or at the right specialist centre elsewhere in China.
- Airport pickup, private car, guide and hotel or a standard private residence through our licensed partner travel agency; a chef, a housekeeper and a driver can be arranged for the whole stay.
- A written, itemised quote before you travel, with hospital fees and our coordination fee listed separately.
A typical trip
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival, airport pickup, hotel; a briefing on fasting and what to bring |
| Day 2 | Checkup day, coordinator at your side |
| Day 3 onwards | Explore the city while your report is prepared |
| Before you fly | A doctor explains your results; specialist referral if needed |
Hospitals: see hospitals in Kunming, Chongqing and Chengdu.
Frequently asked questions
Will my report be in Thai?
Can my family come with me?
Can I add some travel in Yunnan?
Sources: China Briefing, visa-free travel guide. Always confirm entry rules with the Chinese embassy before you travel.