Thailand reopened its doors to vaccinated tourists from 63 countries today as officials have significantly eased border restrictions.
The Thai government has approved (almost) quarantine travel for tourists from 63 countries ahead of the peak tourist season under the so-called “Test-and-Go” tourism plan. Under the new plan, fully vaccinated tourists must have at least $ 50,000 of COVID-19 insurance and provide proof of a negative PCR test for COVID-19 before leaving for Thailand.
Tourists are also required to retest for COVID-19 upon arrival and spend their first night in Thailand in quarantine at a government-approved location pending results (processing COVID-19 test results can take about 24 hours). But once the result is negative, tourists will be able to move and travel freely in Thailand just like all Thai citizens.
Travelers should also download the MorChana app, which will be reminded to take an antigen test on the sixth or seventh day of the trip. The test will be given to each traveler upon check-out from the hotel on the first night. Travelers under the age of 12 are exempt from vaccination requirements, but they will need to get tested.
The 63 countries allowed to travel to Thailand under the Test-and-Go plan include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Germany, China, Singapore, Spain, France, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must undergo a 14-day quarantine when traveling to Thailand. All travelers must apply for a Thailand Pass prior to travel.
In anticipation of the return of travelers to Thailand, Thai Airways will resume flights to 36 destinations this winter, including London, Paris, Sydney, Munich, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Airlines including Emirates, KLM, Qatar Airways and Etihad have operated flights from the United States to Thailand since November, usually with one stop.
About 44% of Thailand’s 70 million people are currently fully vaccinated, but officials plan to step up vaccinations in the coming weeks, according to the Thai Embassy in the United States.
While Thailand is preparing to receive tourists, a state of emergency is in effect until November 30. Thailand continues to divide provinces into dark red, red and orange zones based on the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus, with different restrictions applied in each zone. Before leaving, check the latest guidelines for the area you are traveling to. Face masks are mandatory throughout Thailand and must be worn in indoor and outdoor public areas as well as on public transport.