Restrictions on travel in Thailand and quarantine requirements. Can I go to Thailand? Updated

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Updated March 2, 2021

After several months of dormancy due to the violent pandemic, the tourism industry is preparing to return to the small norm with the restoration of borders, easing of quarantine requirements and the creation of travel bubbles. Travelers around the world are now trying to find out if it is possible, when and where to go abroad. One of the countries on the travel wish list is Thailand.

Can anyone go to Thailand now? What important things should travelers know if they plan to fly to Thailand?

Who can go to Thailand?

Thailand is heavily dependent on tourism, and by closing its international borders, it had to deal a severe blow to the economy. Thailand is open to tourists under strict protocols and difficult documentation.

The following groups of travelers are allowed to enter Thailand:

1. Citizens of Thailand
2. Persons entitled to dismissal or persons examined, admitted or invited by the Prime Minister or the head of the persons responsible for resolving the state of emergency to enter the Kingdom
3. Persons in diplomatic or consular missions or international organizations, or representatives of foreign governments performing their duties in the Kingdom, or persons of other international institutions authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including their spouses, parents or children
4. Carriers of necessary cargoes to be returned immediately upon completion
5. Crew members who need to travel to the Kingdom on a mission and have a specified return date and time
6. Non-Thai nationals are the wife, parents or children of a Thai national
7. A foreigner / citizen / non-immigrant who has a certificate of residence in the Kingdom, as well as the spouse and children of such a person
8. Non-Thai nationals who are licensed or licensed by government agencies to work in the Kingdom, including their spouses or children
9. Non-Thai nationals who are students of educational institutions approved by the Thai authorities, including parents or guardians of students, with the exception of students of non-formal educational institutions under the law on private schools and other similar private educational institutions
10. Non-Thai nationals in need of medical treatment in Thailand and their accompanying persons (maximum 3 persons)
11. Citizens not related to Thailand who are allowed to enter the Kingdom by special agreement with a foreign state

In addition, the Thai Tourism Authority has introduced a special tourist visa (STV) for long-term tourists who would like to travel to Thailand. Under the STV scheme, long-term visitors can stay in the country for 90 days, which can be extended twice, each for another 90 days. The visa will cost 2000 baht for a 90-day extension.

It has recently been confirmed that foreign travelers from any country wishing to visit Thailand can now do so by applying for a special tourist visa. The decree passed by the Thai government effectively abolished the previous entry requirements, which stated that STVs would only be issued to foreign travelers from a list of “low-risk” countries.

Foreigners applying for a special tourist visa must:

• All foreigners from any country now have the right to obtain a special tourist visa
• Take government preventive measures, including alternative state quarantine (ASQ) at accredited hospitals / hotels, for at least 14 days after arrival
• Provide proof of residence or stay during a long-term visit
• Show proof of payment for hotel accommodation or admission to hospitals selected by alternative government quarantine facilities
• Provide as evidence one of the following: proof of payment for the hotel or accommodation that will be used after release from quarantine; a copy of the document on the right of ownership of condominiums belonging to the visitor or family member; evidence of rent – condominiums or houses; and proof of payment for the purchase or rental of condominium housing, which foreigners can legally purchase or rent.
• Health and travel insurance with a minimum coverage of $ 100,000 for COVID-19 treatment and a minimum coverage of 400,000 baht for other medical expenses and accidents. The insurance must cover at least 90 days, which is the initial validity of the visa.

For foreigners entering Thailand, an ASQ hotel reservation and COVID insurance are required 19. All travelers arriving in Thailand must provide the following documentation.

1. Certificate of health showing negative test results for COVID-19 RT-PCR, issued no more than 72 hours before the trip
2. Certificate of entry
3. Fit to Fly certificate
4. Certificate from the Embassy of Thailand or the Consulate of Thailand in the country of origin
5. Medical insurance covering COVID-19 (not less than 100,000 US dollars)
6. Letter of approval for quarantine by the Thai authorities
7. Accommodation details after quarantine for the entire stay

As of February 10, Thai embassies and consulates are currently issuing a regular 60-day tourist visa (SETV) and a special tourist visa (STV), as well as a Certificate of Entry into Thailand.

Do I need quarantine if I travel to Thailand?

All foreigners who come to Thailand from outside Thailand must be quarantined for 14 days at their own expense in the country in a state quarantine hotel. Travelers are also invited to download a mobile tracking app in the country.

In the near future, the quarantine requirement will be reduced from 14 to 3 days or will be completely abandoned from vaccinated tourists.

Thanks for the information to the resource wego.com