Editor's Note: Since the writing of this article, Thailand's entrance requirements have been eased. For the most up-to-date travel information, visit How to Visit Thailand in 2022.
If you’re planning to travel to Thailand, it just got much easier to enter. Thailand’s CCSA announced eased entry requirements, which went into effect on May 1, 2022.
What’s changed
- The Test & Go and Sandbox entry programs have been paused
- RT-PCR preflight and on arrival tests are no longer conducted
- Travelers are no longer required to book a SHA+ hotel
- The insurance coverage requirement was reduced from USD20,000 to USD10,000
What hasn’t changed
- You must still register your trip on the Thailand Pass website prior to traveling
- You must still provide proof of insurance, with coverage for COVID
Entry requirements
All travelers must register and upload support documentation to the Thailand Pass website, but the documents required vary depending on your vaccination status.
Requirements for fully vaccinated travelers:
- Passport and Thai visa (if required)
- Certificate of Vaccination
- Proof of insurance with at least USD10,000 coverage for medical treatments in Thailand (for non-Thais only)
Requirements for unvaccinated travelers:
- Passport and Thai Visa (if required)
- COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued within 72 hours before traveling
- Proof of insurance with at least USD10,000 coverage for medical treatments in Thailand (for non-Thais only)
If you’re unable to provide a certificate of vaccination and you do not get a COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued within 72 hours before traveling, you may still be eligible to enter Thailand through the Alternative Quarantine (AQ) program.
As the name suggests, this method of entry requires you to be quarantined for five days in an AQ hotel, at your expense.
Alternative Quarantine (AQ) requirements:
- Passport and Thai Visa (if required)
- Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel prepaid booking for 5 days (including 1 RT-PCR test)
- Proof of insurance with at least USD10,000 coverage for medical treatments in Thailand (for non-Thais only)
Note: We recommend checking with your airline before traveling. Some airlines may require RT-PCR tests or proof of vaccination, irrespective of reduced requirements by the Thai government.
FAQ
Where can I purchase COVID insurance?
You can purchase directly from an insurance company such as AXA, or through a reputable Thailand-based broker such as Seek 2 Insure.
What if I’m traveling with young children who are not vaccinated?
Unvaccinated travelers, no matter their age, must still adhere to the aforementioned requirements. If you are able to provide a COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued within 72 hours before traveling, you and your children should be able to enter Thailand without issue.
What is an Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel?
An AQ hotel is a hotel that follows the Thai government’s guidelines to control the spread of COVID-19. AQ hotels adhere to strict quarantine and testing measures. You can find a list of approved AQ hotels here: http://hsscovid.com/
