2021 Thailand Tourist Visa Requirements during COVID-19

Last Updated: June 17,2021

Due to the changes in the global epidemic and the update of the anti-epidemic policy from time to time, we would like to share the latest visa and entry policy of Thailand in order to help visitors better understand how to enter Thailand currently.

Thailand currently offers several types of tourist visas: Visa on Arrival (VOA), E-VOA, free of visa and Visa pre-approved by the embassy or consulate, etc.

Do I need a COE?

Yes, all non-Thai nationals need to apply for COE when they entry the country. The COVID-19 outbreak has not yet subsided, so if you are going to Thailand, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Entry (COE) in addition to your visa.

The COE or Certificate of Entry is an official document issued to Thai nationals and foreign nationals for permission to enter Thailand. It confirms that you meet the entry requirements set by the Thai government and that you are accepted to enter Thailand.

Foreigners wishing to visit Thailand must create a profile and register for a COE at coethailand.mfa.go.th. You cannot enter Thailand until you receive your COE, so make sure you start the application process in advance.

Requirements and application procedure

Step 1: Visa Application (VISA)

There are several types of visas for Thailand

  • Single-entry visa, valid for three months. After you leave the country, you cannot re-enter.

  • Thailand visa on arrival (VOA), currently only issued to citizens of 18 countries, is valid for 15 days and cannot be extended. It is possible to apply for an e-visa on arrival (eVOA). These are the two most commonly used travel visas.

  • There are also longer visas available, such as the multiple entry visa, which is valid for 6 months and allows the holder to leave and re-enter the country several times during the validity of the visa.

If you are nationals of visa-free countries, please skip this step. Click here to check if you are under Visa EXEMPT policy.

Step 2: Apply for COE

After successfully obtaining a visa, you can then apply for a Certificate of Entry (COE) through the online website. It is important to note that the visa and COE are both approved independently, and obtaining a visa does not necessarily mean that you can apply for a COE, but a valid visa is required to apply for an entry permit (COE).

Step by step:

First you need to register for the Certificate of Entry. fill out the application form on the designated website and upload the passport information page. It takes 3 working days to process your application. Please pay attention to your approval information on the website.

Once approved online, you will need to locate and book flights and an alternative country quarantine (ASQ) within 15 days. Then upload the relevant flight and ASQ information. Please note that you must do this within 15 days in accordance with section 2, otherwise you will need to re-register. It takes 3 business days to process the application.

After the Certificate of Entry (COE) is approved, you can download and print the Certificate of Entry (COE) from the website.

Upon arrival in Thailand, you will need to present to airline officials and officials at the point of entry (1) the Certificate of Entry (COE), (2) proof that the traveler is not infected with COVID-19 using the RT-PCR method, which is issued within 72 hours prior to travel, and (3) the Emergency Decree for Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005) (No. 7) under Article 9 of the relevant documents as specified in the guidelines.

Traveling to Thailand during Covid-19

Click here to see more information about all things you need to know about your first visit in Thailand after COVID-19.

19 Questions about Phuket Reopen Plan ( Phuket Sandbox ) under COVID 19...Read More.

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