The global pandemic has wreaked serious havoc on international travel over the last two years. During this time, Thailand imposed very strict entry requirements for international visitors, including mandatory hotel quarantine, which understandably was enough to put off most travellers.
Luckily, the situation now starting to improve. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently announced that the international entry requirement would be relaxed under its Test & Go program, meaning that fully vaccinated travellers are now allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine.
If you’re thinking of travelling to Thailand at this time (as of March 2022), here’s what you should know:
Thailand Pass has replaced the Certificate of Entry
If you’re flying into Thailand you 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. You will need to submit a copy of your passport and visa (if required), certificate of vaccination, proof of travel insurance with minimum coverage of $20,000 US, as well as a booking confirmation from an approved hotel for one night.
Adult travellers will need to be fully vaccinated
Adults must have been fully vaccinated with an approved Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days before travel. 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. Also, If you have previously had Covid-19, you should have a medical certificate showing you have recovered.
You only need book one night’s accommodation on arrival
International visitors travelling to Thailand under the Test & Go program are required to take RT-PCR COVID-19 test on arrival. You will need to stay at a prebooked government approved SHA or SHA extra plus (SHA++) hotel while you wait for your test result. Finding a Test & Go hotel is very easy. You can use a booking engine like Agoda or just do a quick Google search. After a negative result you’re free to travel anywhere in Thailand. You must take a home ATK test on day 5 of your stay and submit your results via the Mor Chana app.
What to do if you test positive while in Thailand
If your first test (PCR) is negative, the test centre or hospital will arrange for you to be isolated. If you only have mild symptoms, you may be able to isolate at a suitable hotel, but this is always decided on a case-by-case basis and there is a chance that you will be admitted to a hospital. If your second (ATK) test is negative, you will need to confirm this with a lab-based RT-PCR test and contact the Thai health officials who will ask you to either self-isolate or be admitted to a hospital.
Do I need a Covid test before departing Thailand?
Whether you need a Covid test when flying out from Thailand depends entirely on the requirement of the destination that you’re flying to. If your destination country doesn’t require a Covid test before travel, you’re good to go. If you need a Covid test in Bangkok before your flight, we recommend contacting MedConsult Clinic. The English-speaking clinic provide very RT-PCR testing with fast results and are used to dealing with travellers and expats as well as Thais flying abroad.
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