It is without a doubt that the government of Thailand has done a great job in curbing the spread of the Coronavirus in their country. Since the outbreak of the dreadful virus, Thailand has recorded over 19,000 deaths and 2 million reported cases of coronavirus as of November 9, 2021. However, the number of reported cases keeps reducing and the country is prepared to spring back to its usual order of business – Tourism.
After several months of imposing severe travel restrictions, the great Land of Smiles is ready to open its borders to tourists and travelers alike and ease the quarantine requirements as they begin to witness a decline in Covid-19 cases. So many of you who’ve been waiting for travel restrictions to ease can log out from your favorite 918kaya and start packing for a trip.
For tourists who are just as excited to hear this news as we are, and can’t wait to get on the next plane to experience the beauty of Thailand, here are some vital pieces of information you should know before packing your bags.
1. No Quarantine for Low-Risk Countries
Thailand has a list of approved low-risk countries that can visit without the need for quarantine on arrival, which includes the UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Australia, and China amongst others. However, travelers from one of these 63 countries are expected to have been fully vaccinated and resided in the low-risk country for at least 21 days before travel. But to ensure that travelers don’t pose a risk to the health of their residents, Thailand has taken a proactive step by mandating that all travelers in this category stay the night in a government-approved hotel while they wait for their Covid-19 test results.
2. The Sandbox Program
There are also no mandatory quarantine requirements for travelers who are fully vaccinated but not from the list of approved low-risk countries. These travelers are obliged to enter Thailand under two Sandbox Programs – The Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus Sandbox. They are required to stay for at least 7 nights in a government-approved Samui Plus or an SHA-certified hotel in Phuket, Krabi, Koh Tao, Khao Lak, Samui, or Koh Phang Ngan where they wait till they receive the results of their Covid-19 test. Thereafter, they are given a COE or Certificate of Entry that permits them to explore other parts of Thailand.
3. Alternative Quarantine Program
Travelers who are not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated are not denied access to the beautiful Land of Smiles. They however need to be quarantined for 10 days in a government-approved hotel in Samui, Bangkok, or Phuket. This quarantine program is mandatory for travelers who fall under this category before they are allowed to travel to other parts of Thailand.
Some Other Entry Restrictions
While there seems to be an ease in the travel ban and quarantine requirements, Thailand has still put in place critical safety measures that’ll help protect its residents. Here are other entry restrictions in Thailand:
- All travelers are required to apply for a Thailand pass prior to their journey.
- All travelers are required to take two compulsory Covid-19 tests: the first is taken by an RT-PCR method upon arrival and the second with a self-testing Antigen Rapid Test between 6-7 days after arrival.
- All foreign tourists are mandated to provide proof of an insurance policy that covers the treatment cost of the coronavirus. This insurance must cover at least $50,000 for treatment costs.
- All travelers are required to provide proof of a negative PCR Test that was taken less than 72 hours before departure.
Conclusion
Thailand has reported fewer cases in the past few months, all thanks to their strict guidelines and residents’ adherence to them. Tourists who are looking for a tropical break can now enjoy the appealing scenes of the islands and golden beaches of Thailand.
