Thailand is now open for international tourists, with regular flights arriving from most major cities in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand soon, here are some details about what’s changed since it was closed just two months ago.
Thailand has finally reopened its borders to tourists, and with that comes a new set of rules for what it means to visit the country. Do you need an entry stamp? What is your allowance if staying in Thailand? How can you enter without paying visa fees at all? These are just some of the questions travelers will be asking themselves now that they’ve seen this news.
Thailand is now open to visitors from around the world. Here’s what you need to know before traveling there.
Thailand has reopened to fully vaccinated travelers from dozens of recognised nations for quarantine-free travel.
Travelers visiting Thailand will have three alternatives for admission starting Monday, including a simple test-and-go option for vaccinated travellers from 46 countries, including the United States and Canada.
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Eligible travelers (must have been in the approved country for at least 21 days) must apply for a Thailand Pass QR code at tp.consular.go.th, have medical insurance w/ a negative PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours before travel, or a medical certificate of recovery for those who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months.
Travelers will provide the aforementioned documentation to authorities during entrance screening before being transferred to a pre-arranged COVID-19 testing location or their lodging for a necessary PCR test. The Tourism Authority of Thailand adds, “Travelers must download and install the designated alert application (MorChana), and must wait solely inside the accommodation for the test result, which should be accessible within the day.” Travelers who get negative test results will be able to travel freely across Thailand.
Thailand’s new and enhanced Sandbox policy needs just a week of soft quarantine in one of 17 recognized regions, including Bangkok, for fully vaccinated visitors from countries not currently on the approved list. Krabi; Chon Buri (Banglamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Ko Si Chang, and Sattahip – Na Jomtien and Bang Sarey); Chiang Mai (Mueang, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng); Buri Ram (Mueang); Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin and Nong Kae); Phang-Nga; Phetchaburi (Cha-Am (Mueang, Ban Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yung, Nong Han, and Prachaksinlapakhom).
Travelers in the Sandbox program will still need proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel, and medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000, but they will also need a seven-night reservation at an approved hotel in one of the Sandbox areas, as well as two additional tests: a PCR test upon arrival in Thailand and an antigen test on Day 6 or 7 of their trip.
Bangkok, Thailand’s skyline. (Image credit: thitivong/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
The Alternative Quarantine System, which is open to unvaccinated or partly vaccinated passengers as well as fully vaccinated tourists who do not choose to engage in the Sandbox program, is the ultimate option for admittance. Travelers who have been inoculated with an authorized vaccine will be quarantined for seven days, while those who have not been vaccinated or who have been partly vaccinated will be quarantined for ten days. Land arrivals who are unvaccinated or just partly vaccinated shall be quarantined for 14 days. Alternative quarantine participants will have a PCR test upon arrival and an antigen test on Day 8 or 9. These folks will also need a minimum 10-night stay at an authorized hotel as well as $50,000 in medical insurance.
On August 9, the US State Department issued a Level 4 travel alert for Thailand, recommending Americans to avoid the country due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Officials further advise tourists to avoid the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla owing to civil disturbance. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an Incidence 4 Travel Health Notice to Thailand, suggesting a very high level of COVID-19 in the nation. Thailand, on the other hand, has experienced a dramatic decrease in daily case counts during the last two and a half months.
Check out our interactive guide for the most up-to-date information about traveling to Thailand:
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Thailand is now open for travel. The country has been re-opened to the public following a temporary closure due to political unrest. Here’s what you need to know before going. Reference: thailand travel restrictions 2021.
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