Good news for travelers visiting Thailand. The CCSA has updated its entry guidelines in the country.
Starting March 1, travelers by air, land, or sea can now register for the “Test and Go” program which includes lower medical insurance coverage and just one RT PCR test which can be conducted upon arrival.
Here are the highlights of the most recent changes
- The minimum amount of pre-paid accommodation has been decreased to 1 night.
- COVID-19 tests have been amended to include one RT-PCR test upon arrival and one self antigen test on day 5.
- The minimum amount of COVID-19 coverage required has been decreased to USD $20,000.
How to enter Thailand?
Three points of entry are available: by air (direct international flight or domestic transit by special flight), by land (at the Nong Khai and Songkhla border crossings), and by sea (yacht).
All travelers, including Thai citizens from all countries are welcome to arrive by plane or yacht.
Thai citizens and foreign visitors from adjacent countries may enter through land via reopened border crossings in Nong Khai (Laos) and Songkhla (Malaysia).
Do I Still Need To Register Before Traveling To Thailand?
If you intend to catch a flight, ride a bus, or rent a vehicle, you must register for Thailand Pass system. Registration is completely free. Please click here to see the official Thailand Pass website.
NOTE: At the moment, the system only accepts applicants for air travel. Starting March 1, the Thailand Pass website will include land entry registration.
If you are one among the few who want to enter on a yacht, you must use the previous Certificate of Entry method. The COE website was deactivated in November 2021 to make way for the Thailand Pass system. Yacht travelers must apply directly at the Thai Embassy or Consulate General in their country.
What are the quarantine requirements?
Quarantine requirements differ according to your mode of arrival. There will be additional fees for visitors arriving by air or at a land border as part of the Test & Go program.
“There is no quarantine. However, participants must wait for the COVID-19 test result on Day 1 in an authorized SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) or alternate quarantine facility.”
To be clear, the Thai government considers your arrival date to be Day 0. Thus, technically, Day 1 begins on the day you enter the country.
“No quarantine” refers to the need for a 14-day (15-night) quarantine at a hotel at your cost. Now, you will just need to stay 1 night at an authorized hotel until you get your negative test result the next day morning. However, the Test & Go option is only accessible to fully vaccinated travelers.
The procedure is the same for those coming by yacht, with the exception that you will need to stay one night aboard the boat until you obtain your negative test result the following day. You are not permitted to move your boat, must have your AIS on at all times, and only authorized personnel are permitted to board your vessel.
What documents do I need to show?
- An updated receipt for the prepayment of 1 night’s lodging in a government-approved hotel, such as SHA Extra Plus (SHA++).
- A minimum of US$20,000 health insurance with COVID-19 coverage (Thais and foreign expatriates covered by Thailand’s national healthcare system are excluded from this requirement).
- An updated medical certificate accompanied by an RT-PCR test result stating that COVID-19 was not discovered within 72 hours before travel.
- An updated certificate indicating that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or that you have recovered from a recent infection within the last 6 months
- Foreigners will be required to give a copy of their passport and visa (if necessary).
What are the current medical insurance requirements?
While in Thailand as a foreign visitor, your insurance must cover COVID-19-related expenses, including a minimum of US$20,000 in medical expenses and hospital isolation. This is a decrease from the prior requirement of US$50,000 minimum coverage.
The drop in medical coverage is presumably a result of recent policy changes by health insurance firms. Additionally, your insurance coverage must be valid during your stay in Thailand. You may purchase valid medical insurance for your Thailand Pass trip straight on the Thailand Pass website to simplify the procedure.
What are the new COVID-19 testing requirements?
For air and land arrivals: The first test is an RT-PCR on arrival (wait for the outcome at the hotel), and the second test is a self-administered antigen test on Day 5. (must report the result via the application)
For seas arrivals: The first test is an RT-PCR on arrival (results are awaited on board the vessel), and the second test is a self-administered antigen test on Day 5. (must report the result via the application)
How long will Thailand Pass approve an application?
Thailand Pass applications are officially processed within 3-7 days. Thailand Pass registration will not be permitted fewer than two days before travel. They suggest that you plan your travel at least 7 days in advance to have sufficient time for Thailand Pass system’s registration and approval processes and avoid changes in travel schedules. In an emergency, can send a request to the following email address: [email protected].
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
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