Significant simplification of the entry rules was announced by the Thai authorities: Thailand's COVID-19 Situation Management Center (CCSA) approved the abolition of all tests for travelers entering the kingdom. The changes will come into effect on May 1. Thus, the previously existing entry programs – Test & Go and Sandbox. The center announced this on the Thailand Pass website.
This is the most visible and anticipated relaxation of entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers on November 1 last year, since the Thailand Pass was introduced. Officials are expected to publish the revised rules in the Royal Gazette earlier this week.
What got cancelled?
Test & Go or Sandbox. This indulgence has practically equalized the number of vaccinated travelers and non-vaccinated tourists wishing to enter Thailand. There should be no more confusion, there are two options for the program: for vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists. The CCSA asks foreigners to self-monitor themselves during their stay in Thailand and recommend, rather than require, rapid testing for COVID-19 antibodies.
What about the Thai Pass?
The Thai Pass will remain, but it will be easier to obtain. The only documents that need to be uploaded for registration before coming to Thailand are the tourist's passport details, vaccine information and proof of insurance coverage. It is clarified that the approval of the pass usually takes 1-3 days.
Compulsory covid insurance reduced from $20,000 to $10,000. As in the past, Thais and expats covered by Thailand's universal healthcare system will not be required to have additional coronavirus insurance. In addition, some overseas policies will be accepted that specifically cover Covid treatment and hospitalization. In other cases, Thai insurance is available.
Unvaccinated tourists will also be allowed in
There is good news for unvaccinated travelers too. Unvaccinated tourists or travelers with an “expired” vaccination who do not provide a negative pre-trip PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival in Thailand are required to spend 5 days in quarantine in a special hotel.
Unvaccinated travelers who may submit a negative test result before travel, are treated as vaccinated. The pre-trip test must be completed within 72 hours of arrival in Thailand.
For unvaccinated travelers who are unable or unwilling to undergo a PCR test before travel, they are still eligible to apply for a Thailand Pass, but must complete quarantine and pass a PCR test on the fifth day.
< p>Tourists should take into account that not all airlines agree to carry unvaccinated passengers. Be sure to check with your carrier before confirming departures and paying for tickets.
New Entry Rules
From May 1, 2022, travelers entering Thailand by air must comply with the new entry conditions.
For fully vaccinated travelers:
- Register for Thailand Pass.
- Attach required documents, including passport, vaccination certificate.
- Attach proof of insurance with at least $10,000 coverage for treatment in Thailand.< /li>
For unvaccinated tourists:
Option 1 – Exemption from quarantine. Travelers with a negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours prior to travel must:
- Register for the Thailand Pass.
- Attach required documents, including passport, COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 72 hours prior to travel
- Attach proof of insurance with at least $10,000 coverage for treatment in Thailand.
Option 2 – Quarantine. Travelers who are unable to complete a PCR test within 72 hours prior to travel or who do not mind being quarantined upon arrival should:
- Register for the Thailand Pass.
- Attach required documents, including passport, alternative quarantine (AQ) hotel booking confirmation for 5 days, including 1 PCR test.
- Attach proof of insurance with at least $10,000 coverage for treatment in Thailand.
- Pass PCR testing on days 4-5 in Thailand during the mandatory 5-day hotel quarantine.
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Travelers who have already been issued a Thai Pass can travel with an issued QR code and do not need to register for a new Thai Pass. Registration for the revised pass will be available once the news is published in the Royal Gazette, and applications can be made from April 29.
Responding to change
Thailand tourism has met with long-awaited changes positive as it is the biggest easing of restrictions since the border closure in April 2020. The international tourist flow during the first four months of 2022 did not even exceed 10% of daily arrivals in the days before covid. The Thailand Pass website also states that tourists will be able to apply for the new re-entry conditions from April 29. Pass registration for travelers entering Thailand from May 1, 2022 under the new entry measures will be open from April 29, 2022 at 00:01 hrs Thailand time. Recall that the time in Moscow is 4 hours behind the time in Thailand.
For those who care about a healthy lifestyle, we recommend reading: “A nutritionist named 10 foods to get in shape for the summer.”
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