Summer is fast approaching, bringing with it the prospect of vacation time. Great news, then, for anyone wishing to spend a few weeks in the tropics, as Thailand has recently announced relaxed entry requirements for international tourists.
The previous prospect of spending up to 14 days in hotel quarantine was understandably putting off a lot of visitors. As a result, tourism in the Kingdom had been sluggish to take off again after almost two years of international travel bans and domestic Covid restrictions.
For now, the situation is arguably getting better. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that as of 1 March 2022 tourists arriving in Thailand under its Test & Go program will only be required to pre-book accommodation for one night and take one RT-PCR test (on day 1) and one self-administered ATK test (on day 5).
The TAT website has the full lowdown on the updated entry requirements* (https://www.tatnews.org/2022/02/thailand-reopening-exemption-from-quarantine-test-go/) but here’s a quick summary of what you need to know.
*Please note that things may change at a moment’s notice, so always check the latest rules from your local Thai embassy or the TAT website.
Pre-arrival requirements
In order to travel to Thailand, you must prepare the following documents:
- Anyone flying in or crossing into Thailand overland must apply for a Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/). This is a web-based registration system that has replaced the previous Certificate of Entry system. If you’re arriving by sea, you must apply for a Certificate of Entry via your local Thai embassy.
- A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected, issued no more than 72 hours before travelling. Children under 6 don’t need a negative RT-PCR test before travelling.
- A valid travel insurance policy with coverage of no less than US$20,000. The policy should cover the cost of treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with COVID-19. Thais and foreign expats under Thailand’s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.
- A proof of prepayment for 1 night of accommodation at a government-approved (SHA/SHA++ certified) hotel on Day 1 while you wait for the results of the RT-PCR test. The booking should also include the expenses for the RT-PCR test as well as your self-ATK test on day 5.
- A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery. Anyone over 18 and older must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand. Children travelling with parents are exempt from the requirement. Children aged 12-17 travelling alone must have had at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine. If you’ve previously had Covid-19, you should have a medical certificate showing you have recovered.
Do I need a Covid-19 Test When Flying out of Thailand?
For any international departures, it is your responsibility to make sure that you meet the requirements of your international destination regardless of the point of departure.
If the destination country or your airline requires a Covid-19 test, you can contact MedConsult Asia. The clinic, centrally located in the Thonglor area, is very popular with expats and international visitors who require a Covid-19 test in Bangkok before they travel.
