Thailand COVID-19 Update
Updated on 22 April 2022 （New）
Thailand lifts RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals from 1 May 2022
Bangkok, 22 April, 2022 – Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the lifting of the RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals beginning 1 May, 2022, and introduced two new entry schemes specifically customized for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
New entry rules for vaccinated travelers:
International travelers who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.
They are still required to register for a Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/) with a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).
Once arriving in Thailand, they will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.
New entry rules for unvaccinated travellers:
International travellers who are unvaccinated or are not fully vaccinated will also no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.
They are required to register for a Thailand Pass with a 5-day hotel booking and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).
Once arriving in Thailand, they must proceed to undergo the quarantine for 5 days and undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 5.
The exception is made for unvaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system, they – like those fully vaccinated – will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.
While in Thailand, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are advised to strictly follow health and safety standards. Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested. If testing positive, they must get the appropriate medical treatment.
Kindly note the information is to serve as reference only. It is especially important to check in regularly on www.tatnews.org to stay current on what remains a very fluid and fast changing situation.
Updated on 18 March 2022
Thailand to lift the pretravel testing requirement for international arrivals from 1 April 2022
How to travel to Thailand From 1 April 2022:
International arrivals under any of the current three entry schemes – TEST & GO, Sandbox, and Alternative Quarantine (AQ) – will be allowed to enter Thailand without the need to show proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to their departure.
To visit Thailand, all travelers are required to register through Thailand Pass (https://tp.consular.go.th/). Register online no later than 7 days before departure.
Points of entry
Approved airports increased from 7 to 8 – Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Mai, U-Tapao, and Hat Yai (new).
Land border checkpoints increased from 3 to 4 – Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Songkhla, and Satun (new)
Water points of entry increased from ports and piers in 2 to 3 provinces – Phuket, Chon Buri, and Surat Thani (new).
The period of stay in Sandbox schemes has been reduced from 7 days to 5 days.
Other requirements remain the same.
Test & Go programme:
Stay only 1 nights at SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) hotel that include 1 RT-PCR test and a pre-arranged transfer airport to hotel upon arrival.
Undergo an RT-PCR test upon arrival (Day 1) and wait for the result in the hotel.
The second test is on Day 5 by a self-ATK method and travelers must report the result via the Mor Chana application. (ATK test kit will be included in hotel package)
Phang-Nga and Phuket: Travelers can book and prepay for the 1 RT-PCR test via www.thailandpsas.com. The RT-PCR test will be done at Phuket international airport. (RT- PCR: 2,100 Baht/test)
An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000. Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand’s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.
Sandbox
Reduced to 5 days from currently 7 days. After completing five days within the Sandbox destinations, travelers will be allowed to travel domestically within Thailand.
Updated on 25 February 2022
TEST & GO rules to ease from 1 March 2022
New regulations will be effective from 1 March, 2022. Apply Thailand pass from 1 March 2022 and can enter Thailand from 7 March, 2022 onward.
Fully vaccinated travelers include Nordic and Baltic will be able to travel to any destinations in Thailand under the Test & Go programme. Stay only 1 nights at SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) hotel that include 1 RT-PCR tests and a pre-arranged transfer airport to hotel upon arrival.
Undergo an RT-PCR test upon arrival (Day 1) and wait for the result in the hotel.
The second test is on Day 5 by a self-ATK method and travelers must report the result via the Mor Chana application. (ATK test kit will be included in hotel package)
Krabi, Phang-Nga and Phuket: Travelers can book and prepay for the 1 RT-PCR test via www.thailandpsas.com. The RT-PCR test will be done at Phuket international airport. (RT- PCR: 2,100 Baht/test, ATK test kit will be handed out at the airport)
An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000. Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand’s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.
Travelers who already obtain Test&Go approval and travel to Thailand from 1 March 2022 will be entitled to an exemption. No need to stay and undergo a RT PCR on Day 5.
Contact SHA Extra Plus hotels for refunding
Travelers who booked RT-PCR test via www.thailandpsas.com can apply for a refund if due to receive the 2nd test from 5 March onwards. The system will start accepting the refund requests from 1 March 22. It would take 2-4 weeks for the money to be transferred back to your credit card.
Updated on 21 January 2022
Thailand Opening - Test & Go Scheme Resumed from 1 Feb 2022 and more on Sandbox scheme
Test & Go scheme resumes from 1 February 2022. The same day from 09.00 Thailand time, the Thailand Pass system reopens for new TEST & GO applicants. They can register for Thailand Pass 60 days in advance.
From 1 February 2022, Pattaya and Ko Chang will be included in the Sandbox destinations (Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Khao Lak, and Surat Thani – Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao).
Travelers who have already got QR code from Thailand Pass incl. Test & Go scheme can enter Thailand under the scheme they have registered.
To visit Thailand, all travelers are required to register through Thailand Pass (https://tp.consular.go.th/). Register online no later than 7 days before departure.
All travelers must download and install the Morchana application.
What is Test & Go scheme?
Fully vaccinated travelers from all countries can travel to any destination in Thailand. Stay 2 nights at SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) on Day 1 and Day 5, 2 RT-PCR tests, and a pre-arranged transfer upon arrival.
What is Sandbox scheme?
Vaccinated travelers incl those from Nordic and Baltic countries can travel to Thailand under Sandbox scheme. Stay 7 nights in the Sandbox destinations before traveling to other destinations in Thailand. Stay the first night in your room at SHA++ Hotel while waiting for your RT-PCR test result. If negative, travel freely within the sandbox area for 7 nights before traveling to other destinations in Thailand.
What is Alternative Quarantine (AQ)?
Stay 7-10 nights quarantine in your room at an AQ hotel in any Thailand destination. This applies to all travelers.
Test & Go Scheme
Effective from 1 February 2022 for fully vaccinated travelers from all countries to travel to Thailand.
Children under 18 years traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians. Read more under travel with children.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
Health insurance covering COVID-19 during the total stay in Thailand. A minimum coverage of 50,000USD
A negative RT-PCR Test 72 hours before departure
A copy of prepayment for 2 nights (Day 1 and Day 5) at SHA Extra Plus (SHA++), 2 RT-PCR tests and a pre-arranged transfer airport-hotel. The prepayment for Day 1 must include an accommodation, a test and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel. **Travellers can book 2 different hotels for the accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5. However, on both Day 1 and Day 5, they must stay in the room while waiting for the RT-PCR test result.
Read more here.
Sandbox – stay first 7 nights in the Sandbox destinations
Destinations:
Phuket
Krabi including Phi Phi, Koh Lanta
Phang-Nga including Khao Lak and Ko Yao
Surat Thani only Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao
Chonburi – Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Sattahip – only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray (From 1 February 2022)
Trat – Ko Chang (From 1 February 2022)
Fully vaccinated travelers against COVID-19 from all countries
Children under 18 years travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians. Read more under travel with children.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
Health insurance covering COVID-19 during the total stay in Thailand. Minimum coverage of 50,000USD
A negative RT-PCR Test 72 hours before departure, except children under 6 years.
From 1 February 2022, The Sandbox Extension programme will be introduced between Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani (only Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao), where Sandbox travelers can travel within these destinations during the first 7 nights.
A confirmed payment package for a 7-night stay at a SHA Extra Plus (SHA ++) accommodation, pre-arranged airport transfer and 2 RT-PCR tests.
Maximum 2 hotels within the province for travellers to Krabi, Phang-Nga, or Phuket during the first 7 days
Maximum 3 hotels for travellers to Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao within the first 7 days. However, they must stay the first night on Ko Samui and must receive a negative result for their first RT-PCR test, before being able to change accommodation to other hotels on either Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, or Ko Tao.
Transfer with SHA+ service to the 2nd SHA++ Hotel is not mandatory.
All travellers must undergo 2 RT-PCR tests in Thailand, incl children. The first RT-PCR test upon arrival and the second one on day 5/6.
Travellers to Phuket, Krabi and Phanga /Khao Lak, book and pay PCR tests via Thailand PSAS (2,100 Baht / test, or 4,200 Baht / 2 tests).
Travellers to Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao – book and pay via your SHA ++ Hotel. (2,200 Baht / test, or 4,400 Baht / 2 tests).
If staying less than 7 nights in the Sandbox destinations, the second RT-PCR test is recommended one day before departure date.
A negative RT-PCR test result (COVID-19 not detected) issued no more than 72 hours is required before leaving the Sandbox destinations.
Travellers arrive at Phuket or Krabi international airport and can travel to Phuket, Krabi (Phi Phi, Koh Lanta) or Phanga (Khao Lak, Ko Yao) under their Sandbox scheme.
Flying to Phuket, Krabi or Chiang Mai via Bangkok is currently not allowed. Except flying to Phuket via Bangkok with Bangkok Airways daily dedicated flights
PG 5275 Bangkok – Phuket 12.00-14.05
PG 5279 Bangkok – Phuket 17.00 -19.15
Only flying to Koh Samui via Bangkok with Bangkok Airways daily dedicated flights are allowed.
PG 5172 Samui – Bangkok 19.30 – 20.45
PG 5171 Bangkok-Samui 17.10 – 18.40
PG 5125 Bangkok – Samui 12.00 – 13.30
For travellers under the Sandbox Extension programme, as well as travellers to Chon Buri (Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Sattahip – only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray) and Trat (Ko Chang), we will provide more details as soon as possible.
Read more here.
Alternative Quarantine (AQ) – 7-10 night quarantine in any Thailand destinations
For fully vaccinated, not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers who travel to Thailand (all Thailand destinations)
7-night quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers in an AQ hotel or 10 nights for not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Travellers are required to stay in an AQ hotel during their stay.
Travel with children
Children under 18 years traveling with parents should register for Thailand Pass QR Code together with their parents or guardians and not separately.
Children under 6 years traveling with parents are exempted from taking an RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure. They are required to take 2 RT-PCR with saliva tests, upon arrival and Day 5-6.
Children between 12-17 years do not need to present a certificate of vaccination if they are traveling with their parents. If they are traveling alone, they need to show a certificate of vaccination at least 1 dose of the accepted vaccine.
Children under 11 years are not required to show vaccine against Covid-19 proof.
Travel to Phuket, Phanga (Khao Lak, Koh Yao) and Krabi (Koh Lanta, Phi Phi), book RT-PCR test via www.thailandpsas.com. The price is the same as an adult.
Travel to Ko Samui, Ko Phangan or Ko Tao, book RT-PCR test via your SHA Extra Plus Hotel (SHA++). The price is the same as an adult's.
Travelers with Covid-19 history
Those who have recovered from Covid-19 must present a certificate of recovery (Immunity Pass) together with a certificate of vaccination showing 1 dose of an accepted vaccine.
Those infected and who have recovered within 3 months may present a certificate of recovery in case the RT-PCR test result is positive.
Upon arrival in Thailand, if the RT-PCR test shows a positive result and even if the travelers can show a certificate of recovery (immunity pass), there is a risk of being sent to a hospital or hospital depending on the doctor’s advice.
What happens if you received a positive RT-PCR result?
Minimal 10 days in the hospital, hospital hotel isolation, or community isolation depending on medical advice. Stay in the room only. They should not leave their accommodation unless utmost necessary and must notify the Communicable Disease Control officer in-charge.
After having recovered from COVID-19, they will receive a medical certificate of recovery.
From 1 February 2022, the high-risk contacts are required for a 7 days quarantine (previously 10 days quarantine).
Contact the Royal Thai Embassy in your home country for more information.
Updated on 21 December 2021
Due to the new Omicron situation, the Thai Government has temporarily suspended the “Test & Go Exemption from Quarantine” from 22nd December 2021 (which means that travelers who had not applied for a Thailandpass before that need to quarantine when entering Thailand after 22nd December 2021), it still need to wait for further notice when this no quarantine policy will valid again.
Updated on 22 October 2021
Thailand reopens to fully vaccinated foreign visitors from the approved countries to enter the Kingdom by air with no quarantine requirements. The Thai government has outlined 3 entry schemes listed below which will be effective from 1st November 2021.
The first scheme – “Test & Go” Exemption from Quarantine
This scheme will apply to tourists from the 63 "low-risk" countries, who must be in the listed country for more than 21 days, and need to show evidence of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their arrival. They will also need to have a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours of departure from their home country, as well as Covid-19 insurance coverage of at least US$50,000.
Under this scheme, travelers will be permitted to arrive at any international airport in the kingdom, they will need to take a second PCR test upon arrival at the airport. This test will need to be pre-booked with an SHA Plus hotel, where they will be required to spend their first night. The hotel cannot be more than a 2-hour drive from their arrival airport and travelers must remain there until they get the result of their second PCR test.
According to the Bangkok Post report, this means that travelers arriving at Suvarnabhumi for example could choose to book a hotel in Bangkok or in Pattaya. Once they receive a negative result from their PCR test, they will be free to travel anywhere in the country without any further Covid-19 tests. For more details about the guidelines of exception from quarantine, please click here.
The second scheme – "Live in the Blue Zone" Sandbox Programme
This scheme is available to those whose countries have not made it onto the 63 "low-risk" countries list. Under this scheme, 17 so-called "blue zone" provinces in Thailand will be opened to vaccinated foreign arrivals during their first 7 days in the kingdom. In addition to the same testing requirements as the first scheme, they will also be subject to a further test on day 6 or 7 of their stay. This test will be carried out using an antigen test kit, making it cheaper than PCR testing. The Bangkok Post reports that from December, the “blue zones” will expand to 33 provinces and then 45 from January. To qualify as a blue zone, a province must have vaccinated at least 70% of its population. For more details about the guidelines of the Sandbox Programme, please click here.
The Last scheme – “Happy Quarantine”
For unvaccinated travelers unable to partake in either of the schemes above, the delights of scheme number 3 are available. Unvaccinated international arrivals will be subject to a mandatory 10 day stay in an alternative quarantine facility.
Guideline Table of the Three Schemes of Entering Thailand During Covid-19