Thailand entry rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists
On Monday (Nov 1), Thailand will reopen to international foreign tourists for the first time in almost two years.
With the reopening just days away, the Thai government has provided a little more clarity on the entry process and requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign tourists.
Anyone arriving in Thailand from November 1 will essentially be grouped into three categories:
1. Fully vaccinated arriving from a ‘low risk’ country
Anyone who is fully vaccinated and arriving from one of the 46 countries deemed to be low risk must stay one night in an SHA+ certified hotel or alternative quarantine hotel for one night while they await the result of a RT-PCR test.
If the test is negative, they are free to travel anywhere in Thailand without restrictions. Thailand is calling this process ‘Test & Go’.
2. Fully vaccinated from a non low risk country
People who are fully vaccinated but arrive from a country not listed among the 46 low risk countries are required to stay at an SHA+ hotel in a Blue Zone ‘sandbox’ area for seven nights.
If they test negative on day 6 or 7 of their stay, they are free to travel elsewhere in Thailand.
All of Thailand’s main tourist destinations are ‘sandbox’ areas, such as Bangkok and Phuket. However, some provinces are only opening certain districts to tourists.
For example, in Chonburi, tourists are only allowed to visit Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Sri Racha, Ko Si Chang and Bang Saray. In Prachuap Khiri Khan, tourists from non low risk countries can visit Hua Hin and Nong Khae districts.
Thailand is calling this process ‘Living in the Blue Zone’.
3. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
Regardless of which country they are travelling from, anyone who is unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated are required to stay in an alternative quarantine hotel for 10 nights. If they test negative on day 9 or 10 of their stay they can travel to other areas of Thailand.
Before departure to Thailand
Before departing for Thailand, foreign tourists need to make sure they have the required documentation listed below and have applied for a Thailand Pass, which replaces the Certificate of Entry needed previously to enter Thailand.
The required documents are:
– A Certificate of Vaccination (fully vaccinated) with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling.
– Those previously infected within 3 months must have received 1 dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling.
– Travellers under 12 years of age, travelling with parents or guardians, are exempt from the vaccination requirement.
– A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before travelling (all travellers).
– A confirmed payment for a 1-night stay at SHA+, AQ, OQ, or AHQ accommodation, and 1 RT-PCR test.
– An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$50,000.
How to register for Thailand Pass:
– Register for a Thailand Pass at https://tp.consular.go.th/ (available from 9am on 1 November, 2021).
– Upload the required document (along with the valid visa/re-entry permit, if required), and allow 3-5 working days for the approval process. Wait for the approval of the Vaccine Certification and paid accommodation, including the RT-PCR test.
– Confirm the approval, and receive a Thailand Pass QR Code.
Additional info:
– Entry to Thailand is via one of six approved airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui and U-Tapao. Buriram airport can only be used for charter flights.
– Everyone who arrives in Thailand must download the Mor Chana mobile app
– Expats or Thais returning to Thailand can not quarantine at their home in Thailand and must stay in an approved SHA+ or quarantine hotel.
– Travel from the airport to hotel must take place via a ‘sealed route’ or rather approved SHA+ vehicle, organised by the hotel.
List of 46 low risk countries and territories
List of 17 ‘Blue Zone’ destinations
Bangkok
Krabi
Chon Buri (Banglamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Ko Si Chang, and Sattahip – Na Jomtien and Bang Sarey)
Chiang Mai (Mueang, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng)
Trat (Ko Chang)
Buri Ram (Mueang)
Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin and Nong Kae)
Phang-Nga
Phetchaburi (Cha-Am)
Phuket
Ranong (Ko Phayam)
Rayong (Ko Samet)
Loei (Chiang Khan)
Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport)
Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao)
Nong Khai (Mueang, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, and Tha Bo)
Udon Thani (Mueang, Ban Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yung, Nong Han, and Prachaksinlapakhom)
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Ref: ASEANNOW
