Is Thailand Open to Tourists? Click the video to find out the answer！
The Current Covid Situation
Recently, Thailand has reported a few locally transmitted Covid 19 cases as strict quarantine on arrival regulations proved to be quite successful. Thailand was just coming out of its third (and worst) wave of contagions in January when the Omicron variant started to spread, creating a fast upsurge in positive cases. Currently. Thailand is reporting around 20,000-30,000 new cases per day on average.
Thailand’s nationwide vaccine program started on June 7, 2021, now about 71% of the country's citizens have been fully vaccinated.
Thailand seems to be handling the pandemic extremely well mainly due to its strong health system and Thailand travel restrictions. The health system was ready to fight against Covid 19 after learning from their experiences with SARS in 2003. Mask-wearing was implemented from the beginning of the outbreak and lockdown and quarantine procedures were applied rapidly.
The Thailand Pass
If you are planning to travel to Thailand, be aware that the lowered Thailand travel restrictions still mean that having a Thailand Pass is mandatory due to the outbreak of Covid 19. This pass is a web-based system that has been implemented to support the Ease of Travel program which is designed to make the travelers' documentation process easier and more efficient on entry to Thailand.
It’s a good idea to submit your application at least 5 to 7 days before you travel to Thailand as you cannot enter the country without the Thailand Pass. It’s also a good idea to consider employing a service provider to assist you with this procedure. The Thailand Pass is free of charge.
The Suvarnabhumi Airport
What are the Latest Restrictions?
Let us consider the question ‘Is Thailand open to tourists? The tourism board of Thailand has declared that travelers into the country do not need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test from April 1st. From this date, travelers will no longer be required to take Alternative Quarantine Schemes, Sandbox, or Test and Go when they visit Thailand, you can travel regardless of your vaccination status.
Pre to this new plan, all travelers adhering to Thailand travel restrictions had to provide a negative test RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel but this measure is to be lifted on April 1st, 2022 and Thailand takes measures to boost its declining tourist numbers.
Travelers are still required to take some tests on arrival, and the type of these tests will depend on the type of entry scheme you've applied for.
Once you have entered Thailand it may be fun to partake in some ‘anti-covid’ Muay Thai!
👉For more details on this novel idea click here.
Limber up for some anti-Covid Muay Thai!
If you are preparing to visit Thailand, here is some information regarding lessened Thailand travel restrictions and your options.
Under the new relaxed Thailand travel restrictions, tourists are required to take a covid test on arrival into Thailand and stay for one night in a hotel room while waiting for results. This normally takes about 24 hours. If there’s a negative result the visitor will be able to travel around Thailand of their own free will.
After this procedure, visitors are required to download the MorChana app, which is a tracking app that reminds the person to take another antigen test and record the results, on day five of their stay.
Although a booster isn't required for entry at this point the visitor must have proof of vaccination and apply for a Thailand Pass before traveling. Travelers under the age of 12 will have to be tested but are exempt from vaccination.
The Sandbox Program
Visitors planning to travel to Thailand can also enter under the conditions of the Sandbox Program. The Sandbox Program is a little more limiting as it allows entry to visitors (if they are fully vaccinated) only if they are willing to stay 5 days in designated areas before they move on to other areas of Thailand. This is not much of a negative as these areas include Phuket, Krabi, and Ko Pha-ngan which are all regions where it would be a pleasure to spend 5 days! Click on the links to find out more about these beautiful regions.
Ko Pha-ngan, open but worth spending 5 days in?
The Alternative Quarantine program
Non-vaccinated people can visit Thailand under the new Thailand travel restrictions only if they are willing to comply with the Alternative Quarantine program. To do this, the visitor must apply for a Thailand pass and take out an insurance policy (50 thousand dollars coverage) and also pay for their quarantine accommodation and PCR tests before traveling. Visitors must quarantine for five days remembering to take PCR tests on day four and day five. When the full quarantine period is finished, travelers can enjoy unrestricted travel around Thailand.
Province categories
Covid 19 risk in Thailand is separated into zones represented by dark red, red, and orange with differing restrictions in place across each type of zone. Check the situation in the zone you intend to travel to before departing. You may also have a search for the SHA+ hotels in these provinces
Thailand travel restrictions insist that face masks are still obligatory across the country and must be worn in public places (both indoor and outdoor) and on public transport.
Covid 19 restrictions in Thailand vary from zone to zone according to the color-coding system with major tourism destinations classified as "blue zones." These zones have relaxed certain restrictions in recent weeks.
Attractions and tourist centers around the country like historical sites, ancient monuments, museums, art galleries, pools, spas, cinemas, tattoo studios, and sporting facilities are open all over Thailand but must function under stringent public health procedures and limit the number of visitors to 75% of their usual capacity. Cafes and restaurants in Thailand’s capital Bangkok have restarted regular working hours, and are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages until 11 p.m. for those who dine in. Some entertainment venues, including nightclubs, remain closed throughout Thailand.
Face masks
Traveling from province to province has resumed and so domestic flights and train journeys are available again. According to Thailand travel restrictions, face masks must still be worn in public (those who do not wear masks face fines), outdoors, and in, and it is not unusual to get temperature checked.
Tourists wearing face masks at the sky train station
Test & Go Policy
What is the Test & Go policy
If you have been fully vaccinated in your home country you qualify for the Test-and-Go program. This program permits you to bypass the standard seven-day quarantine when you travel to Thailand on the proviso that you take a COVID-19 test on the first and fifth day of your visit and that both tests come back negative. You will also have to make sure that, although you are fully vaccinated, you have COVID-19 insurance cover of at least US$20,000.
Since March, travelers participating in the Test & Go program will no longer have to undergo a second RT PCR test on Day 5 of arrival. This test has now been changed to a self-performed Antigen Rapid Test (ATK) which will still take place on Day 5. The traveler must report the Test & Go result on the Mor Chana mobile app.
This revised Test & Go condition started on March 1st, 2022 for the submission of Thailand Pass applications. The Test & Go Program is now available for air, land, and sea travelers.
Visitors who have been supplied a Thailand Pass under Test & Go can still use their Thailand Pass.
The Grand Palace. 👉Book ticket here.
Who can apply for Test & Go
The requirements for Test & Go are as follows:
You must have COVID-19 Travel Insurance. Your COVID-19 travel insurance policy coverage cannot be less than US$ 20 000.
You must have a COVID-19 Recovery or Vaccination certificate although tourists under 18 do not need this certification if they travel with a legal guardian or a parent.
You must have the Day 1 hotel confirmation letter confirmations that you’ve pre-paid for accommodation, airport transfer, and RT-PCR test. The letter needs to be issued by one of the approved Alternative Quarantine (AQ) or SHA + Hotels.
You must have your flight reservation to Thailand. If your final destination is Phuket and Samui, you will be allowed to take domestic flights.
How to apply for Test & Go
👉To apply for Test & Go contact the Thai government by clicking here.
Responsible tourism
Recently, Thailand’s tourism board has stepped up its obligation to provide sustainable tourism The enormously popular elephant parks have been more tightly regulated, but it’s still best to do your research, and get advice from Trip.com before you plan. Scuba diving is still available, (particularly near Koh Tao), please try to choose a diving school that strives to preserve the well-being of the reef.
In terms of health safety, many SHA+ hotels are waiting for you when you travel to Thailand.
The Diving resort in Koh Tao is open.
SHA+ Hotels in Thailand
D Varee Jomtien Beach,Pattaya
Located along D Varee Jomtien Beach, Pattaya (SHA Extra +) features modern rooms with balconies overlooking the Bay of Siam.
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Located in the bustling downtown area of Bangkok, this hotel is an interstellar luxury hotel located on Sukhumvit Boulevard, Bangkok's main street. (SHA Plus+.)
Lanna Oriental Hotel Chaing Mai
Property Location Located in Chiang Mai (Old City), Lanna Oriental Hotel (SHA Plus+) is within a 10-minute walk of Chiang Mai University and Wat Phra Singh
Sugar Palm Grand Hillside Phuket
A 5-minute walk from Kata Beach, Sugar Palm Grand Hillside (SHA Extra Plus)
Trip.com Thailand promotions
You can get all the latest news and deals on Thai holidays by going to trip.com and typing in your desired destination in Thailand. Be sure to sign as a free member to receive great deals on holidays in Thailand. 👉Click here to learn more about SHA+ Hotels in Thailand.